Originally posted by Escape81
First and foremost, it is highly logical to deduce that Sidious had precious little time to practice with his lightsaber skills. He is labeled around here as a sub-par duelist, but this may be taken into account that he was he was the face of The Republic for the better part of thirteen years.Unlike Masters Yoda and Windu - who had the obligation to train with sabers for each and every day, Sidious had no such luxary. It would look highly suspicious for the Chancellor of The Republic to be spotted posturing with a lightsaber. I am not saying he didn't practice with it at all, but compared to Windu, Yoda, and Dooku - he had no time to train.
Sidious did however continue to collect and study Sith teachings, perhaps to secure his prominent mastery of the Force. But as for his mastery with a blade, I doubt it improved. So yes. For not touching a saber for the better part of thirteen years, and still being able to crush three Jedi Masters, as well as go toe-to-toe with Mace and Yoda, Sidious might have possibly have become the best duelist in the movies had he simply kept up his training. But he wasn't in a position to do so.
I agree that his practise times must have been precious because he couldent do it that often. But also, he greeted Dooku when he came back from Geonosis in AOTC, and to take a Sith Lord with the death star plans there would be highly risky.
I think he had some secret spots to practise at seeing he could keep Maul and Dooku hidden on Courascant and go away to wear his dark robe during conversations.