how to win rock paper scissors
Preface: Why I Wrote This
Actually, I used to think rock paper scissors was pure luck too. Until one time I played 50 consecutive games with a friend and lost 40 of them, that's when I realized there was a problem. Later I spent time researching, and now I can basically win 90% of my games.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
1. Thinking Random Means Truly Random
Many people think "I'm going to play randomly," but what happens? Either they cycle through rock→paper→scissors→rock, or they play the same thing several times in a row. People simply can't be truly random!
My observation: 80% of people who say "I'm going to be random" will play in sequence.
2. Repeating After Winning
This is the most obvious pattern! If you won with rock, you'll probably play rock again next time. If you won with paper, you'll play paper again. Because winning feels good, people want to repeat what feels good.
Practical tip: Opponent just won? Guess they'll repeat, directly play what can counter it!
My Winning Techniques
1. Always Start with Scissors
This is what I've figured out: 35% of people start with rock, 25% with paper, 40% with scissors. Scissors beats paper, so starting with scissors has the highest win rate.
2. Double Psychological Warfare
This move is especially brutal! For example, you just played rock and lost to paper, your opponent definitely thinks you'll play scissors next time (to beat paper). But you deliberately play rock again, because rock beats scissors!
3. Observing Body Language
This takes practice, but it works:
Before rock: fist clenches, arm tenses
Before paper: fingers spread, palm prepares
Before scissors: index and middle finger twitch
4. The Three-Move Pattern
Many people unconsciously do this: rock→paper→scissors→rock. If you spot this pattern, you can stay one step ahead!
Real Combat Case Studies
Case 1: Playing with a Friend
Friend Xiao Ming, typical "repeat after winning" type. I observed that after he won with rock, he played rock 3 times in a row. The 4th time I directly played paper, and sure enough I won.
Case 2: Psychological Warfare with a Stranger
Met a very confident-looking opponent, I deliberately lost one round. As a result, he became very proud, his moves became very predictable, and I won 5 rounds in a row.
Case 3: Decoding Body Language
Playing with a classmate, I noticed that every time before he played scissors, his right index finger would twitch. I specifically watched for this movement and correctly guessed his moves 8 times in a row.
Advanced Techniques (Use with Caution)
1. Deliberately Losing One Round
Sometimes deliberately losing one round makes the opponent overconfident, making them easier to deal with later. But don't use it too often, you'll be found out.
2. Creating Illusions
Deliberately show a certain pattern, let the opponent think they've caught your routine, then suddenly change.
3. Psychological Pressure
Use eye contact and expressions to put pressure on the opponent. Nervous people make more mistakes.
Common Traps
1. Overthinking
Don't overthink it, sometimes the simplest strategy is most effective.
2. Ignoring Your Opponent
Only focusing on your own strategy, not watching the opponent's reactions, you'll definitely lose.
3. Being Predictable
Using the same strategy against everyone will definitely be figured out by experts.
My Winning Formula
Start with scissors - highest win rate
Observe opponent - find patterns
Psychological warfare - create illusions
Adapt flexibly - don't follow routines
Conclusion
Rock paper scissors isn't a game of luck, it's a game of psychology. The key is reading your opponent, not memorizing strategies.
Remember: The best strategy is having no fixed strategy, adapting flexibly is the key.
Final word: These techniques are all from my practical experience, may not work for everyone, but they work well for me.