Basically, there are two ways to win at RPS. First is to take one throw away from your opponent options. ie – If you can get your opponent to not play rock, then you can safely go with scissors as it will win against paper and stalemate against itself. Seems impossible right? Not if you know the subtle ways you can manipulate someone. The art is to not let them know you are eliminating one of their options. The second way is to force you opponent into making a predictable move. Obviously, the key is that it has to be done without them realizing that you are manipulating them.
If you think your opponent lies in the “0-2″ category, assume that he/she will pick rock first. Also assume they will pick rock first if you believe that they won’t think about their strategy before hand–this is a good assumption if you perform a sneak attack rock paper scissors game. This, I will not explain, for the term “sneak attack rock paper scissors game” is self explanatory.
Most of the following techniques use variations on these basic principles. How well it works for you depends upon how well you can subtly manipulate your opponent without them figuring out what you are doing. So, now that the background is out of the way, let’s get into these techniques:
Lead on Banner 1 – Rock is for Rookies
In RPS circles a common mantra is “Rock is for Rookies” because males have a tendency to lead with Rock on their opening throw. It has a lot to do with idea that Rock is perceived as “strong” and forceful”, so guys tend to fall back on it. Use this knowledge to take an easy first win by playing Paper. This tactic is best done in pedestrian matches against someone who doesn’t play that much and generally won’t work in tournament play.
This is the first level that the opponent actually thinks in the game.
If you feel your opponent lies in the “3″ category, they probably think that everyone picks rock first, so they’ll pick paper. Therefore, you should pick scissors.
2 – Scissors on First
The second step in the ‘Rock is for Rookies’ line of thinking is to play scissors as your opening move against a more experienced player. Since you know they won’t come out with rock (since it is too obvious), scissors is your obvious safe move to win against paper or stalemate to itself.
A: You don’t know your opponent very well.
This is the step in which your opponent starts analyzing your intelligence. You need work this into your game plan. You know he’s smart, but you have to think about how smart he thinks you are. Lets cover a few strategies.
Strategy 1: Convince your opponent you’re a moron. To aid you, we’ve compiled a short list of phrases you might like to slip into your conversation.
3 – The Double Run
When playing with someone who is not experienced at the RPS, look out for double runs or in other words, the same throw twice. When this happens you can safely eliminate that throw and guarantee yourself at worst a stalemate in the next game. So, when you see a two-Scissor run, you know their next move will be Rock or Paper, so Paper is your best move. Why does this work? People hate being predictable and the perceived hallmark of predictability is to come out with the same throw three times in row.
4 – Telegraph Your Throw
Tell your opponent what you are going to throw and then actually throw what you said. Why? As long as you are not playing someone who actually thinks you are bold enough to telegraph your throw and then actually deliver it, you can eliminate the throw that beats the throw you are telegraphing. So, if you announce rock, your opponent won’t play paper which means coming out with that scissors will give you at worst a stalemate and at best the win.
5 – Step Ahead Thinking
Don’t know what to do for your next throw? Try playing the throw that would have lost to your opponents last throw? Sounds weird but it works more often than not, why? Inexperienced (or flustered) players will often subconsciously deliver the throw that beat their last one. Therefore, if your opponent played paper, they will very often play Scissors, so you go Rock. This is a good tactic in a stalemate situation or when your opponent lost their last game. It is not as successful after a player has won the last game as they are generally in a more confident state of mind which causes them to be more active in choosing their next throw.
Lead on Banner
- Rock
- Paper
- Scissors
6 – Suggest A Throw
When playing against someone who asks you to remind them about the rules, take the opportunity to subtly “suggest a throw” as you explain to them by physically showing them the throw you want them to play. ie “Paper beats Rock, Rock beats scissors (show scissors), Scissors (show scissors again) beats paper.” Believe it or not, when people are not paying attention their subconscious mind will often accept your “suggestion”. A very similar technique is used by magicians to get someone to take a specific card from the deck.
Now here’s the clever part. He thinks you’re smart, but you’re really stupid. So pick rock. That’s the last thing he would expect, so he would most likely pick scissors. Why wouldn’t he pick rock? Because he’s smart, you’re the stupid one.
7 – When All Else Fails Go With Paper
Haven’t a clue what to throw next? Then go with Paper. Why? Statistically, in competition play, it has been observed that scissors is thrown the least often. Specifically, it gets delivered 29.6% of the time, so it slightly under-indexes against the expected average of 33.33% by 3.73%. Obviously, knowing this only gives you a slight advantage, but in a situation where you just don’t know what to do, even a slight edge is better than none at all.
This is the ultimate game. The competition is fierce. You know your opponent well. He knows your intelligence, you know his. There’s no hiding behind some clever phrases now. This is where it becomes more of a game of chance than in any other area. He knows that you know that picking rock is for the stupid folk. But he also knows that you know that he knows… See how complicated this can get? I mean, he knows that you know that he knows that you know that he knows that you know…. So just predict how far he’ll go into the “he knows you know” cycle and go for it. Listen to your gut, unless it’s double-crossed you, in which case. Don’t listen to your gut.
8 – The Rounder’s Ploy
This technique falls into more of a ‘cheating’ category, but if you have no honour and can live with yourself the next day, you can use it to get an edge. The way it works is when you suggest a game with someone, make no mention of the number of rounds you are going to play. Play the first match and if you win, take it is as a win. If you lose, without missing a beat start playing the ‘next’ round on the assumption that it was a best 2 out of 3. No doubt you will hear protests from your opponent but stay firm and remind them that ‘no one plays best of one for a kind of decision that you two are making’. No this devious technique won’t guarantee you the win, but it will give you a chance to battle back to even and start again.
One more win and you’ve won the game! How do you do it? Hell, I don’t even know. You have to think.
