How to Play
Three gestures, one simultaneous reveal, and a versioned match procedure.
To play Rock Paper Scissors under WRPSA ruleset v1.0, face your opponent, begin with a closed fist, and use the four cues “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot.” On “Shoot,” both players reveal Rock, Paper, or Scissors at the same time. Rock beats Scissors, Scissors beats Paper, and Paper beats Rock; matching actions tie and are replayed. A standard WRPSA match ends when one player wins two decisive rounds.
The Three Throws
Rock Paper Scissors has three moves. That's it. If you were hoping for more, try Lizard Spock.
Rock
Closed fist. The gesture you were already making.
Paper
Open flat hand. The one that somehow beats Rock.
Scissors
Two extended fingers. A peace sign that means war.
Who Wins?
- Rock beats Scissors - Rock crushes Scissors. This one makes sense.
- Scissors beats Paper - Scissors cuts Paper. Also makes sense.
- Paper beats Rock - Paper covers Rock. We've discussed this.
- Same throw = Tie - Play again. As many times as it takes.
Step-by-Step: How to Play
- Face your opponent. Stand or sit so you can see each other's hands clearly. Eye contact optional but recommended for dramatic effect.
- Make a fist. Both players start with a closed fist, hand in front of them. This is the ready position.
- Count together. Pump your fist on each count: "Rock... Paper... Scissors... Shoot!" Some regions use "Rock, Paper, Scissors" with the throw on "Scissors," or "One, two, three" with the throw on three. The WRPSA uses "Shoot."
- Throw on "Shoot." On the final count, both players simultaneously reveal their chosen gesture. Simultaneously is the key word here.
- Determine the winner. Compare throws using the hierarchy above. If it's a tie, go again. That's the whole game.
Match Formats
| Format | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Single round | A one-round decision. Matching actions still require a replay if the decision needs one winner. |
| Best of 3 | WRPSA standard match: first to 2 decisive-round wins. |
| Best of 5 | An event-specific longer format: first to 3 decisive-round wins when announced before play. |
| First to 10 | A custom practice format. Agree whether ties are replayed and how the session ends before starting. |
Tips for Beginners
- Do not assign one universal opener. In the symmetric game, Rock, Paper, and Scissors have the same payoff against an independent uniform opponent.
- Avoid a fixed visible cycle. Repeating Rock–Paper–Scissors gives an attentive opponent a testable pattern.
- Measure opponent-specific behavior. Record enough throws before treating a short run as a tendency, and keep the sample size with the claim.
- Protect the simultaneous reveal. Keep the final hand shape concealed until the agreed cue and do not delay to react.
- Agree on the format. A casual game works better when both players know the cadence, winning score, and tie procedure.
Common Questions
What if we tie?
Play the round again immediately. Keep going until someone wins. The universe demands a resolution.
Which counting method is official?
The WRPSA standard is "Rock... Paper... Scissors... Shoot!" with throws revealed on "Shoot." See the full official rules for tournament counting rules.
Can I play online?
Yes. You can play the Classic Arena as a guest without a download. Friend and human-play options appear when that session is available, and AI practice is always clearly labeled.
Ready for More?
Use the complete rules, evidence-bounded strategy material, and declared variants for the next step:
- Official Rules - The competitive ruleset
- Strategy Guide — assumptions, opponent-specific tests, and evidence limits
- Variations
- Glossary - 42 terms from "gambit" to "Roshambo"
You know the rules. Now play.
No download required. Play your first match in seconds. Lose your first match in slightly more seconds.