Are you confident in your ability to win at rock-paper-scissors? When we can’t resolve things through discussion, we often turn to rock-paper-scissors for a fair decision. For example, when several people are vying for the last dessert or deciding the order to enter a haunted house. While the outcome is left to chance, it’s still exciting to win, isn’t it? This time, let’s learn how to win at rock-paper-scissors through the Japanese manga “HUNTER×HUNTER” by Yoshihiro Togashi!
What kind of manga is HUNTER×HUNTER?
It is an adventure story about a young boy named Gon Freecss who strives to become a Hunter, the same profession as his father, while growing and competing alongside his friends.
Yoshihiro Togashi. 1998. HUNTER×HUNTER. Japan: Shueisha
Isn’t Rock-Paper-Scissors Based on Luck?
The answer is no. In fact, rock-paper-scissors is a psychological battle where you can increase your chances of winning by reading your opponent’s mind. First, let’s take a closer look using HUNTER×HUNTER as an example.
The protagonist, Gon Freecss, takes an exam to become a Hunter along with three companions who also aspire to be Hunters. In the third phase of the exam, one of Gon’s companions, Leorio Paradinight, faces off against a female examiner named Leroute in a game of rock-paper-scissors. During this, a boy named Kurapika makes the following statement:
“Considering rock-paper-scissors as merely a game of probability, the chance of losing is only one-third. However, if your opponent reads your mind and controls you, the chances of losing significantly increase.”
Yoshihiro Togashi. Episodes11. HUNTER×HUNTER. Japan: MADHOUSE
In other words, if you can read your opponent’s mind, you can increase your chances of winning at rock-paper-scissors.
So, how do you read your opponent’s mind? First, observe your opponent’s characteristics closely!
Characteristics of People Who Tend to Choose Rock
・Honest and cooperative
・Passionate type
・The image of a sports team captain or a respected senior or boss
Characteristics of People Who Tend to Choose Paper
・Cheerful personality
・Trusting of others
・In a relaxed state of mind
Characteristics of People Who Tend to Choose Scissors
・Intelligent
・Nervous type
・The image of an inventor, entrepreneur, or salesperson
Rie Ueki. “Can You Understand Your Opponent by What They Play in Rock-Paper-Scissors? Psychology of Reading Inner Traits.” eyecity. https://www.eyecity.jp/eye_psychology/vol47/
So, have you determined what kind of person your opponent is?
Now it’s time for the match! Reading your opponent’s mind is important, but first, you need to calm your own ind. A character named Tonpa says,
“In gambling, someone who thinks about losing can never win.”
Yoshihiro Togashi. Episodes11. HUNTER×HUNTER. Japan: MADHOUSE
Before deciding whether to play rock, paper, or scissors, strongly imagine yourself winning.
Next, decide what to throw. Many people probably feel nervous before a match. And nervous people find it psychologically difficult to throw paper. A boy named Kurapika explains,
“Nervous people tend to unconsciously avoid the act of opening their hand.”
Yoshihiro Togashi. Episodes11. HUNTER×HUNTER. Japan: MADHOUSE
Therefore, if you throw rock, you won’t lose. This is because your opponent will likely throw rock or scissors.
Finally, here is a special technique for when the match ends in a tie!Finally, here is a special technique for when the match ends in a tie!
The technique is to declare what you will throw next and then follow through with it.
If your opponent declares, “I will throw paper!” how would you feel? If you trust what your opponent says and throw scissors, you might imagine losing. Thus, if you throw what you declared, paper, you won’t lose. This is because your opponent will throw either paper or rock.
Japan Rock-Paper-Scissors Association. “Rules for Victory.” https://japan-rps.jimdofree.com/日本じゃんけん協会とは/
Summary
By practicing these methods, you too can win at rock-paper-scissors with the calm judgment of Kurapika! On the other hand, it was very clear and amusing to see Leorio Paradinight, with his easily readable personality, get cornered as his opponent read his mind.