How to Play
The Basic Rules
Both players choose one of three symbols simultaneously. Whoever picks the stronger symbol wins the round. In Ninja Duell, the first to win two rounds takes the match (Best-of-3).
Three weapons. Endless battle.
Choose simultaneously with your opponent. Whoever has the stronger ninja weapon wins the round. Win two rounds to win the match!
Strategy & Psychology
Rock Paper Scissors seems simple – but pros use psychology: track your opponent's last moves, as people tend to switch to the symbol that beat them. Players who repeat the same choice after a draw are easy to read. Vary your choices deliberately to stay unpredictable.
- 🧠 After a draw, players statistically tend to repeat their last gesture – a pattern experienced players exploit.
- 🎯 The game has over 50 official variants worldwide – from Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock to regional versions with frog, well or dynamite.
Centuries old – and still unbeatable
Rock Paper Scissors originated in China and Japan, where it was played as Sansukumi-ken (三すくみ拳) as early as the 17th century. It only became popular in Europe and America during the 20th century – today it is known worldwide.
Since 2002 the World RPS Society has hosted annual world championships. Thousands of players from all over the world competed to be crowned the world's best Rock Paper Scissors player.
Statistically, people choose Rock most often as their first move. Knowing this, playing Paper gives you a slight edge. Pro players deliberately exploit these psychological patterns.
AI systems beat humans at Rock Paper Scissors almost every time – not because they play more randomly, but because they detect and exploit patterns in human decision-making.
Facts about the game
- 🥷 Ninjas used hand-sign communication (Kuji-kiri) – the "rock" gesture is considered a classic power symbol in Ninjutsu.
- 🎨 The game was even used to settle an art dispute: Christie's and Sotheby's played Rock Paper Scissors in 2005 for the right to auction a painting worth $20 million.