It is a game used to settle debates around the world.
But when it comes to ‘rock, paper, scissors’, what’s the best way to win?
You might think that the playing field is a matter of luck.
However, Nick Metzlera game designer from New York, has explained why this isn’t necessarily the case.
In a video on his TikTok, the expert reveals how to use simple psychology to beat your friends at the game.
“Here’s a little psychological tip to win more consistently with rock, paper, scissors,” he said.
‘When people say ‘rock, paper, scissors, shoot’ they are throwing one of these three objects.
‘But how can you predict what they’re going to throw? The answer may surprise you.’
You might think that the playing field is a matter of luck. However, Nick Metzler, a game designer from New York, has explained why this is not necessarily the case
It is a game used to settle debates around the world. But when it comes to ‘rock, paper, scissors’, what’s the best way to win?
With only rock, paper or scissors to choose from, you’d be forgiven for thinking there’s a 33 percent chance of players choosing each item.
Mr Metzler explains why, strictly speaking, this is not the case.
“When people say things out loud, they are much more likely to want to do the first thing they heard, or the last thing they heard,” he said.
“So if they say ‘rock, paper, scissors,’ they’re much more likely to use scissors or a rock.”
Based on this knowledge, Mr. Metzler says the wisest first move should be a stone.
“That way you can draw or win,” he explained.
‘Most people never open with paper. And that’s honestly a good thing, because they’ve learned from experience that if they lead with paper, they’ll often lose because most people use rocks or scissors.
‘Because about half the time scissors are thrown, you lose with paper. So it is not a good strategy to start with paper.’
With only rock, paper or scissors to choose from, you’d be forgiven for thinking there’s a 33 percent chance of players choosing each item
However, if you play best of three, the further rounds are a little more complicated, as your opponent’s next move takes your previous plays into account.
“Normally I do rock, and if I win, I’ll switch,” Mr. Metzler added.
‘If I draw, I stay the same. If I lose, and someone does paper, give him the win – because who starts with paper? How ridiculous is that?’
Several TikTok users have taken to the comments on Mr. Metzler’s video to discuss the strategy and whether or not they will use it in their next game.
‘Now I’m going to send this to everyone. I play rock paper, also scissors, then start with PAPER,” one user joked.
Another agreed with this strategy, writing, “I’m not sure when I’ll ever be able to use this in my adult life. But I use 100% paper every time.’
And someone simply said, “If you want an edge, throw the same thing every time.”
Mr Metzler’s advice comes shortly after a study found that, contrary to popular belief, coin tossing is not 50/50.
Scientists from the University of Amsterdam discovered that a natural bias occurs when coins are flipped.
After flipping coins more than 350,000 times, the team found that the side originally facing up returns to the same position 50.8 percent of the time.
This may not sound particularly significant, but the experts behind the study say it is “overwhelming evidence of same-side bias.”
So the next time you toss a coin, consider taking a moment to see which side is facing up; it may give you a slight advantage over the ’50/50′ odds.