My own thoughts mirror Darth Sexy's, in a way. Palpatine and Yoda are apparent equals in Force abilities - and the margin between the two of them in lightsaber skills isn't far (if there's any at all).
The original script initially for Palpatine to be outsparred - but they cut it. It isn't canon. So, as far as we know, Palpatine was either disarmed - or he evaded Yoda and opted to try for a long ranged assault.
Palpatine, however, did possess some fear of Yoda to the point where he attempted to flee the place instead of fighting with him. But that is in his nature. I also think that it is what motivated him to constantly change the environment of the fight.
If the fight continued, however, Palpatine would have won. He has a far more versified range of abilities than Yoda (who doesn't possess the capability for offensive attacks). The fall apparently wounded him enough, and he was without his lightsaber. And, Palpatine probably would have called in for support.
Yoda would have died. Which is why he left.
If the battle had continued after Yoda had fallen then Sidiious would have won. Yod ahad lost his oightsaber and was probably busted up from his fall. However, if they fought a second time the results could go either way - I tend to say that Palpatine would win again, since he defeated Yoda the first time, but Yoda does stand a chance. In lightsaber skills I'd say Yoda is lightly better, though the difference is extremely small, and in Force skills Sidious may be the slightest bit stronger. So overall in those categories they seem to be exactly even, but Sidious is also a master of Dun Möch, which seemed to effect Yoda during the duel in ROTS, so I give him the slight edge because of that and because he won the first time they fought.
Originally posted by Darth Sexy
I'm sorry, I forgot you like to play the word game. So let me be more clear. Yoda would have WON if it was a lightsaber fight on fair ground.
I play the word game, so people such as yourself don't try to make things seem one sided.
"Yoda would have sliced Sidious" implies that the fight would be easy, and in Yoda's favor.
Similarly, if the words "Palpatine would have sliced Ragnos" came across the screen, you'd do the same thing.
Don't play double standards with me.
I wouldn't do the same thing because:
1. Your point would be moot
2. I don't agree that Sidious would have taken Ragnos in any duel.
3. One uses a lightsaber while one uses a sword.
4. In regards to your point being moot, you would be talking about two sith from different times, while I'm talking about a situation that actually happened, and which way it would go if another hypothetical situation arose(fair ground).
1. Your point would be moot
Ah, I see. And yours is not, eh? Odd... considering how you haven't anything to back it up. Nothing in the movie indicates that Yoda is a superior swordsman. Or a Force user. And, we do know that Palpatine fought smarter than Yoda - so how does this equate to Yoda winning?
It doesn't.
2. I don't agree that Sidious would have taken Ragnos in any duel.
Of course you don't.
3. One uses a lightsaber while one uses a sword.
And both can "slice".
4. In regards to your point being moot, you would be talking about two sith from different times, while I'm talking about a situation that actually happened, and which way it would go if another hypothetical situation arose(fair ground).
My point would have as much validity as yours, considering how you have nothing to indicate that Yoda would have won against Sidious on even ground. Nothing but assumptions.