This article was taken from the July 2012 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
Rock-paper-scissors isn't simply a random and childish way to decide trivial outcomes: it's serious stuff, and completely winnable -- if you know a few tricks. Douglas Walker, co-author of The Official Rock-Paper-Scissors Strategy Guide and organiser of the RPS World Championships, explains why "rock is for rookies".
Spot the sequence
"People see it as too predictable to throw a rock five, six or seven times," says Walker. Beginners tend to throw only three of the same shapes in a row. If they've been throwing rock, that means they will throw either scissors or paper. Throw a scissors yourself and you'll earn at least a draw.
Be sexist
Walker's research suggests that rock is the favourite move, at 37 percent of all throws. Paper is 35 percent and scissors 29 percent.
When all else fails, go for paper. Or go with gender: "Guys are close to 50 percent likely to open with rock. Females tend to start with scissors."
Play dirty
On the first throw, come in obviously late on the count. Apologise profusely, but take note of your opponent's throw. "Most people are likely to play the same throw again." It's frowned upon in competitions, but in a street match, well, it all depends on what you can get away with."
Use Jedi mind-tricks
"I tell you I'm going to play rock. Then I look into your eyes and see if there's a smile there, because that indicates you don't believe me, making scissors a safe bet. A lot of it is about eliminating the likelihood of a certain throw, turning an unknown situation into a tie or a win."
Read your opponent
A clenched jaw and generally aggressive stance is often indicative of rock about to come. A more reserved, open stance can suggest paper. "Scissors -- that's hard to predict," says Walker. Don't trust your gut, though: "Because your gut is probably leading you to be predictable yourself."
Play blindfolded
Richard Cook at UCL found that sighted players threw their moves about 200 milliseconds after a blindfolded opponent, suggesting imitation, and blindfolded players scored more wins. Walker also recommends speeding the game up. "People are most predictable when you speed up play."
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
