Rock Paper Scissors rules
Rock Paper Scissors is decided by a simple three-way cycle. Each shape beats one of the others and loses to the third, so no single shape is ever the best choice.
What beats what
- Rock beats scissors>
- Paper beats rock>
- Scissors beats paper>
Ties
If both players throw the same shape, the round is a tie. No point is awarded and the round is simply replayed until someone wins.
Keeping score
Casual games are often played as a single round, but matches are usually best-of-three or best-of-five: the first player to win two (or three) rounds wins the match. Ties do not count toward the total. Our online game tracks a running score and your win streak so you can play as long as you like.
Variations
The best-known extension adds two shapes for five total. Learn the rules of Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock, where each shape beats two others and loses to two others.
New to the game? Start with the beginner how-to-play guide, or jump straight into a game against the AI.