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Icebreaker

Rock Paper Scissors Tournament

Also called Bato-Bato-Pik, Jack en Poy, Rock Paper Scissors Cheerleader, Roshambo Champion

Pairs play rock-paper-scissors; each loser becomes the winner's cheerleader until two players face off with the whole room screaming.

people
10–300
time
10 min
energy
High
materials
No materials
Kids-safeHR-safeChurch-safe
Watch it played
How to play4

Before you start

Everyone stands in an open space. Agree on the count out loud before starting so nobody argues later (“Bato, bato, pik!” or “Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!”).

  1. 1Everyone finds a partner and plays one best-of-three match.
  2. 2The loser becomes the winner's cheerleader, standing behind them and chanting their name.
  3. 3Winners find another winner and play again; the loser and their whole cheering section join the new winner.
  4. 4Keep going until two players remain, each with half the room behind them. The final is best of three.
What to say3
  1. 1“Find a partner! Bato, bato, pik — best of three, go!”
  2. 2“Lost? Don't sulk — you're now their biggest fan. Cheer!”
  3. 3“Two players left and the whole room behind them. Final round!”
Host tips3
  • With an odd number someone gets stuck without an opponent. Tell people to raise their hand when they are free so winners can find each other fast.
  • Late throws cause arguments in the final. Have both finalists play facing you so you can judge, and replay any throw you are not sure about.
  • The middle rounds can stall while winners wander. Shout “Winners, hands up!” every 30 seconds so they spot each other.
Variants2

  • Train

    Cheerleaders hold the shoulders of the person in front, so the winner drags a growing train around the room.

  • Team captains

    Run it with team captains only, as a quick way to decide who picks first or which team gets the bigger prize.

Safety1
  • The train variant has people holding shoulders and running — keep it at walking pace and skip it with seniors or small kids in the mix.
Good for

Occasions

Team buildingChristmasSchoolRetreatReunionFiesta

Venues

Indoor, largeOutdoorOfficeChurch hall
If this one dies early2