World RPS Society (Rock,Paper,Scissors ... RoShamBo ... Paper, Scissor, Stone ... etc.) ... I keep thinking it must be taking the piss, but there is so much to the website. Even a book sold on Amazon.com!!
http://www.worldrps.com/I especially love the Gambits:
http://www.worldrps.com/gambits.htmland the FAQ's:
http://www.worldrps.com/faq.htmlSome good ones:
5. This game goes by so many different names which one should I call it?
Officially, it is known as Rock Paper Scissors or its short form RPS. Casually, it is also known in parts of the world as Jenken, Jan Ken Pon, Roshambo, Shnik Shnak Shnuk, Ching Chong Chow, Farggling, Scissors Paper Stone, Scissors Rock Paper, among many others.
6. Isn't it kind of crazy to have a game that goes by so many names?
Indeed! The European and Americans "football' debate is minor compared to this. One of the mandates of the World RPS Society is name harmonization, so we would encourage all players to use the term Rock Paper Scissors or its short form RPS. We feel that this is the best way of helping the sport to grow in the future.
7. Does Rock crush Scissors or is Scissors dulled by Rock?
There is no clear answer to that question. Younger and aggressive (or American) players tend to favour the Rock crushing Scissors view. More liberal-minded players take the view that scissors are dulled by the Rock. The World RPS Society created a task force in 1987 with a hope of eventually resolving the issue but it has been locked in debate and we no longer hold much hope of quick resolution.
8. Why does paper cover rock?
While not exactly intuitive, the sympolic meaning of paper covering a rock dates back to ancient Chinese culture. When a petition was made to the Emperor, the petition was signified by a rock.Upon making a decision the Emperor would have his servants place a sheaf of paper either over or under the rock. If the sheaf was placed under the rock it would signify acceptance of the petition. If the sheaf was placed on top of the rock it signified denial of the petition. Over time the symbolic image of paper covering a rock became synonomous with defeat.