THE FASCINATING HISTORY OF ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS (Stone, Paper, Scissors)
Have you ever been in an argument that could only be settled with a quick game of Rock, Paper, Scissors (RPS)? You’re definitely not alone. This simple hand game has been used to make decisions, settle scores, and even determine tournament outcomes for over 2,000 years! Today, it’s played by children and adults alike, all around the world. But where did this clever little game begin?
Ancient Beginnings: The Chinese Roots
The earliest known version of Rock, Paper, Scissors can be traced back to ancient China, around 206 BCE, during the Han Dynasty. The game was called “shoushiling”, meaning “hand command.” Unlike today’s version, the hand gestures represented animals:
The thumb was a frog
The little finger was a slug
The index finger was a snake
Just like modern RPS, the animals followed a non-linear pattern where no one gesture dominated all the others—making it a fair way to settle disagreements.
The Japanese Twist: Jan-Ken
The game made its way to Japan in the 17th century, where it evolved into “Jan-Ken.” This version is much closer to what we know today. Instead of animals, Jan-Ken used the now-familiar:
Guu (Rock)
Paa (Paper)
Choki (Scissors)
Jan-Ken became deeply embedded in Japanese culture and was used in games, decisions, and even TV game shows. It’s still incredibly popular in Japan today.
Going Global: Rock, Paper, Scissors Takes Over
By the early 20th century, the game had spread beyond Asia and become popular across Europe and eventually North America. It was around this time that the name “Rock, Paper, Scissors” became widely used in English-speaking countries.
Today, it's hard to find a country where the game isn’t known. There’s even an official World Rock Paper Scissors Association, and in 2002, a World RPS Championship was held in Toronto, attracting players from all over the globe!
Fun Facts and Variations
Strategic Thinking: Believe it or not, there are strategies to this “random” game! Studies show people tend to start with Rock, so leading with Paper might give you an edge. Experienced players look for patterns and psychological tendencies in their opponents.
Cultural Variants: Around the world, the game takes on different forms. Some versions swap in gestures like water, fire, well, dragon, or lightning. For example, Indonesia has a version using elephant, man, and ant!
Pop Culture Fame: The game even got a fun twist in The Big Bang Theory with “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock,” which added two more gestures to spice things up.
Serious Business: In 2005, a Japanese businessman used Rock, Paper, Scissors to choose which auction house would handle a multi-million-dollar art collection. That’s how seriously some people take it!
A Simple Game with a Rich History
What makes Rock, Paper, Scissors so special is its simplicity. No equipment, no setup—just your hands and a moment of decision. But behind those quick gestures is a history stretching across continents, cultures, and centuries.
So the next time you play a round, remember: you’re taking part in a global tradition that’s more than just child’s play—it's a tiny, timeless piece of human history.
