Nothing to lose

To compete or practice 

More freely

It helps when there's

Nothing to lose


When expectations are low

Stronger opponents

Tough circumstances

Odds against us


Sure

It'll be nice

To win 

Again


But 

If we compete up 

We can play up

There's less pressure


Ironically

Nothing to lose 

Might increase odds of

Winning :)


In any case

We owe

To at least compete 

To the best abilities


Opposite situation

When the favorite

Everything to lose

Different challenge


Ask folks 

Who made #1 

And tried 

To stay there


For a long term equilibrium

Maybe aim for 50:50

With a tendency to

Move up in ponds


For practice

There's less to lose

With precautions such as

Safety equipment


And 

There's less to lose

More freedom

When no one's watching