weird throw

[srn347]

Once when I was playing rps and I was about to either choose paper or scissors(I was unsure of what next to throw) I threw something that wasn't even an official throw. I had the index and middle finger pointed forwards like scissors, but my other two fingers were horizontally pointed outwards at a 90 degree angle to the other two scissors. Why did I do that weird throw? Any ideas?

[Master Roshambollah]

I have seen this throw before;  it is called "spaz."  It usually happens when a novice player is flustered at their first tournament, but even seasoned pros have been known to "throw spaz" from time to time.

During my competitive years, I would plan on facing a player throwing "spaz" at least once during a tournament.  This was always extremely valuable, as it showed clearly my opponent's frame of mind.  Also, given the chance against an inexperienced ref, one can pull a "John McEnroe" and complain bitterly about use of an illegal throw (e.g., "Did you see that?  He just threw dynamite!  Are you going to let that stand?")  Usually a ref will warn the other player, meaning that if they throw spaz again, they will most likely recieve a penalty.

The best prophylaxis against spaz is to simply train in your throws, slowly at first and then more quickly; form first, speed second.  After a while, the throws will become second nature and you can move on to strategy and eventually tactical use of stylized throws (palm up paper, subliminal scissors, "Coney Island" paper, etc.)

Advanced players can also intentionally use spaz for subterfuge, intel gathering, and counterintel, but this practice is beyond the scope of this elementary treatise.

[srn347]

Subterfuge, intel gathering, and counterintel? Somehow it seems that there is always more to know. What are subterfuge, intel gathering, and counterintel though?

[Master Roshambollah]

Subterfuge is when you throw spaz in order to convince your opponent that you're an unskilled rube, thus getting them to underestimate you. 

Intel gathering is when you throw spaz in order to see, penalty-free, what your opponent would have thrown.  This often yields volumes of information as to your opponent's game plan.

Counterintel is when you throw spaz in order to prevent your opponent from gaining any useful information from you, at least during the round where it is thrown.

There are many other forms of subterfuge, intel gathering, and counterintel, but these are the main ways these topics relate to throwing "spaz."

[srn347]

Wow, that is advanced. And now I have to invent a new advanced tactic just to keep up with you.