Rock paper scissors is a classic hand game that has been around for centuries. It’s easy to learn, fun to play, and now you can even play against artificial intelligence (AI)! In this guide, I’ll explain how to use rock paper scissors AI is and how you beat it to improve your game skills.
What is Rock Paper Scissors AI?
Rock paper scissors is normally played between two human players. Each player makes a hand gesture representing rock (a closed fist), paper (flat hand), or scissors (two fingers apart). The rules are:
- Rock beats scissors
- Scissors beats paper
- Paper beats rock
Rock paper scissors AI replaces one of the human players with a computer program. The AI observes your moves and uses machine learning to detect patterns in how you play. It can then anticipate your next moves and counter them to win more games.
The great thing about rock paper scissors AI is that it makes an ancient hand game feel new and challenging again. Instead of just playing by chance, you have to use strategy to outwit the AI’s pattern recognition.
How To Use Rock Paper Scissors AI?
You can find many free online rock paper scissors AI games with a quick search. They typically have a simple interface where you click buttons to make your move, while the AI instantly responds with its counter move.
I recommend starting with these steps:
- Play a few rounds completely at random to get a feel for the gameplay
- Watch how the AI starts to predict your random moves over time
- Take notes on what patterns the AI seems to be picking up on
Once you understand how the AI learns, you can start experimenting with different tactics to beat it consistently.
The rules are just like the classic hand game:
- Start by selecting “rock”, “scissors” or “paper”
- Keep making moves and the AI will respond
- The first to spot a pattern in the other’s moves can start to predict and counter them
To really see the AI’s pattern recognition in action, you’ll want to create obvious, repeating sequences like:
- Rock, rock, rock, rock, etc.
- Rock, scissors, rock, scissors, etc.
- Rock, scissors, paper, rock, scissors, paper, etc.
- Paper, paper, paper, paper, etc.
Once you’ve established a clear pattern, the AI will catch on and you’ll see it start beating you consistently. That’s when the real fun begins!
Tactics to Beat the Rock Paper Scissors AI
The core strategy for beating rock paper scissors AI is to avoid letting it detect a pattern in your gameplay. You can do this in several ways:
Create False Patterns
Start by intentionally playing a few moves in a repeated sequence, like rock-paper-scissors on repeat. The AI will eventually catch on and start beating this pattern. Then, suddenly change up your sequence or start playing randomly again to throw it off.
For example:
- Play: Rock, paper, scissors, rock, paper, scissors
- When the AI starts beating this, switch to: Scissors, rock, paper, paper, rock
- Keep switching patterns whenever it catches on
Play to Create Ties
The AI is focused on beating your perceived pattern. If you pick moves intended to tie the AI’s counter instead of beating it, this can break the pattern and confuse the machine.
So if you see the pattern is rock, paper, scissors and the AI is countering with paper, rock, scissors… Instead of trying to beat the AI’s “scissors” with “rock”, you can play “scissors” as well to intentionally create a tie.
Mix Deliberate and Random Moves
Combine sequences of deliberate, patterned moves with occasional totally random moves. This mixed approach is harder for the AI to predict.
The more you can mix up predictable patterned gameplay with bursts of randomness, the harder it will be for the AI’s machine learning to keep up.
Recognize the AI’s Adjustments
Pay attention when the AI starts beating your tactics consistently. That’s a sign it has adjusted and you need to switch up your approach again. Beating rock paper scissors AI is a constant cycle of change and adjustment.
Take Breaks and Restart
If the AI seems to have you firmly figured out, your best move may be to stop playing for a while and restart the game fresh later. This resets its machine learning process so you can start over.
Have Fun and Keep Practicing!
At the end of the day, rock paper scissors AI is just a cool twist on a classic game that’s meant to be fun. Don’t get too competitive or frustrated – see it as a learning opportunity to exercise your strategic thinking skills.
The more you play and experiment with different mindgames, the better you’ll get at tripping up the machine learning algorithm. Who knows, you may even develop game-breaking tactics that force the developers to update the AI!
So go find an online rock paper scissors AI, start playing, and most importantly, have fun with this unique mashup of ancient game and modern technology. Your brain will thank you for the mental workout!