What is rock paper scissors?
Rock paper scissors is one of the most popular hand games in the world and a lightning-fast way to draw lots between two people. Each player picks one of three options at the same time, and a simple triangle of rules decides who wins. It has been used for centuries to settle disputes, decide who goes first, or just to pass the time.
In this online version you play against the computer: you pick your move, the machine picks its own at random, and you instantly see who wins, with a scoreboard tracking your wins, losses, and ties.
How do you play?
The rules form a triangle where each option beats one and loses to another:
- Rock beats scissors (it crushes them).
- Scissors beat paper (they cut it).
- Paper beats rock (it wraps it).
- If you both pick the same, it's a tie and you play again.
Tap your move (or press 1, 2 or 3 on the keyboard) and both hands shake to the beat of “rock, paper, scissors”; on “scissors” both throw their move and you see who wins.
How does the computer choose?
The computer picks between rock, paper, and scissors with the browser’s cryptographic generator (crypto.getRandomValues()), each equally likely. It does not see your move before deciding, so there's no way to cheat: every round is independent and fully random.
Everything happens inside your browser. The score is kept only during the session and nothing is sent to any server.
Frequently asked questions
Does the computer cheat?
No. The computer picks its move at random with the browser's cryptographic generator and does not see your choice before deciding. All three options are equally likely.
What beats what?
Rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, and paper beats rock. If you both pick the same, it's a tie.
Can I use it to decide between two people?
Yes. It's a quick, fair way to draw lots: you can play against each other or each play the computer and compare results.
Is there a strategy to win?
Against the computer, no, because it picks purely at random. Between people, psychology matters: reading patterns and bluffs from your opponent.
Is the score saved?
Only during the session, inside your browser. When you close the tab the score resets and nothing is sent to our servers or third parties.
Where does rock paper scissors come from?
It's an ancient game: it's thought to have been born in China centuries ago and reached the West through Japan, where it's known as “jan-ken”. Today it's played all over the world to draw lots quickly, and there are even official championships with real strategy involved.
What happens if both pick the same?
It's a tie: rock against rock, paper against paper or scissors against scissors — nobody wins. You simply play another round until there's a winner.
Can I play with friends?
Each game is against the computer, but you can take turns on the same phone and compare scores: everyone plays a few rounds and the best score wins. It is a quick, fair way to settle who goes first.
Related guides
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- Party games that need nothing but your phone — Ideas to liven up any gathering using just your phone: picking who starts, dares, random teams and icebreakers that work in seconds.