How to play Rock Paper Scissors

Rock Paper Scissors is a quick hand game for two players that needs no equipment. Here is everything you need to start in under a minute.

1. 1

   Get ready and count down

   Two players face each other and count out loud: rock, paper, scissors, shoot - or one, two, three. The shape is thrown on the final beat.

2. 2

   Choose and reveal a shape

   On the final beat each player makes one of three shapes at the same time: a closed fist for rock, a flat hand for paper, or two extended fingers for scissors.

3. 3

   Decide the winner

   Rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, and paper beats rock. The player whose shape beats the other wins the round.

4. 4

   Replay ties

   If both players throw the same shape the round is a draw, so you simply play again until someone wins.

Want the formal version? Read the full Rock Paper Scissors rules, then sharpen up with the winning strategy guide.