Rock, Paper, Scissors, Dynamite?

Thanks to del.icio.us for pointing me to the World Rock Paper Scissors Society ("Serving the Needs of Decision Makers Since 1918") and its handy guide to the myth that is the use of "dynamite" in the classic game of Rock Paper Scissors.

I must admit that I have been a dynamite user, having learned the art of RPS on the playgrounds of Pratt Elementary School in Malvern, Ark. But now I have seen the light and resolve to preach the anti-dynamite gospel.

Though the society has not officially ruled on the "most devisive issue in theoretical RPS," the Society says the introduction of dynamite disrupts the elegant mathematical harmony of the game. And what does paper do to dynamite? (Fuse burns paper, we always said.)

They quote a former World RPS executive vice chair of theoretical throws:

"The misconception of Dynamite still hangs above RPS games like a great Death's Head, forcing otherwise reasonable RPS players into a whirling vortex of circular arguments. Let it be known that The World RPS Society does not now, nor has it ever condoned the use of Dynamite in professional matches."

Glad that's cleared up.

The Myth of Dynamite Exposed [World RPS Society]