While most people believe that Rock Paper Scissors (aka suits) are a game of probability, it's not! Depending on whether your opponent is experienced or not, you can monitor your opponent's patterns, take advantage of statistical tendencies, or outwit your opponent into winning Rock Paper Scissors.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Fighting Beginners
Step 1. Give the paper to the male opponent
Men who are inexperienced playing Rock Paper Scissors tend to use rock as the first choice. Therefore, your chances of winning are quite large by giving the paper.
Statistically, the most frequently awarded stones in the game is 35.4%
Step 2. Give the stone to the female opponent
Most girls will start with scissors so you have a better chance of winning if you use stones in the first round.
Scissors are the least used option in the Rock Paper Scissors game, at only 29.6%
Step 3. Watch your opponent as he uses the same two moves in a row
If your opponent uses the same two options twice in a row, he's more likely to change them on the third gesture. Therefore, you can assume that your opponent will not use the same moves. Give gestures that will win or delay the game, and guarantee you don't lose.
For example, if your opponent pulls out the scissors twice in a row, assume the scissors won't be played a third time. Therefore, the opponent will use paper, or stone. Thus, you have to take the paper out because you will win if your opponent throws the stone, and a tie if the opponent removes the paper
Step 4. Suggest a gesture to your opponent while explaining the game
If your opponent is a beginner and needs an explanation of the rules of the game, use hand gestures to suggest their first move.
For example, when explaining that rock beats scissors, demonstrate it by using the scissors gesture (instead of rock), and then use the scissors gesture again when explaining that scissors beat paper. Thus, the scissor gesture is firmly entrenched in the opponent's mind and the possibility of playing the gesture in the first game. Therefore, prepare stones to defeat the opponent
Method 2 of 3: Against Experienced Players
Step 1. Play scissors or rock in the first round
Experienced players won't play the rock as a first move so it's best to start with scissors. That way, you can beat your opponent's paper or draw if your opponent also pulls out scissors. Experienced players also know that novice players usually throw stones in the first round. Therefore, they often use paper in these rounds. Thus, the scissors have the greatest chance of winning.
Step 2. Change the gesture if you lose
If your opponent won the previous round, you have to predict whether the opponent will repeat the gesture, or use another option depending on his skill level. Beginners usually repeat the gesture. Intermediate level players will likely take out the stone. Expert players usually pull out the scissors, or gestures you previously made. Your opponent wants to surprise you so if for example you give away the scissors and your opponent wins by removing the stone, chances are that the opponent will take the scissors in the next round so be prepared to give the stone.
For example, if your opponent has just beaten you with a rock, it's a good idea to give a paper gesture in the next round because it's more likely that your opponent will use the stone again
Step 3. Look for cues
Opponents often have clues in how they position their hands so you can guess what gesture your opponent is thinking.
- For example, a thumb inserted into the index finger indicates the opponent is likely to throw the stone.
- If the opponent's hand is a bit weak, usually he will take out the paper.
- If your opponent relaxes his index and middle fingers, chances are he will give you the scissors.
Step 4. Announce the gesture you will give
Tell your opponent that you are going to take out a stone. That way, your opponent will be second-guessing whether you actually took it out or not. Your chances of winning are greater because your opponent will not expect you to actually make the announced gesture. However, you can't keep going this way because your opponent will be able to guess. If you're up against experienced players, they'll think you're actually giving the announced gestures.
For example, let your opponent know that you are going to take out a stone. Since your opponent thinks you didn't actually give the rock, they'll assume you're going to get paper or scissors. Thus, you should remove stones because you will win when your opponent gives scissors or draw if your opponent also gives stones
Step 5. Pay attention to your opponent's frustration
If the opponent repeatedly loses, he will most likely throw stones because this is usually the aggressive option that players rely on when they are losing.
On the other hand, paper is seen as the most passive gesture so it is rarely used by opponents who are losing
Step 6. Play paper to win based on statistics
When you are confused about what to choose, hand over a paper because statistically, this gesture is the least frequent. Since the stone is the most frequently given gesture, the paper's chances of winning are even greater.
The paper will beat the rock, which is the most common gesture. Scissors can beat paper, but since they're the least frequently used gestures, your chances of losing are pretty slim as well
Method 3 of 3: Learning the Ground Rules
Step 1. Find an opponent
The game Rock Paper Scissors is played by two people. You will find a match before you start playing.
Step 2. Determine the number of rounds
Choose an odd number as the number of rounds to be played. That way, you know how many rounds you have to win to win the game.
Step 3. Count to three
Smack your fist into your open palm three times, usually saying “rock, scissors, paper” before making the gesture.
Step 4. Learn gestures and how to create them
Understand the three hand gestures in the game: rock, scissors and paper. The stone is made by making a fist with the thumb inserted into the index finger. Paper is made by opening the palm of the hand and facing it down. Scissors are made by straightening the index and middle fingers so that they form the letter "V". The other fingers are not opened/straightened.
Step 5. Know what each gesture beats
Rock wins against scissors, scissors wins against paper, and paper wins against rock.
If both players make the same gesture, the result is a tie
Step 6. Repeat the round in case of a draw
If you and your opponent make the same gesture, repeat the round until someone comes out victorious.
