2007 Sep 16 - Sun
Rock Paper Scissors
I think my first introduction to Rock Paper Scissors was in Dr. Who episode. I thought
it was just something the writers made up. Later I was introduced to it when figuring out
who was going to buy the beer with a best two out of three.
Now I find out that there is an actual web site devoted to the game:
World RPS Society, with a by-line of
"Serving the Needs of Decision Makers Since 1918". Even yearly tournaments are established
locally as well as internationally. The site even has on-line training software to get you
introduced in the privacy of your own desk.
There is even a book about Rock Paper Scissors. Well actually more than one... Amazon has 18 listed,
some of which are only names for novels.
The basic rules of Rock Paper Scissors are:
- Rock wins against Scissors,
- Scissors wins against Paper
- Paper wins against Rock
When used in a series of three moves, there are 27 possible combinations. Each set of
three combinations is a gambit. These are the eight most popular gambits:
- Avalanche (RRR)
- Bureaucrat (PPP)
- Crescendo (PSR)
- Dénouement (RSP)
- Fistfull o. Dollars (RPP)
- Paper Dolls (PSS)
- Scissor Sandwich (PSP)
- Toolbox (SSS)
The one thing I notice about these gambits is that with seven of the eight, you can
sequence readily from one to another in double gambit pairs, whereas with the eighth, the
ToolBox, it can't be the first of a double gambit. This would tend to indicate a bias
towards seven of the eight. But I suppose that is a starting point for
advanced strategies.
Further information in the advanced section indicates that there are "Exclusive
Strategies", a strategy where a player will only play two of the three throws. The opponent
plays based upon the fact that the missing through has to come up at some time.
If you read the site, you'll find that there is all sorts of psychology and
strategy wrapped up in the
game. Almost like playing the prisoner's delima.
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