While you probably already know how to play "Rock, Paper, Scissor", you may not know that it is more than just a game of chance. This article describes some of the strategies used in competitions such as the annual World Championship of Rock, Paper, Scissor. With attention to detail and unpredictability, you can play this game like a pro.
Steps
Step 1. Observe your opponent in other games
Often, each person has a preference for a choice (for example rock). If you get a chance to watch her play before she faces you, look for an overall pattern.
Step 2. Know the beginner's trends
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Male beginners have a tendency to start with rock. If you are playing a casual game against a rookie male, the likelihood of him opening with rock is the highest, so you should start with a card.
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If you're playing against a female beginner though, remember that pro Jason Simmons argues that women have a tendency to start with scissors, so start with rock.
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Step 3. Play scissors or paper against an experienced player
A non-novice player knows that starting with rock is too predictable a tactic, due to the tendency of novice males to do so. It will likely open with scissors or paper. For this, you should start with scissors, because you will beat his paper or even with his scissors. If your opponent is an experienced woman, she may be familiar with the scissors stereotype and will likely open with rock or paper - and your best choice will be paper.
Step 4. Look for a repetition
If someone repeats the same roll twice, they won't repeat it a third time, because they don't want to seem predictable. You can use this information to your advantage. For example, if a person shows paper twice, the next gesture will be stone or scissors; show a stone to make sure you win or draw.
Step 5. Make the last move
This only works if you won the last match; Inexperienced or frustrated players have an unconscious tendency to show the gesture that just beat them, so you should show one that beats your previous move. For example, if you just won with rock against a scissor, your opponent could continue with rock, and you should be ready with paper.
Step 6. Use probability to your advantage
In competitive competitions, it has been statistically observed that scissoring is the least common gesture. If you don't know what to show, using the card gives you a small advantage, as your opponent is less likely to show scissors.
Step 7. Keep your eyes on the opponent's hands just before he forms the gesture
Look at the shape their hand takes. If you see him stretching his fingers to form a card for example, you may have a split second to react and show scissors. Be careful when trying to use this technique though, as in competitions, you may be punished for slow throwing.
Advice
- If an inexperienced player asks you to repeat the rules, you can influence his subconscious to choose a certain gesture with subliminal messages. Physically show the gesture you want him to use more clearly than others, and make sure it's the last gesture he sees as you explain how the game works.
- Nothing can replace training. You can play rock paper scissor on the internet in tournament mode or one-on-one against opponents of all skill levels.
- Scissors beats paper.
- Rock beats scissors.
- If the rules of the tournament you are playing allow, bring a dice or a random number generator (such as a scientific calculator) with you. Make a rule for yourself - for example, if you get 1 or 2 on the dice = paper, 3 or 4 = scissors, 5 or 6 = rock. This way your opponent will not be able to predict your moves, which will not have a logical pattern.
- Paper beats stone.
- Web sites. While you won't be able to study your opponent's physical moves, you will be able to observe play patterns and habits faster on the internet. Practice in the mirror if you have no other option.
Warnings
- A seasoned professional could use all of these strategies against you. It may trick you by using mostly scissors as a first gesture and then suddenly change to paper.
- The term cloaking defines the technique of delaying the formation of the gesture until the last possible moment in order not to give clues to the opponent.
- Pay attention to the technique called shadowing, or hand movements aimed at making the opponent believe that they are showing a deliberately deceptive sign, and then show another one. This practice is considered incorrect.
