North Central students get serious about rock paper scissors

Rock paper scissors may be fun, but it's more than just a game for the Association of Student Communicators at North Central College.

It demonstrates what the communications group is all about. It raises money for a cause.

And it can be fairly competitive. The student group had its second Rock Paper Scissors Challenge Wednesday night.

"We're trying to take it pretty seriously," said Angela Hager, event manager for the student group. "We want to follow the official guidelines of the (World Rock Paper Scissors) Society, so we're following the strict rules."

More Coverage Video Rock paper scissors competition

The evening began with a competitive match -- team The Best took on the Scissors Slammers, who came to the ring with exercise gear and intimidation techniques. Dustin Moon of the Scissors Slammers explained the team's decision to wear outfits.

"I got invited to play, so #8230; go hard or go home, right?" Moon said.

For the Scissors Slammers, it was go hard and go home. The team eventually was eliminated.

"We're ashamed of our performance," he said, "but we'll be back next year with a vengeance."

Until now, the tournament has not been an annual event. The communications group hosted a similar challenge two years ago and resurrected the idea this year.

"We decided to do it again because the idea is such a good one," said Barrie Mason, faculty adviser for the communications group. "We are also starting some outreach. ASC wanted to serve the community, so this event has become a fundraiser."

Registration was $5 at the door or $4 if teams signed up in advance. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the night's event will go to Literacy Volunteers of DuPage, a non-profit organization that tutors adults in English skills.

"As a communication organization, the literacy organization seemed like a good fit," Mason said.

Before each round, competing teams entered the ring and elected a representative to play first. Teams could switch players after each round.

After shaking hands, opponents faced off and made their throws - rock, paper or scissors. Each match was played as the best of three out of five rounds. Teams were gradually eliminated until only two were left.

By the end of the competition, which involved about six teams, the crowd was on its feet cheering for the final competitors. Referees maintained order while the announcer called out the score.

Everyone had fun, but one team emerged victorious.

Kelly Ator, Amy Krenn, Melissa Warren and Jessica Kapfhammer formed the winning team named for their residence hall and floor, Rall 3rd South.

"We just came here to have fun," Ator said. "But I think our adrenaline pulled us through."

The team collected its prizes -- a $30 gift certificate to downtown Naperville, three coupons to Jamba Juice and a hand-painted rock trophy. Second- and third-place winners received similar awards.

With the success of the event, members of the student group demonstrated and shared their passion for communication. Though some may laugh at the idea, the game of rock paper scissors is considered a sophisticated pastime by the World RPS Society.

"Rock paper scissors is a really straightforward communication tool, as well as involving the non-verbal communication of reading your partner," Mason said. "It also has the wonderful sense of fun and engagement that communication really can be, and we're an outgoing kind of group. I think it's perfect."

Rules of the game

Looking to host your own rock paper scissors challenge? Here are some rules and strategies from "The Official Rock Paper Scissors Strategy Guide" by Douglas and Graham Walker:

Rules

Match: Played as the best three out of five throws

Stalemate: When both players throw the same symbol; does not count as a throw and the round continues; there are no limits to stalemates

Player positioning: Players stand opposite each other with one outstretched fist at waist height with a distance between their fists of no more than two cubits, with a cubit being the distance between tip of middle finger and forearm

Illegal throws: Anything other than rock, paper or scissors may be grounds for disqualification

Strategies

Avalanche (rock, rock, rock): "A subtle, yet aggressive gambit. It was the first of the triple gambits developed in the early 1890s. The Avalanche is a relentless and devastating offensive maneuver; executing it requires bravado bordering on recklessness."

The Crescendo (paper, scissors, rock): "The slow-building nature of this gambit makes it a very elegant opening series."

Scissor Sandwich (paper, scissors, paper): "An invasive and devious gambit. Its main purpose is to unsettle the opponent through the use of the concealed scissors."