Game Basics

How to Play – Quick Start

What is amazing about RPS is that for a game of such complexity the rules are actually very simple. The game obviously becomes more nuanced as you dive further into, but if you want to get playing right away you only need know the following:



2.0 These hand signals are delivered simultaniously by the players

3.0 The Outcome of play is determined by the following

  • Rock wins against Scissors,
  • Scissors wins against Paper
  • Paper wins against Rock


“To the beginner the choices are few, to the expert the choices are many.”

Wojek Smallsoa, as quoted in The Trio of Hands, 1962

The Hand Signals

Proper use of the opening move is crucial to success in the game and can secure the advantage for the remainder of the match. Let’s take each of the basic opening moves in turn:

Rock - Proper Hand Position



Internationally Recognized Paper: Is also delivered in the same manner as rock with the exception that all fingers including the thumb are fully extended and horizontal with the points of the fingers facing the opposing player. Use of the “vertical paper” (sometimes referred to as “the handshake”) is strictly forbidden in Tournament play due to its close resemblance to ‘scissors if is thrown without care.

Paper - Proper hand Position



Internationally Recognized Scissors:



Scissors - Proper Hand Position


Beyond the Basics – The Prime, the Approach and the Delivery

As a game that relies on both players delivering there throws at the same time, there are a couple things a player needs to know

The Prime


The Prime



The prime is the ritual used to get players in sync with each other so they can deliver their throws simultaneously. It is the action of retracting one’s fist from full-arm extension towards the shoulder and then back to full extension. This phase is critically important. If at any time the players are not in synch with their primes, then play must stop and begin again. Having players deliver their throws at the same time is critical to ensuring a fair match.



Priming conventions generally fall into two classes:

1) European Prime: Three prime shoot. Players pump their arms in unison three times before starting the Approach phase.
2) North American Prime: Two Prime Shoot. Players pump their arms in unison twice before starting the Approach phase.

The Approach

The ApproachThe Approach is the transition phase between the final prime and the Delivery. As one’s arm makes its final descent a player is required to make a decision about the throw they will make. The Approach begins at the shoulder following the final prime and ends when the arm makes a 90-degree angle with the player’s body. Players must reveal their chosen throw to their opponent prior to reaching the 90-degree mark. Any throw delivered past this critical point must be considered a Forced Rock (since this is the position the hand would have been in upon crossing the 90-degree mark).



The Delivery

Once firmly in the Approach phase, it is time to shift focus to the Delivery. Since the hand is technically already in the Rock position it must either be switched to another throw or remain as Rock. It is necessary to decide what to throw at this point. Release the throw too early and risk your opponent reading the throw and adjusting accordingly. Release too late and risk a foul or a Forced Rock.

The World RPS Player’s Responsibility Code

  1. Safety First! Always ensure that all players have removed sharp jewellery and watches.
  2. Ensure agreement, before the first round, on priming conventions (we recommend the standard 3 prime shoot).
  3. Always establish what is to be decided or whether the match is to be played for honour.
  4. Pre-determine the number of rounds required to win the match (remember odd numbers only).
  5. Encourage novice development by explaining blunders in judgement with a mind towards being helpful. Don’t berate.
  6. Think twice before using RPS for life-threatening decisions.
  7. Always respect foreign cultures. When abroad consider yourself an ambassador of the World RPS Society.