How to win at rock, paper, scissors — use this ‘psychological’ strategy
So much winning.
A game designer has revealed his strategy for triumphing over an opponent in a game of rock, paper, scissors.
New Yorker Nick Metzler, or @nickmetzler1 on TikTok, recently took to the popular social media site to share a tactic that he said should work nearly half of the time.
In the one-minute video posted on Jan. 7, Metzler describes how psychology is the key factor to emerging victorious.
“‘When people say “rock, paper, scissors, shoot’, they’re going to throw one of these three items,” he said. “But how can you predict what they’re going to throw? The answer might surprise you.”
The Brooklynite explains that when players say things out loud, they’re predisposed to reveal their next move — which is usually the first or last thing they hear.
“When they say rock, paper, scissors, they’re much more likely to do a scissors or rock,” he said.
Metzler recommends that your first move be a rock because you will either tie with your opponent or beat them if they choose scissors.
However if you’re worried your competition could throw out the paper hand signal, the chances of that are slim, according to Metzler.
“Most people never open with paper, and that’s honestly a good thing because they learned through a good experience that if they lead with paper, they will often lose because most people do either rock or scissors,” Metzler added.
The gaming expert claims people who go against his strategy — which he said should work at least 40% of the time — will often face losses.
“When scissors get thrown, about half the time, you lose with paper, so it’s actually not a great strategy to start with paper,” he said.
Metzler confessed his personal preference for playing rock, paper, and scissors.
“I usually do rock, and if I win, I will switch. If I tie, I will remain the same. If I lose [and] somebody does paper, then give them the win,” he chuckled. “Like, who starts with paper? How ridiculous is that?”
Fellow gamers chimed in sharing tactics they use when playing the old-school game.
“Now I’m going to send this to everyone. I play rock, paper, scissors, too, and then start with paper,” confessed a gamer.
“If you want a super cheat, watch their hand on the way down. Gotta have a fast reflex though,” one cheater suggested.
“If you want to get an edge, throw the same thing every time,” recommended another.
