Help support TMP


Glossary Entry


Glossary provides definitions for uncommon wargaming or military history terms.


Back to the Glossary


Areas of Interest

General

Featured Hobby News Article


Featured Link


Featured Showcase Article

Red Sable Brushes from Miniaturelovers

Hobby brushes direct from Sri Lanka.


Featured Workbench Article

Vegetation on the Cheap

Making terrain can be quick and inexpensive.


Featured Profile Article

Cheap Wood Trays

Useful for dice trays or carrying painting supplies around.


Current Poll


1,138,195 hits since 29 Dec 2010
©1994-2024 Bill Armintrout
Comments or corrections?

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.