Rock Paper Scissors is a zero-sum game that involves making an action with your hand that ends up beating, tying or losing to your opponent. Despite its simple appearance, the game is surprisingly complex and there are many ways to improve your chances of winning. By using a variety of tricks – including anticipating counterstrategies, employing gambits, and reading microexpressions – you can elevate your game to a whole new level.
Predict Your Opponent’s Moves
One of the best ways to win at Rock Paper Scissors is to predict your opponent’s moves. Studies have shown that humans tend to mimic one another’s actions, so you can use this to your advantage. Try to imitate your opponent’s last move before you choose your own. This will confuse them and they may shy away from throwing Scissors (which beats Rock) or Rock (which beats Paper). Alternatively, you can announce your move before the round starts. This will also confuse your opponent, though it won’t work as well.
Learn Your Opponent’s Tendencies
In Rock Paper Scissors, the most important strategy is to learn your opponent’s tendencies and habits. For example, experienced jigsaw puzzles online players are more likely to stick with their winning moves. However, inexperienced players will often change their losing moves to something else. So, if your opponent has just played Rock, you might want to switch to Paper to win or stalemate with the less-likely Scissors.
Observe Your Opponent’s Facial Expressions
You can also learn your opponent’s patterns by observing their facial expressions and body language. For example, a player with clenched fists and a tucked thumb is most likely to play Rock, while a looser grip and a spread finger suggests they’re more likely to throw Scissors or Paper.
Read the Opponents’ Microexpressions
Skilled RPS players can even read their opponents’ microexpressions – the brief, involuntary facial expressions that reveal a person’s emotions. This trick requires practice and a keen eye, but if you can master it, you’ll be able to anticipate your opponent’s next move based on their past behavior. The Afiniti website can help you hone your skills by fighting against an artificial intelligence that uses this advanced strategy to defeat human opponents.
