Rock Paper Scissors
Rock Paper Scissors Rulebook
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Components
Rock-Paper-Scissors does not require any special components.
Setup
Each player makes a fist and sets it in the open palm of their other hand.
Playing a Round
Next, while counting upwards, each player strikes their fist against their palm three times.
On what would be the fourth count, players say, "Shoot" and, instead of striking their palms again, they simultaneously display their fingers in one of three configurations:
- ROCK: A clenched fist.
- PAPER: A flat hand.
- SCISSORS: A fist, but with the first two fingers extended. The FAQ clarifies that the scissors are formed by extending the first and middle fingers, not the thumb and index finger.
Each possible choice beats another and is beaten by another. Specifically, Rock beats Scissors, Scissors beat Paper, and Paper beats Rock. Rock smashes Scissors, Paper covers Rock, and Scissors cut Paper.
If both players choose the same finger configuration, it is considered a tie and another round is played.
The winner is the player who chose the superior configuration for their fingers.
Alternate Rule: Counting Words
Instead of counting, many players say "Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot!" This is a matter of choice and doesn't affect gameplay.
Both players should either count with each fist strike or say "Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot," not both. When counting, each number gets its own fist strike. With the alternate rule, each word gets its own fist strike, and the "Shoot" at the end is the same as the "Shoot" said while counting. The word "Shoot" is not said twice in a single round.
The goal is for each player to strike their fists at the same time and, most importantly, reveal their fingers at the same time.
Number of Players
This game is typically over in seconds, so players may want to play best out of three or five.
The game is frequently played to settle disputes or break ties. It could also be used to determine first player in another game.
Rock-Paper-Scissors is played simultaneously, so there is no first player. The game is a two-player game, but since both players make their plays at the same time, there is no need for the distinction of who plays first or second. The game has no solo mode.
Variant for three or more players. Players may play so that if one player has picked the superior configuration, they win; if everyone picks the same configuration it is a complete tie; and if two players pick the winning configuration, they have a run-off to see who the overall winner is. This variant can be configured for any number of players. The more players, the more awkward it becomes.
Errata
"Roshambo" could be written as "Ro Sham Bo."