RSS SPIRIT

Let hand be flexible as bamboo and sting as hard



In the news recently was a story about how a famous auction house settled a dispute between two dealers - by having them duke it out with a game the French Canadians like to call, Rochambeau.

For those unfamiliar with this great time waster, begin the game with two (or more) opponents. Each at the count of three throws out, by means of standard hand symbols, either rock, paper, or scissor. Rock beats scissor beats paper beats rock.

During their lifetime most Americans will need to play high stakes RPS. Or as the thirteenth century Germans called it: stone, pulp and shear. (That previous statement not technically true in that I made it up.) As Americans who have embraced a newfound need for preparedness, let us take a moment to consider our own RPS strategy. If we can keep our skills sharp, we will be able to whip out a winning hand when literally, "the baby needs a new pair of shoes."

I think it is helpful to consider the fundamentals of the game. RPS is in large part a mental contest. The potential for a "psych-out situation" is plump. I was reading about these competitive RPS tournaments; there is significant effort to "freak out" your opponent. So one's confidence is critical. Also one should think about "freaking out" his/her opponent. Wear a garish hat or mirror glasses. Any way to get a "sporting advantage" should be pursued.

Consider the type of RPS game being played. Is it a sudden death one off? The classic two-out-of-three? Or perhaps a longer struggle to clearly ascertain RPS dominance. I once played RPS to 100. Exhausting, truly. I do not believe in going in with a pre-ordained throw strategy. I think there needs to be room for improvisation; to adjust one's own strategy depending on an opponent's behavior.

The number one FAQ: What is the best first throw? In a perfect world there is no best first throw. From a "poker face" perspective your opponent should assume that there is an equal chance that rock, paper or scissor will get thrown. We all need to create a random rock, paper, scissor generator in our head; then nobody gets a read on us.

But I also know that a preset rhythm can win RPS matches; or at least put you in a position to win by knocking your opponent off balance. For instance, in a best of 7 throw 3 rock, paper, scissor and 2 rock to finish. Like common chess strategies, standard offensive parries can be implemented, then modified as the situation permits.

I acknowledge being merely an enthusiastic beginner at RPS. One thing I do know, we should all take a moment to think about our personal RPS philosophy and fundamental strategy. For one day we will likely be thrust into a fiery pit surrounded by blood hungry RPS fanatics. We will need to throw down a power Rochambeau, whether for art work, money, or to decide, once and for all, who is champion of the back of the number 66 bus.

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