Rock-Paper-Scissors: Five Lives

This elimination energiser game transforms the classic Rock-Paper-Scissors into a dynamic whole-group experience that builds excitement through progressive physical challenges and competitive elimination. Participants develop resilience and good sportsmanship whilst creating laughter through the increasingly challenging body positions and unexpected reversals of fortune. Rock-Paper-Scissors: Five Lives functions as both a fun, large group game and competitive partner game, generating high energy through familiar gameplay combined with unique physical progression elements. The multiple lives system allows for comebacks, whilst the elimination format creates natural excitement and conclusion points.

Rock-Paper-Scissors: Five Lives – Elimination Energiser Game

1. Form into pairs.
2. Clearly establish a standard ‘Rock-Paper-Scissors’ protocol for everyone to follow.
3. By demonstration, explain that with each and every round played, the winner advances up one level, and the loser goes down one level.
4. Everyone starts by standing on their two feet, facing their partner.
5. After the first round, the ‘loser’ will play their next round kneeling on one knee.
6. With each successive loss, the next three lower levels of play are:
   – Kneel on both knees;
   – Sit on one’s bottom; and
   – Lie on one’s back.
7. Ordinarily, individuals move up and down the levels (up when they win, down when they lose) several times during the contest.
8. When an individual loses a round from the position of lying on their back, they are eliminated from the game.
9. Play several rounds and/or swap partners.