About this tool
Play Rock, Paper, Scissors against the computer, with score tracking throughout the session. Rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, paper beats rock. Useful for a quick game, deciding between options with some competition element, moments of relaxation, or simply because it's a classic.
How to use
- Pick rock, paper, or scissors.
- The computer picks at the same time.
- See who won and the cumulative score.
- Repeat as long as you're having fun.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the computer play randomly or try to win?
- Plays randomly, with each option having 1/3 probability. Without trying to predict your patterns, the game is purely luck. In more advanced versions, algorithms exist that detect human patterns (we tend not to repeat the same choice) and exploit them, but this version stays simple.
- Is there an optimal strategy?
- Against a random opponent, any strategy you use averages 1/3 wins, 1/3 draws, 1/3 losses. There's no "right move". Against humans, there are patterns: people tend to start with rock, avoid repeating their last choice, and respond to the last result in predictable ways. Take advantage of those patterns.
- Are there variants beyond the three options?
- Yes, the best-known is Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock (five options, with ten relations instead of three). This tool only uses the classic three-option version.