Word RPS

Each round of Word RPS consists of the two players choosing any letter (from A to Z, or space), and then revealing their choice.

Points are won in RPS style, with letters from A to I beating letters from J to R, letters from J to R beating letters from S to Z and space, and letters from S to Z and space beating letters from A to I.

So far, the game is exactly equivalent to normal RPS, where {A to I} = rock, {J to R} = scissors and {S to Z, space} = paper.

The twist is that players must also spell out words with their throws (using space to complete one word and start another).

If a player makes a choice that prevents him from spelling a word (or complete a word with space), and his opponent challenges, he loses the match. However, a player who challenges incorrectly also loses the match.

Example match - first to two points wins:

Round 1:

Player 1 - B
Player 2 - C

- tie

Round 2:

Player 1 - BU
Player 2 - CA

- player 1 wins a point

Round 3:

Player 1 - BUN
Player 2 - CAC

- player 2 wins a point

Here, for example, player 2 may expect player 1 to either play S (for BUNS) or space (to complete BUN_) next, so figures that he can win by choosing a J-R letter. However,

Round 4:

Player 1 - BUND (towards 'bundle')
Player 2 - CACK (towards 'cackle')

and player 1 wins by two points to one.

Example match 2:

Round 1:

Player 1: P
Player 2: D

- player 2 wins a point

Round 2:

Player 1: PR
Player 2: DJ

- player 1 challenges, thinking there are no words beginning DJ-
- player 2 says he was thinking of the word 'djinni', an alternative spelling of 'genie'. Since this is an acceptable word, player 2 wins.

Word RPS combines the RPS scoring system with a splash of logic (figuring out what letters your opponent is most likely to choose next) and vocabulary (being able to surprise your opponent with unusual choices of letters, or lure them into an incorrect challenge). People who enjoy playing Ghost will probably enjoy this game too.

An optional variant would require players to make valid phrases/sentences, as well as valid words (e.g. "my_cat_is" would be allowed but "my_is_cat" would not).