Rock Paper Scissors
The classic hand game. Pick your throw, beat the computer, and track your win streak.
How to Play Rock Paper Scissors
Rock Paper Scissors is one of the simplest games ever invented. Two players simultaneously throw one of three hand signs — rock (a fist), paper (an open hand), or scissors (two fingers). Rock crushes scissors, scissors cuts paper, and paper covers rock. If both players throw the same sign, it is a draw.
This version lets you play against the computer, which picks randomly each round. Choose best of 5, best of 10, or unlimited mode to keep playing as long as you want.
The Psychology of RPS
While this game seems purely random, humans are notoriously bad at being random. Research from multiple studies shows consistent patterns: most people open with rock, winners tend to repeat their winning move, and losers tend to switch to whatever would have beaten their last opponent's throw. Against a computer that picks randomly, none of these tendencies help — but they make the game fascinating when played against friends.
Win Streaks and Stats
The game tracks your wins, losses, draws, win rate, and longest win streak. In a truly random game, winning more than 5 in a row is unlikely — less than a 1 in 200 chance. See how high you can push your streak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rock Paper Scissors purely random?
The computer picks randomly, but humans are surprisingly predictable. Studies show people tend to repeat winning moves and switch after losing, which makes it partly a game of psychology when played against another person.
What beats what in Rock Paper Scissors?
Rock beats Scissors, Scissors beats Paper, and Paper beats Rock. Each choice beats exactly one other and loses to the remaining one.
Is there a strategy to win Rock Paper Scissors?
Against a random computer, no strategy helps since each choice has an equal chance of winning. Against humans, studies suggest throwing Paper first (most people open with Rock) and switching to whatever would have beaten your opponent's last throw.
What are the odds of winning Rock Paper Scissors?
Against a truly random opponent, each round has a 33.3% chance of a win, 33.3% chance of a loss, and 33.3% chance of a draw.