Extreme Rock, Paper, Scissors

As the facilitator of the Extreme Rock, Paper, Scissors icebreaker, I aim to engage participants in a fun and interactive competition that helps break the ice and fosters camaraderie. This game is a heightened version of the classic rock, paper, scissors, designed for large groups of 15 or more people, ideally aged 12 and up. The purpose of this activity is to promote friendly competition while encouraging team spirit and support among players.

Extreme Rock, Paper, Scissors unfolds in a tournament-style format, where participants face off in pairs, with the winners progressing to the next round and the losers cheering on their victorious opponents. This process continues until only two players remain, vying for the title of champion in the final showdown. The last person standing is declared the winner, earning the bragging rights and admiration of the entire group.

This icebreaker requires no special materials, making it an accessible and cost-effective way to energize a gathering. By incorporating elements of competition, collaboration, and support, Extreme Rock, Paper, Scissors creates a lively atmosphere that helps participants connect with one another, ensuring an enjoyable and memorable experience for all involved.

1. Pair up all members of the group for the first round of rock, paper, scissors. Add an extra person to another pair if there’s an odd number, or have them act as a referee with you.
2. Each pair plays 3 games, and the best 2 out of 3 moves on to the next round. The losers become cheerleaders for the winner and follow them to their next game.
3. Winners face off against each other in subsequent rounds, while the ones they beat cheer for them. Losing players join the cheering section of the winning player they previously faced.
4. Repeat the elimination process until only two players remain. Let them play the final match, with all other players cheering for their favorite.
5. (Optional) If there’s an odd number of people and you want to reset the game, have the winner of the last game stand aside as a referee, giving another player the chance to win instead.
6. The last person standing in this tournament is the winner. They must not lose against any player from the beginning to the end of the game. A small prize can be awarded to the winner if you choose.

• Hands: Used to play rock, paper, scissors with other players
• People: A group of 15 or more individuals participating in the game
• Large open space: Necessary for pairs to move around and face off against each other during the tournament matches
• Optional (for odd number of people): A small prize awarded to the winner, acting as an incentive and providing a sense of accomplishment.

To set up for the Extreme Rock, Paper, Scissors icebreaker activity, you will need to find a large or extra-large space that can accommodate 15 or more people. It’s best if the area is open and has enough room for people to move around easily.

Next, you will need to divide the group into pairs and explain the rules of the game. You should act as a referee during the first round of matches to resolve any disputes or confusions.

After each match, the losers should start cheering for the winner and follow them to their next game. Instruct the winners to form new pairs and face off against each other while their supporters cheer them on.

Repeat this process in elimination, tournament style, until there are only two players left. These two players will compete in the final match, with all the other players cheering for them. The game is over after one player wins the final match.

If you have an odd number of people and want to reset the game, have the winner of the last game stand aside as a referee with you to give another player the chance to win.

It’s important to note that no special materials are required for this icebreaker activity. The focus is on creating an engaging and interactive way for participants to get to know each other and have fun.

1. Gather participants in pairs: I ask each member of the group to pair up for the first round of rock, paper, scissors. If there is an odd number, I add the extra person to another pair and have them do a quick knock-out match to form a pair. Alternatively, I can ask for a volunteer to participate as a referee with me.
2. Play three games per pair: I tell participants to play 3 games, and the best 2 out of 3 will be the winner. I act as a referee during this time in case there are any disputes or confusions.
3. Instruct losers to cheer for winners: I ask the losers of each match to start cheering the name of the person who beat them and follow that person around to their next game.
4. Pair up winners and repeat: I have all the winners pair up and face off against each other while the ones they beat are cheering for them. When one winner beats the other, all the people behind the losing player start cheering for the winning player.
5. Continue in elimination style: I repeat this process in elimination, tournament style, until there are only two players left. Each should have a large group of people cheering them on from their previous wins. I let them play the final match. The game is over after one player wins the final match.
6. Reset the game (optional): If I have an odd number of people and want to reset the game, I ask the winner of the last game to stand aside as a referee with me to give another player the chance to win instead.
7. Determine the winner: The last person standing in this tournament is the winner. They must not lose against any player from the beginning to the end of the game. At the end, the winning player should have all the other players cheering for them. I can award a small prize to the winner if I choose, or reset the game and play again.

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• Encourages social interaction: By having to cheer on the winners of their matches, players are encouraged to engage with one another and build connections. This can help create a positive and inclusive group dynamic.
• Improves communication skills: The game requires players to clearly communicate their moves in rock, paper, scissors, which can help improve their overall communication skills. It also gives them the opportunity to practice cheering for others, which can help them become more comfortable speaking up in front of a group.
• Boosts confidence and self-esteem: By participating in a tournament style game, players have the chance to experience small wins along the way. These wins can help boost their confidence and self-esteem, making them feel more comfortable and engaged in the group setting.
• Provides a fun and engaging activity: Extreme Rock, Paper, Scissors is a simple yet exciting game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. It’s a great way to break the ice and get everyone laughing and having fun together.
• Encourages good sportsmanship: The game requires players to handle both winning and losing gracefully, which can help promote good sportsmanship. This is an important skill for players to learn, as it can help them navigate social situations both on and off the playing field.

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• Teamwork: By cheering on the winners of each match, players practice supporting and working together towards a common goal. This helps build a sense of camaraderie and collaboration within the group.
• Communication: Clear communication is essential when playing Extreme Rock, Paper, Scissors. Players need to effectively convey their cheers and encouragement to boost the morale of their chosen representatives.
• Sportsmanship: Losing gracefully and cheering for others are important aspects of this game. Practicing good sportsmanship promotes a positive atmosphere and fosters respect among group members.
• Problem-solving: In case of disputes or confusions, players must quickly come up with solutions to maintain fairness and ensure smooth gameplay. This enhances their critical thinking skills and adaptability.
• Competitive spirit: Engaging in a friendly competition encourages players to strive for success and gives them an opportunity to develop their strategic thinking when choosing between rock, paper, or scissors.
• Self-confidence: Standing up against others and potentially winning builds self-assurance and resilience in individuals, which can positively impact their participation in future group activities.

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I enjoy the Extreme Rock, Paper, Scissors icebreaker because it is a simple yet engaging game that can be played anywhere without requiring any special materials. This accessibility makes it an ideal choice for large groups, and its competitive nature encourages active participation from everyone involved.

What I like most about this game is the way it builds camaraderie among participants. By having losers cheer on their winners in each round, players form connections with one another and create a supportive environment. This aspect promotes inclusivity and helps break down social barriers, making it easier for people to feel comfortable around each other.

Additionally, the tournament-style elimination process keeps things exciting and unpredictable. As the number of participants dwindles, the tension builds, culminating in an intense final match that leaves everyone on edge. This element of suspense keeps players invested in the game and creates a fun, memorable experience for all involved.

Overall, I find the Extreme Rock, Paper, Scissors icebreaker to be an excellent way to engage large groups in a lighthearted competition while fostering connections and camaraderie among participants.

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• Tip: Use hand signals instead of verbal commands Using hand signals to represent rock, paper, and scissors can help ensure that everyone can participate, including those who may have hearing impairments or language barriers. This also makes the game more inclusive for non-verbal individuals.
• Tip: Offer a variety of cheering options Instead of requiring losers to cheer for their winners, provide different ways for participants to show support, such as clapping, thumbs up, or waving pom-poms. This can help accommodate individuals who may not feel comfortable with loud cheering or physical contact.
• Tip: Provide a quiet space for those needing a break Designate an area where participants can take a break from the noise and excitement of the game if needed. This can be particularly helpful for those with sensory processing challenges or anxiety disorders.
• Tip: Encourage positive sportsmanship Model and reinforce positive behaviors, such as congratulating opponents, respecting everyone’s efforts, and avoiding negative comments. This creates a more inclusive environment where all participants feel valued and respected.
• Tip: Adapt the game for different abilities Consider offering alternative versions of the game to accommodate individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities. For example, you could use larger hand signals, simplify the rules, or allow extra time between rounds.

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1. What did you enjoy most about playing Extreme Rock, Paper, Scissors? This question can help participants reflect on the positive aspects of the game and the fun they had while playing.
2. How did it feel to be cheered on by your fellow group members? By asking this question, facilitators can encourage participants to consider how support and encouragement from others can impact their emotions and motivation during an activity.
3. Did you find any strategies or techniques that helped you win your matches? If so, what were they? This question can help participants think critically about the game and identify effective strategies that could be applied in future situations.
4. How did you react when you were eliminated from the game? This question can help facilitators gauge how participants handle competition and defeat, providing insight into their resilience and sportsmanship.
5. What do you think this activity reveals about teamwork and collaboration? By reflecting on the importance of teamwork in cheering for fellow group members, participants can recognize the value of collaboration and unity in a group setting.
6. How might you apply the lessons learned from this icebreaker to real-life situations or challenges? This question encourages participants to think about transferable skills they’ve gained during the game, such as resilience, communication, and sportsmanship, and consider how these can be applied in various aspects of their lives.

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