Despite the somewhat blurred history of what many see as a juvenile hand game, Rock Paper Scissors has been used for millennia all across the globe. When all other means of reason and rationale fail, Rock Paper Scissors has often proved to be the deus ex machina of bar none decision-making. The truth is, while many think of Rock Paper Scissors as a game of randomness and sheer luck there actually exists quite an index of sophisticated strategy. Unlike a flip of the coin, which relies almost entirely on chance.
While luck is certainly a component of RPS, the people involved are the true determinants of how intense or sophisticated the game or “competition” will be. This is one of the reasons why the Rock Paper Scissors Icebreaker is a perfect activity to jumpstart a large, 100+ person workshop or meeting.
How to Play Rock-Paper-Scissors
Whether you’re deciding who goes first, who has to take the dog on a walk, or who buys the next round, this game solves problems and makes decisions for a myriad of situations Rock Paper Scissors requires no props and can be played in less than a minute. All you need are your hands, a little luck (and a small dose of strategy, if you like to win.)
The rules are simple:
Each player begins by shaking his or her fist 3 times – this step is known as priming in the professional world…or in simple terms, a countdown to the throw.
At the end of the priming, each player says, “Shoot!” and simultaneously, with the same hand, either makes a fist (for Rock), lays their hand flat (for Paper), or creates a sideways peace sign [by extending and spreading the index and middle fingers] (for Scissors). This is the throw.
The winner is then determined by comparing the players’ throws.
Win Rock Paper Scissors
Three Ways to Win Rock Paper Scissors:
Rock crushes scissors
Paper covers rock
Scissors cuts paper
Recipe for Running the Rock Paper Scissors Icebreaker
What the Rock Paper Scissors Icebreaker Achieves
In a large workshop of 100+ participants, it’s hard to meet new people. On the other hand, as a facilitator, it can be difficult to motivate the masses and create a positive atmosphere before launching the workshop. (FYI: High levels of motivation and a positive atmosphere are essential components to a successful workshop!)
However, by running this icebreaker, everyone gets involved quickly, in a fun and risk-free way. The energy in the room will soar through the roof in a matter of 15 minutes, as everyone cheers on the winning contestants. As the competition becomes smaller and smaller, participants become aware of some of the workshop’s sophisticated strategists, where levels of intuition and layers of psychology are exposed and implemented. Later on during the heart of the workshop, these participants may become some of the key catalysts for strategic problem solving and decision-making.
In the end, what the RPS icebreaker achieves is ongoing solidarity and a buzzing energy that transcends the work atmosphere and work ethic of participants. These factors will ultimately influence the outcomes of your workshop, so it’s important that they are addressed at the beginning!
Learn More About Our Tips, Tricks and Hacks
Running a multiple-day workshop and looking for ways to prolong the positive atmosphere and solidarity? Check out our Into the Matrix Icebreaker, which gives everyone a personal lens into each other’s interests and experiences. This is also great for a workshop that involves numerous cultures.
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