Rock, Paper, Scissors: The Official Gude

Rock, Paper, Scissors is more than just a game children play on the playground. It is actually considered a sport, governed by rules and regulations of such organizations as the World RPS Society and the USARPS League. It is played with strategy and honor

It is a sport that may be played by anyone of any age or sex, and it requires no special equipment. It is played with just three internationally recognized hand signals, which are called throws.

Types of Throws

· Rock: Is represented by a tightly closed fist with the thumb on the out side of the fingers. The thumb can not be concealed by the fingers.

· Paper: Is represented with all the fingers and the thumb of one hand fully extended in a horizontal position. The fingers are together in a flat position, usually palm-side down. They may not be held sideways like a hand-shake; this is an illegal move in tournament play as it may be confused with scissors.

· Scissors: Is represented by extending the index and middle fingers toward the opposite player in a manner that mimics a pair of scissors. The other fingers are folded into the hand with the thumb resting over them. Horizontal scissors are illegal in tournament play.

Game Play

Each throw is an engagement. An engagement commences when the referee raises his hand vertically between the opposing players and speaks the word engage.

Upon the referee's signal each player begins the pump. This consists of closing the fist on one hand, holding it out in front with the elbow bent at a 45 degree angle and raising it up and down in a pumping motion three times in sync with the other player. Players may choose to chant RO-SHAM-BO to retain the rhythm. Roshambo is another name for Rock, Paper, Scissors that was coined after the Count de Rochambeau defeated General Lord Cornwallis in a game of RPS.

After completing the pump, players deliver the Shoot by using one of the three throws. This must take place after all three pumps have been completed, or the referee may declare the action dead. Remaining in sync may be accomplished by saying the word Shoot after the word RO-SHAM-BO.

The best of three engagements is called a bout. The best of three bouts is called a match. The player that wins the match is the indisputable winner.

Winning

Winners are determined by who throws what.

· Rock: Always beats scissors and loses to paper. If both players throw rock, it is a stalemate and the engagement is repeated.

· Paper: Wins against rock and loses to scissors. If both players throw paper, it is a stalemate and the engagement is repeated.

· Scissors: Wins against paper and loses to rock. If both players throw scissors, it is a stalemate and the engagement is repeated.

There is no limit to the number of engagements that can be replayed if a stalemate occurs. A bout may only be won when the best of three engagements have been won; stalemates are not considered wins or loses.

Fancy Moves

Even though the game of RPS only has three throws, there are some moves that may throw the opposing player off his game. Just be sure the moves chosen are legal and executed in a timely manner.

· Gambits are any combination of three throws that create a rhythm to the play. Using gambits may lull the opposing player into a false sense of knowing what throw is coming. Change the next throw to trip them up.

· Speed-pumping: This is when a player increases the velocity of their pump to throw off their opponent’s strategy.