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Both players reveal their gesture simultaneously. The winning gesture earns one point. First to reach the target score (or best of 3) wins the match.
Each gesture beats one and loses to one — pure reads and psychology. No dominant option exists: every choice is a calculated risk.
A few proven patterns to exploit: beginners throw Rock most often, so opening with Paper gives you a statistical edge. Winners tend to repeat the gesture that just won — throw what beats it. Losers tend to switch — predict the switch. If both players have repeated the same gesture twice, neither wants to throw it a third time.
Rock Paper Scissors traces back to China's Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), where it was played as shoushiling. The game spread to Japan in the 17th century under the name jan-ken, and reached the West in the early 20th century. Today it's one of the most recognized hand games on the planet — used to settle disputes, break ties, and fill waiting rooms.
The most popular expansion is Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock — adds Lizard and Spock to create 10 possible outcomes per round, cutting tie probability nearly in half. Popularized by The Big Bang Theory. Play RPSLS →
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Rock crushes Scissors, Scissors cuts Paper, Paper covers Rock. Both players reveal a gesture simultaneously — the winning gesture scores a point. First to reach the target score wins.
Yes, completely free. No sign-up or download required. Play directly in your browser on any device.
Three modes: 2 Players (two people, one device), vs CPU (you against the computer), and Battle (CPU picks for both players — pure luck).
No gesture dominates — every choice beats one and loses to one. Watch your opponent's patterns: many players repeat their favorite gesture or unconsciously echo the winning one. Beginners throw Rock most often, so starting with Paper gives a statistical edge.
Rock Paper Scissors originated in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) as a game called 'shoushiling'. It spread to Japan in the 17th century as 'jan-ken', and reached Western countries in the early 20th century.
Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock is an expanded version with 5 gestures: Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, and Spock. Each gesture beats two others and loses to two others, reducing the chance of a tie. Popularized by The Big Bang Theory.
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