Basic Rules of Rock Paper Scissors
The short version is simple. The useful version is only slightly longer.
The Direct Answer
Rock Paper Scissors has three legal throws: Rock, Paper, and Scissors. Rock beats Scissors, Scissors beats Paper, and Paper beats Rock. Both players reveal their throw at the same time. If the throws are the same, the round is a tie and you play again.
That is the whole game in one paragraph. Everything else is just making the timing, gestures, and match format clear enough that nobody argues about what just happened.
The Three Basic Rules
- Choose one of three throws. Rock is a fist, Paper is a flat hand, Scissors is a two-finger V.
- Reveal at the same time. Players throw together on the agreed count.
- Apply the win chart. Rock beats Scissors, Scissors beats Paper, Paper beats Rock. Ties replay.
Who Beats Who
| Throw | Beats | Loses to |
|---|---|---|
| Rock | Scissors | Paper |
| Paper | Rock | Scissors |
| Scissors | Paper | Rock |
If you want the gesture-level version of what each move looks like and how it is formed, read Full Descriptions of Moves in Rock Paper Scissors.
How a Round Works
Players usually count together with a rhythm like "Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot" and reveal on the last cue. Some regions use different counts, but the essential rule stays the same: both players must throw at the same time. Showing early or waiting to react after seeing the other hand breaks the game.
What Happens on a Tie
If both players show the same throw, the round is a tie. Nobody wins. Nobody loses. You simply replay the round until one player wins it cleanly.
Single Round or Best-of Series
Rock Paper Scissors can be played as a single round for quick decisions, but many people prefer a best-of format:
- Single round: Fastest option for deciding something simple.
- Best of 3: First player to win 2 rounds.
- Best of 5: First player to win 3 rounds.
Competitive WRPSA matches use structured versions of these formats, which are covered in the full Official Rules.
The Shortest Useful Teaching Version
If you need to teach someone fast, say this: pick Rock, Paper, or Scissors, throw at the same time, Rock beats Scissors, Scissors beats Paper, Paper beats Rock, and ties replay.
That is enough to start. For the full beginner walkthrough, go to How to Play.