Most people are familiar with the game Rock, Paper, Scissors – a simple game where two participants compete with hand gestures representing each of the aforementioned objects, and a simple set of rules for determining which object beats the other.

Recently I came across an extended version of the game called Rock,Paper,Scissors,Lizard,Spock which appears to have first appeared on The Big Bang Theory. As you might expect, this version of the game introduces two additional hand gestures; Lizard and Spock. The game also has a more complex set of rules governing which object beat others.

I’ve added this game as an energiser to the end of some of my daily team standups with great success. It’s quick, gets everyone involved and teams really seem to love it.

There are different ways to play this game but the best way I’ve found is to get the team members to pair up and compete in a best of three competition.  The winners then go through to the next round and compete against the other winners.  With a team of eight you’ll only need to play three rounds, which you should be able to complete easily within three minutes. At the end you can crown the victorious winner for the day.

So there you have it. A quick, fun game to get the team motivated in the morning.  I’ve made this a regular energiser for one of my teams and play it at at least one standup a fortnight.  Have fun trying it out with your teams!