How To Week Continues . . .

Many of life's most important decisions are often made with a quick game of "rock, paper, scissors." Fortunately, you no longer need to allow chance to decide who gets the last piece of pumpkin pie--or who gets to see if the police are still waiting outside.

The genuises at mentalfloss.com have created a handy list of tips for winning against amateur "rock, paper, scissors" players. (In case you're wondering, there are actually professionals.) A sample of some of their advice:

" . . . males have a tendency to lead with Rock on their opening throw. It has a lot to do with idea that Rock is perceived as 'strong” and forceful', so guys tend to fall back on it. Use this knowledge to take an easy first win by playing Paper."

Great stuff. But if a little insider information isn't enough to ensure victory, less scrupulous players can check out this quick guide to cheating.

On a related note, be sure to read the fabulous story of a multi-million dollar art deal that was decided by a game of "rock, paper, scissors." The winning party borrowed its strategy from eleven-year-old twins Flora and Alice Maclean. The losers? The poor suckers thought it was just a game of chance.