In terms of valuable life skills, knowing how to beat people at a school-yard game is right up there. If the deciding vote on all of life’s major decisions should be left to an element of chance, then why not tilt that chance in your favour. Here are a few inside tips on how to trump your opponent, according to the organisers of the Paper, Rock, Scissors Championship, James Bamber and Sally Raynes.
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1. Statistically males tend to open with the rock move, as psychologically this seems a powerful throw. If your opponent is inexperienced, opt for paper first to counter this.
2. Bluff your opponent. Tell them what you are going to play before you do it and then actually do it. Your opponent won’t believe that you are bold enough to carry out the move.
3. Use the throw that would have lost to your opponent’s last throw. People tend to go for a stronger move than their last. If your opponent played rock they will most likely play paper next.
4. If in doubt, go with paper. Statistically this is the least-played move. You can gain a slight advantage by throwing paper as you have stronger odds of coming up against a rock.
