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Browse ShopThe World Rock Paper Scissors Association (WRPSA) maintains the definitive ruleset for competitive Rock Paper Scissors. These rules govern every official WRPSA tournament and ranked match worldwide.
Before each round, both players face each other with one hand in a loose fist at chest or waist height. The referee - or players by mutual agreement - calls the cadence: "Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot!" (or "1-2-3-Shoot"). Both players form and reveal their throw simultaneously on "Shoot."
Any other hand shape - "gun," "well," extra fingers, Lizard, Spock - is illegal in official WRPSA play. The throw must be a clear, unambiguous shape.
Both players must throw at the same instant on the final cue. During the countdown, keep your hand in a closed fist. Opening or changing your hand shape early is a false start. Delaying your throw to react after seeing your opponent's hand is a late throw - one of the most serious fouls in competitive play.
Standard matches use a best-of-3 format (first to 2 wins). Organizers may use longer formats - best-of-5, best-of-7, etc. - for later rounds, but the number of rounds is always odd to guarantee a decisive winner.
If both players show the same throw, the round is a tie (stalemate) and is replayed immediately. There is no limit on stalemate replays.
The player who wins the majority of rounds wins the match. A 2-0 or 2-1 score wins a best-of-3; a 3-2 wins a best-of-5. Once one player reaches the majority, the match ends immediately.
Only the three standard gestures - Rock, Paper, and Scissors - are permitted.
Gestures like "Dynamite," "Lizard," "Spock," or novelty signs are banned from official competition. While fun variations exist, they are not part of the WRPSA ruleset.
| Foul | First Offense | Repeat Offense |
|---|---|---|
| False start | Warning + round replay | Round loss |
| Late throw | Immediate round loss | Match forfeit |
| Illegal throw | Round loss (opponent may allow replay) | Match forfeit |
| Stalling / delaying | Warning | Round loss |
| Unsportsmanlike conduct | Warning | Disqualification |
In extreme cases - physical aggression, confirmed cheating, blatant harassment - the referee may declare an immediate match forfeit or tournament disqualification.
WRPSA events use standard tournament brackets. Most events are single-elimination, though organizers may use double-elimination, Swiss rounds, or group stages that feed into a knockout bracket. The format and seeding rules are announced before the event.
In elimination brackets, the winner of each match advances. In group or Swiss play, players advance by points or standings. Ties are broken by head-to-head record or additional RPS throws.
Because each match uses an odd number of rounds and ties are replayed, there is no need for a separate "sudden death" mechanic.
A certified WRPSA referee oversees each competitive match. The referee enforces rules, calls fouls, and determines the winner of each round. Their ruling is final during play.
A player who believes a serious rule violation occurred may file a formal protest immediately after the match. Tournament officials review evidence - video, witnesses, device logs - and may overturn results only for clear rule breaches. Subjective complaints generally do not change outcomes.
Yes. At the competitive level, RPS involves pattern recognition, psychology, and real-time decision-making under pressure. The WRPSA has run professional tournaments since 2015 with structured brackets, certified referees, and Elo-based rankings.
It's a tie (stalemate). The round is replayed immediately with no limit on replays.
Not in official WRPSA competition. Only Rock, Paper, and Scissors are legal. See RPS Variations for fun alternatives.
Create a free WRPSA account, then browse upcoming tournaments and register directly.
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