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How to Play Rock, Paper, Scissors (2024)

Image of a couple at a wedding ceremony playing the rock, papers, scissors game.
How to Play Rock, Paper, Scissors (“I won rock paper scissors” by OBB Mich is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.)

Feeling a bit bored and looking for a fun way to pass the time? Look no further than the classic game of Rock, Paper, Scissors!

This game of chance has been played for centuries and is still just as fun today. Whether you’re playing with friends or trying to settle a dispute, Rock, Paper, Scissors is a great way to add some excitement to your day.

If you’re not familiar with the rules, don’t worry. It’s easy to learn and can be played anywhere, anytime, with just two people.

In this post, we’ll give you a quick start guide and a detailed explanation of how to play, so you’ll be a Pro in no time.

So, let’s get started! Whether you’re just wanting to learn more or a complete beginner, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to become a Rock, Paper, Scissors champion. Get ready to shake things up and have some fun!

But we know what you’re thinking. How can something as simple as Rock, Paper, Scissors be fun? It’s just a game of chance, right? Not exactly!

There’s actually a bit of strategy involved, and once you start playing, you’ll quickly realize just how addictive it can be.


How To Play Rock Paper Scissors:(Quick Start)

Rock, Paper, and Scissors is a super fun game that has been played for centuries and is one of the earliest games in history.

It’s a game of chance where two players choose one hand gesture out of three (rock, paper and scissors) to show to their opponent.

Traditionally, the first player to win 2 out of 3 games wins the series. Let’s take a look at how it


  1. This game requires at least 2 players.
  2. Secretly choose 1 out of 3 hand gestures.
    • Rock Gesture 🤛 (The fist remains closed, with knuckles facing forward.)
    • Paper Gesture ✋ (An open hand with fingers pointing towards opponent.)
    • Scissors Gesture ✌️(The fingers pointing forward towards opponent.)
  3. Close your fist and shake your forearm 3 times up and down.
  4. On the fourth shake down, reveal your secretly chosen gesture to your opponent.
    • The rock breaks the scissors and wins.
    • The paper covers the rock and wins.
    • The scissors cuts the paper and wins.
  5. If both players reveal the same hand gesture, this results in a draw. Hence the game is repeated until there is a clear winner.
  6. Best of 3, 5, or 7 wins!

How to Play Rock Paper Scissors: (Detailed)


Rock, Paper, and Scissors is a game that is often used as a way to settle disputes.

The game is traditionally played with 2 players, each player using just one hand.

In order to play the game, both player secretly choose one of three hand gestures: rock, paper, or scissors.

Next, both player simultaneously shake their closed fists (up and down) 3 times.

Exactly on the fourth fist shake, both players reveal (at the same time) which of the three hand gestures that they secretly chose.

If both gestures are the same, this results in a tie, and the game is repeated.

Example: (If both players choose rock, this results in a draw or tie).

If one hand gesture beats another hand gesture (e.g., paper covers rock), then that person wins.

Example: If player 1 chose rock and player 2 chose scissors, then player 1 wins because the rock breaks (or smashes the scissors).

2 games out of 3 games wins! You can also play 3 out of 5 or 5 out of 7! Thus, it is referred to as best of 3, 5, or 7.


How to Play Rock, Paper Scissors: (Video)


Image of YouTube video cover photo of Wikihow’s how to tutorial.
Watch on YouTube: WikiHow

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The Rock, Paper, and Scissors Paradox:


None of the individual three hand gestures dominates the other two.


1.) The Paper Covers the Rock


Image of a sheet of paper (which covers the rock). Some rocks are positioned around the paper.
Paper Covers Rock!

However, the paper cannot both cover the rock and defeat the scissors.


2.) The Rock Breaks the Scissors


Image of some rocks (stones) stacked on top of each other.
Rock Breaks/Smashes Scissors.

And….the rock cannot both break the scissors and defeat the paper.


3.) The Scissors Cuts the Paper


Image of a pair of scissors.
Scissors Cuts Paper.

Additionally, the scissors cannot both cut the paper and defeat the rock.


Where to Play Rock Paper Scissors Online!


  1. Play against AI (Artificial Intelligence.
  2. Play against a Friend or Random Stranger (Best Overall).
  3. Online-Stopwatch (With Sound Effects).
  4. Against Computer (Or Yourself) (With Music)
  5. On the App Store and Google Play.

How to Use Rock/Paper/Scissors to Solve Problems


Can this popular pastime game be applied to solving problems in life? At least one author thinks so. ➡️

Len Fisher-Rock, Paper, Scissors: Game Theory in Everyday Life


2 other authors have written popular children’s book about the game. ➡️➡️

1.) Drew Daywalt-The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors

2.) Wyatt Baldwin-The Rock Paper Scissors Story


Another author has created an Audiobook based on the popular game. ➡️

William Poundstone-Rock Breaks Scissors: A Practical Guide to Outguessing and Outwitting Almost Everybody


Summary

Get Ready to Rock, Paper, Scissors with Confidence and Fun!

As you finish reading this post, you may be feeling a mix of emotions – excitement to try out your new Rock, Paper, Scissors skills, but also perhaps some hesitation.

It’s normal to feel that way! Learning a new game can be intimidating, but remember that everyone starts somewhere.

By taking the time to read this post and learn the basics of Rock, Paper, Scissors, you’ve already taken the first step towards having fun and feeling confident in your gameplay.

You may have thought that a simple game like this wouldn’t be worth learning, but hopefully, this post has shown you otherwise.

So, go ahead and give it a try! Challenge your friends or family members to a game and see how you do.

Not only is Rock, Paper, Scissors a great way to pass the time, but it’s also an opportunity to connect with others and enjoy some lighthearted competition.

Remember, the more you practice, the better you’ll get. And with each win, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and confidence that will carry over into other areas of your life.

So, don’t be afraid to take that first step and try something new. With a little practice, you’ll be a Rock, Paper, Scissors Pro in no time. Thanks for reading this far and happy gaming!


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