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Glossary provides definitions for uncommon wargaming or military history terms.

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Rock Paper Scissors

Concept in rule mechanics where one factor negates or balances-out another, but is in turn negated or counter-balanced by a third.
Named, obviously, for the hand game in which rock blunts scissors, scissors cut paper, & paper covers rock.
The idea can be seen in Napoleonic formations, where Line moves slowly, but maximises firepower, Columns travel fast, but perform less shooting, Square counters cavalry but is vulnerable to artillery, (and vice versa for Open Order.)

Original definition 23 September 2011 2:49 AM by Norman D Landings .