The game of Rock Paper Scissors has been around for centuries in various forms, but the modern version we know today traces its roots back to China. The game was originally known as “jan-ken-pon” and was played with three hand gestures: rock (represented by a closed fist), paper (represented by an open hand), and scissors (represented by two fingers). Players would count to three, and simultaneously show their hand gestures. Rock would beat scissors, scissors would beat paper, and paper would beat rock.
The game soon made its way to Japan, where it became known as “janken”. The Japanese added a few hand gestures to the game, such as the frog (represented by the thumb tucked in the palm), and the dragon (represented by a closed fist with the index finger pointing up to represent the dragon’s head). This expanded version of the game was popularized in the 1940s, and it soon spread to other countries.
In 2005, the game gained a new twist when Sam Kass, a software developer, added two new hand gestures to the game – lizard (represented by a hand gesture resembling a puppet) and Spock (represented by the Vulcan salute from Star Trek). The lizard and Spock hand gestures were designed to add complexity to the game, and were meant to counterbalance the rock-paper-scissors triangle. Lizard would beat paper and Spock (because lizards eat paper and Spock can mind-meld with lizards), while Spock would beat rock and scissors (because Spock can vaporize rocks and disable scissors).
The addition of these new hand gestures was an instant hit and became popular among fans of the game. It even appeared in an episode of “The Big Bang Theory”, in which Sheldon explains the rules to his friends.
Interestingly, the game has also gained a following in the world of professional sports. In 2007, Major League Baseball pitchers Andy Sonnanstine and Edwin Jackson played a game of Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock to determine who would start a game. In 2010, the Washington Wizards used the game to determine which player would speak to the media after a game.
In conclusion, Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock has a long and surprising history. From its origins in China to its current popularity in popular culture and professional sports, this game has proved to be a timeless and entertaining pastime. Whether played for fun or to make important decisions, this game is sure to be around for many more years to come.[ad_2]