Game Basics How To Play
Step 1
The Game is played where the players substitutethe three elements of Rock, Paper and Scissorswith representative hand signals.
Step 2
These hand signals are delivered simultaniouslyby the players.
Step 3
The Outcome of play is determined by the following:
- ➢ Rock wins against Scissors,
- ➢ Scissors wins against Paper
- ➢ Paper wins against Rock
The Hand Signals
Rock
Represented by a closed fist with the thumb resting atleast at the same height as the topmost finger of thehand. The thumb must not be concealed by the fingers.
Use of rock as an opening move is seen by many playersto be a sign of aggression.
Rock also happens to be the most effortless of the throwsand fast reactions are never required to employ it withsuccess. By careful examination of the options andatmosphere of play, a well-placed rock will crush acarelessly thrown pair of scissors every time.
Paper
Is also delivered in the same manner as rock with the exception that all fingers including the thumb are fully extended and horizontal with the points of the fingers facing the opposing player. Use of the “vertical paper” (sometimes referred to as “the handshake”) is strictly forbidden in Tournament play due to its close resemblance to ‘scissors if is thrown without care.
Paper is actually the most challenging of the basic opening moves since it requires the manual displacement of the most digits. It is therefore generally viewed as the least obvious of opening throws. Should you open with a paper be forewarned that a reply of scissors will cut you down to size in no time flat.
Scissors
Is delivered in the same manner as rock with the exception that the index and middle fingers are fully extended toward the opposing player. It is considered good form to angle the topmost finger upwards and the lower finger downwards in order to create a roughly 30–45 degree angle between the two digits and thus mimic a pair of scissors. Note: The use of Horizontal Scissors is strictly forbidden in Tournament play due to its close resemblance to ‘paper’ if is thrown without care
Opening with a pair of scissors assumes that you are playing against an opponent who has tight control over their aggressive tendencies and therefore may not open with a scissor-smashing rock. One of the main pitfalls of opening with scissors is the tendency by many to reveal the throw too early, allowing an experienced opponent to easily counter.
The Prime
The prime is the ritual used to get players in sync with each other so they can deliver their throws simultaneously. It is the action of retracting one’s fist from full-arm extension towards the shoulder and then back to full extension. This phase is critically important. If at any time the players are not in synch with their primes, then play must stop and begin again. Having players deliver their throws at the same time is critical to ensuring a fair match.
Priming conventions generally fall into two classes:
European Prime:
Three prime shoot. Players pump their arms in unisonthree times before starting the Approach phase.
North American Prime
Two Prime Shoot. Players pump their arms in unisontwice before starting the Approach phase.
The Approach
The Approach is the transition phase between the finalprime and the Delivery. As one’s arm makes its finaldescent a player is required to make a decision aboutthe throw they will make. The Approach begins at theshoulder following the final prime and ends when thearm makes a 90-degree angle with the player’s body.
Players must reveal their chosen throw to their opponentprior to reaching the 90-degree mark. Any throw deliveredpast this critical point must be considered a Forced Rock(since this is the position the hand would have been inupon crossing the 90-degree mark).
The Delivery
Once firmly in the Approach phase, it is time to shift focusto the Delivery. Since the hand is technically already inthe Rock position it must either be switched to anotherthrow or remain as Rock. It is necessary to decide whatto throw at this point. Release the throw too early and riskyour opponent reading the throw and adjusting accordingly.Release too late and risk a foul or a Forced Rock.
The Throws
The winner of the round is dictated by the player’s throw which beats that of the opponent. Under no circumstances can a losing throw ever beat a winning throw.
Rock
Rock wins against scissors, loses to paper and stalemates against itself
Paper
Paper wins against rock, loses to scissors and stalemates against itself
Scissor
Scissor wins against paper, loses to rock and stalemates against itself
