It’s a grand slam, wow would you look at that. And the two elves are making a bold play, let’s see if it works out for them. We’ll continue to bring the commentary, just keep watching the game!
I believe it's because he's "testing" them out, but also having them believe they are winning to believing they can possibly win to believing they have chance, all the way to full on despair at having no chance whatsoever. Psychological warfare bordering on psychopathy tbh.
That and they're very cautious since they don't know what the world knows. But I agree, he should just send it most of the time.