It’s all a game of statistics, probability, and psychology…
1. If you win, play what your opponent just played next
A lot of people lose in a long game (100 draws) because they keep switching their move to whatever would beat the most recent winning hand. So, should you hold steady and solid?
According to Robert Matthews of BBC Science Focus, if you win, play what your opponent just played, and if you lost, pull out the third move that didn’t show up in the last round. Or in other words…
2. If you lose, play whatever would beat your opponent’s last winning hand
If you lose a round, the best thing you can do is switch to the move that would beat your opponent’s last winning hand…because they might be playing the Roshambollah tactic. A study in China on 360 students playing 300 rounds found this pattern emerge.
3. Take advantage of the “Roshambollah Trap”
The great thing about humans is that we’re terrible at being truly random, and for that reason, an unseasoned RPS player would never repeat their last move, because that’s not random enough, right? And that’s where you, my friend, can cash in, so to speak.
Whatever they just played, let’s say it’s Rock, they won’t play again, so you’d play Scissors, which will either tie (Scissors vs Scissors), or win (Scissor vs Paper).
This technique was coined by RPS champ Jason Simmons, aka Master Roshambollah.
4. Study your opponent and watch for swinging elbows
If their elbow swings out to the side you know they’re going in for Paper. Seriously, try playing Paper now against an imaginary opponent – it’s true! Of course, in this instance you’d want to play Scissors.
To keep your best poker face and head off any detection of your moves, have a set of throws lined up in your head like ‘Rock-Rock-Rock’ or ‘Rock-Paper-Paper’ so you look unpredictable.
5. Manipulate your opponent
If you have no qualms about psychologically playing with your opponent, then this strategy’s for you.
A favorite of Master Roshambollah’s too, when challenging strangers to a game he’ll flash the Scissors at them, this then gets in their head and what happens on the big reveal? They pull out Scissors. Happy days (for you).
6. Play paper against beginners
If you’re playing a newbie, it’s HIGHLY likely the their first throw will be Rock, so to beat them you have to play Paper. Easy.
7. Learn and master the “Eight Gambits”
Gambits are a set of three moves lined up in advance and designed to have particular impact. Having them up your sleeve can really change your game.
A personal favorite has to be Paper Dolls (Paper-Scissors-Scissors). You start on the defense, suffocating the Rock, then BAM, out on the spiky attack with the Scissors. This is best used on players not so versed in these tactics as it’ll knock them flat and take a toll on their morale.
All of the eight gambits are as follows:
- The Bureaucrat (Paper Paper Paper)
- Avalanche (Rock Rock Rock)
- The Crescendo (Paper Scissors Rock)
- Denouement (Rock Scissors Paper)
- Paper Dolls (Paper Scissors Scissors)
- Fistful O’Dollars (Rock Paper Paper)
- Scissor Sandwich (Paper Scissors Paper)
- Toolbox (Scissors Scissors Scissors)
Give them a go and see which affords you the most success!
How To Win Rock, Paper, Scissors: A Conclusion
So as you can see, there’s plenty of tactical know-how to make sure you always win. Some of the advice is contradictory, so we suggest having a play around – a lot depends on how pro your opponent is. But, as long as you keep a cool head and figure out what they’re doing, there’s no reason why you can’t dominate every game!
That last slice of pizza will forever be yours, bin duty something to sully your roommate’s hands, and the best gaming chair in the house forever cushioning YOUR beautiful behind.
Enjoyed this article? We’ve got plenty more game guides that you can check out to boost your chances of winning, such as how to play Mahjong.
Lead image credit: marco martins/Shutterstock
]]>1. Remember: It’s Paid Entertainment
Gambling is a fun form of entertainment, but it’s important to think of it in the same way you might buy a movie ticket or a fair ride. It’s exciting during the experience, and if you happen to win something extra, that’s great. But the point is to enjoy the core time and experience.
2. Set a Money Limit
It can be hard to keep track of money in the heat of the moment. That’s why it’s important to set a gambling budget, one that still gives you plenty of cash for your normal expenses, and stick to it. If you go through all the money, it’s time to stop.
3. Set a Time Limit
Whether you’re winning or losing, time seems to run at a different pace when you’re gambling. Make sure that you set a time limit for your gambling, making time for other exciting or important activities.
4. Don’t Chase Losses
Some days you’re up and some days you’re down. As long as you stay within your gambling budget, it should still be fine. It’s important you avoid gambling more in the hope of making back lost money. This is called chasing losses and can lead to problem gambling.
5. Avoid Becoming Too Superstitious
Prefer a lucky table, or keep playing the same game where you won big? No problem! But remember that gambling is all about luck and chance, and no amount of superstition will change the outcomes. Also, being lucky or unlucky in gambling does not relate to your overall luck as a human being!
6. Never Fall for the Gambler’s Fallacy
Gambler’s fallacy is the belief that if an event has happened more frequently than expected, such as a dice roll showing the same number multiple times in a row, it is less likely to happen again in the future, or vice versa. This is an incorrect belief.
The probability of hitting red 2 times in a row might be way higher than 8 times in a row, but that doesn’t mean that just because the roulette wheel has shown red 5 times, it has to be black the next spin. Each outcome in any game of chance is independent of what happened before it. Don’t assume that results will change because of how the game has gone so far.
7. Learn the Rules and Odds of the Games
While blackjack and craps might have some of the best odds in a casino, they still have certain bets with comparatively bad odds. On the flipside, overall odds are worse for slots and keno, but people can still win big and have tons of fun. What’s important is to learn the rules and understand the odds of the games you enjoy. Some games are more entertaining than others for certain people, no matter the odds.
8. Don’t Play with Money You Don’t Have
Whether it’s using a credit card or borrowing from friends and family, never play with money you don’t have. It’s meant to be a fun pastime, so if you can’t afford it, it’s best not to gamble at all.
9. Avoid Gambling Under the Influence
Gambling is often paired with a fun atmosphere, complete with all the usual party essentials. But whether you’re under the influence of alcohol, or a high roller friend on a winning streak, avoid gambling while intoxicated. Your decisions won’t be as good, and you might play beyond your money or time limits.
10. Gamble During the Good Times
Gambling should be fun and exciting, best enjoyed with friends. If it becomes an escape during depression or hard times, it’s more likely to become a problem. So, enjoy gambling during the good times, but don’t fall back on it to solve your issues when times are tough.
When gambling stops being fun and is no longer within your control, it’s time to start taking the steps to stop.
How to Stop Gambling
1. Admit you have a problem
The first step to overcoming your addiction is acknowledging that you have a problem, which isn’t an easy thing to do. You will feel emotionally confused: the rational part of your personality will be telling you to stop because you know it’s destroying your life, while the other side of you will be craving the highs of gambling.
It’s time to seek out help and there are multiple ways you can do this.
2. Speak to someone you trust and join a support group
It is important that you confide in someone who you feel comfortable talking to and who will be able to offer you emotional support. Together you can create a plan of action. Whether you want to combat your addiction without professional help or you’d prefer to see a trained specialist, they will act as your guide throughout.
Many people find it helpful to speak to others in an online gambling addiction forum or read each other’s stories to help stay motivated. It is hugely comforting to know that you’re not alone.
3. Block your access to gambling
Delete any gambling apps, block any gambling websites, and leave any tip forums that you think could tempt you to relapse. You can use a self-exclusion tool like GAMSTOP to automatically block you out of hundreds of gambling and betting sites.
You can also limit your access to gambling by avoiding land-based casinos full stop, as well as avoid hanging around with any friends or family who enjoy gambling recreationally.
4. Take control of your finances
Ask your supportive friend or family member if they can manage your finances for you, at least for a month or two while you deal with your addiction. This does not mean asking them to pay off your debts – it means giving them control of your money. They can manage your bank account and credit cards while you seek out debt management help.
5. Keep yourself busy
Like any addiction, withdrawal is the hardest part. To overcome it you need to keep busy. We suggest picking up a new hobby, like a physical activity that can give you a rush – rock climbing is a great option. Many people also find taking up yoga and meditation can help with the feelings of guilt and anxiety that often come hand-in-hand with a gambling problem.
Visit our gambling addiction help page, which has been verified by two addiction specialists, for more information and a comprehensive list of resources.
Lead image credit: Getty Images
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