Learn
How to Play Rock Paper Scissors
Rock
Paper
Scissors
Short answer
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.
Three gestures, one simultaneous reveal, and a versioned match procedure.
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.
Not sure exactly when to reveal? When to throw on “Shoot” covers the four-cue cadence, the three-count habit some groups use, and early or late throws.
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 right away. Keep going until someone wins.
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. Play RPS Classic as a guest, with nothing to download, against the computer or a friend.
Ready for More?
Ready for more? The complete rules, honest strategy, and the variants worth trying:
- 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.
Nothing to download. Your first match starts in seconds.
01 / The game
- 3Throws
- 3Outcomes
- 9Pairings
02 / Play
