The Secret Garden of Rock-Paper-Scissors

Researchers and game designers have explored extending rock-paper-scissors beyond three options to create more complex and balanced games, with Rock-Paper-Scissors-Lizard-Spock being a well-known example. By allowing ties between identical choices, designers can create "weak tournaments" with diverse strategies, ranging from defensive "tanky" options to aggressive "glass cannon" approaches while maintaining mathematical balance. At higher player counts, dozens of balanced game variants become possible, each offering unique strategic dynamics and gameplay experiences.