Rock Paper Scissors

byMKearns

7.6K followers

6 years ago

This is a game well described in Wikipedia which I first heard about at a Book Baby e book conference last year. It involves using the depicted hand signs in gaming fashion This game is played between 2 people choosing one of 3 shapes. Chronological sequence of choice helps determine the outcome. It's quite simple.

It is described as a simultaneous zero-sum game. Win lose or draw. The mechanics are:

• rock crushes and /or blunts scissors
  
• scissors cuts and reforms paaper
• paper covers (obscures) rock

Both players choosing the same shape would lead to a tie. At this point the players replay the game until the tie is broken.

This game is a variation of drawing straws, flipping coins or throwing dice. Rock paper scissors can draw in the skill of assessing opponents by using their non-random behavior.

This contest originated in China and subsequently spread to Japan as most things in the Orient have. It has been brought into the English-speaking world and is commonly called Roshambo.

It is adaptable to the business world especially if you consider a rock a pet rock or paperweight displayed on a desk. Many decisions affecting business have hinged on this game.

In our virtual world this can have interesting results. Should we reduce keywords in an article-scissors. Should we use a print job-paper. Should we use a strong message to drive a point-rock.

On the lookout for new dimensions to approach our work. Mike.