To keep score in Rock Paper Scissors, give one point to the winner of each round, replay ties without scoring them, and stop when one player reaches the target, usually 2 points in a best-of-3 match. For longer contests, group matches into sets (for example, first to win 2 matches of best-of-3) so a single lucky round cannot decide everything.
That covers most games. The rest of this guide explains each format, when to use it, and how to track results for a group.
The three units: round, match, set
| Unit | What it is | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Round | One throw from each player | Rock vs scissors: rock wins the round |
| Match | A race to a number of round wins | Best of 3: first to 2 rounds |
| Set | A race to a number of match wins | Best of 3 matches: first to 2 matches |
Most casual games only need rounds and matches. Sets are useful for finals or for any game where people will argue that one match was luck.
Ties do not count
A tie is not a point for anyone. Replay it straight away and keep going until someone wins the round. There is no limit on ties. A best-of-3 match can take ten throws if both players keep matching, and that is fine.
Choosing a format
| Format | First to | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Best of 1 | 1 round | Settling a quick decision |
| Best of 3 | 2 rounds | Standard match, most tournaments |
| Best of 5 | 3 rounds | Finals, or when players want more reading time |
| Best of 7 | 4 rounds | Championship matches |
Always use an odd number so a match cannot end level. Stop as soon as someone reaches the majority; there is no need to play the remaining rounds.
Longer matches reward skill more than short ones. In a single round, luck decides almost everything. Over five or seven rounds, a player who reads habits (see our strategy page) has more chances to use that edge.
Writing it down
For two people, a simple tally works:
- Write both names at the top.
- Mark each round with the two throws, for example "R-S", and circle the winner.
- Count circles to see who reached the target.
Recording the throws, not just the winner, is worth the extra second. It lets you look back and see patterns, such as an opponent who always opens with rock.
Scoring a group
With more than two players, you have three sensible options:
- Round robin. Everyone plays everyone once. Rank by matches won; break ties by head-to-head result, then by total round wins.
- Knockout bracket. Lose a match and you are out. Fast and exciting; one bad match ends your day.
- Double elimination. You are out after two match losses. Fairer, but it takes longer.
Whatever you choose, announce the format and the tie-break method before the first throw, not after an argument starts. Our tournament guide walks through each format, and if you are running an event you can set it up with our free event hosting tool.
Common scoring questions
- Someone threw late. In a refereed game that loses the round. Casually, just replay it. The full list of fouls is on our rules page.
- Two throws were unclear. Replay. Do not award a point for a throw nobody can read.
- A player wants to change the format mid-match. Finish the current match under the agreed format first.
If you want scoring done for you, play online, where rounds and matches are tracked automatically.
FAQ
Is Rock Paper Scissors best of 3 or best of 5?
Best of 3 is the usual standard. Best of 5 or longer is common for finals.
Do ties count as a round?
No. Ties are replayed and do not score.
How do you break a tie in a group standings table?
Use head-to-head result first, then total rounds won, then a single sudden-death round.