Both of Palpatine's duels in Revenge of the Sith....

I've heard 2 different conflicting theories of his duel with Mace Windu.

1) That he was most definitely losing until Anakin intervened.

2) That he was faking helplessness, to bring Anakin fully across to the dark side.

Then with Yoda, again I hear 2 theories.

1) Stalemate

2) Palpatine kicks Yoda's arse because Yoda underestimated him.

Which theories do you all have?