Rock, Paper, Scissors
The minute I saw this bronze in the gardens at Musée Rodin, I thought, “Aha, an ancient game of rock, paper, scissors being played by well-built naked men. How fun!” I had to capture the moment for my family as we play this game (with our clothes on) to determine all kinds of things–who pays for lunch, who gets garbage duty, kitchen clean-up….the biggies. My husband and his hockey friends will play to see who picks up the tab at dinner which many times requires another round of drinks as it can drag on for those who understand its nuances. Never played? Let me briefly explain.
Quite simple really. There are 3 hand signs that must be thrown out simultaneously by all players representing either a rock, paper, or scissors. You pump your arms in unison 3 times and make the hand signal for whichever symbol you want to play.
A closed fist means that you are throwing out a “rock”.
A flat hand held out horizontally represents “paper”.
Two fingers in a v-shape means “scissors”.
The outcome is determined by the following:
- Rock dulls Scissors and wins against it
- Scissors “cuts” Paper and Paper’s out
- Paper “covers” rock and wins over it
Since you never know what’s going to be thrown–could be all Paper, the game just keeps going on until someone ultimately wins. Which is why extra drink orders might be required.
This my friends is just the tip of the iceberg. The World RPS Society, devoted to all things Rock, Paper, Scissor-ish sponsors world tournaments, provides training and advises on strategies for outwitting your opponent. I wouldn’t believe it either but because it has been a part of our world for so long, in a VERY relaxed, fun way, we have been introduced to the “sport” of it as well. Unfortunately, the people I have watched play (on TV, competing in Las Vegas) didn’t look anything like the three guys in the photo. Boo Hoo!
Additional information:
Photo Credits: Personal collection, World RSP Society
Tags: , b5media, Bud Light, france, musée-Rodin, paris, Rock Paper Scissors, the paris traveler, travel, travel blogs, World RSP SocietyRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Family Fun
1 opinion for Rock, Paper, Scissors
Taylor
Apr 14, 2008 at 9:37 am
Haha I loved your interpretation of that Rodin statue! You have the best imagination :)
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