Hana-ppaegi: show two, take one away
Hana-ppaegi (하나빼기) is a Korean twist on rock paper scissors played with both hands. Each player shows two different hands, both players see all four, and then each takes one hand away. The two hands left play rock paper scissors.
How to play Hana-ppaegi
- Each player shows two hands at once, one per hand, for example rock and paper.
- Both players look at the four hands on the table.
- On the call "hana ppaegi!" each player pulls one hand back.
- The two remaining hands play rock paper scissors. A tie starts a new round.
What the name means
"Hana" is one and "ppaegi" is taking away: take one away. It's a game of reading your opponent, because you see their options before you choose yours.
Hana-ppaegi strategy
Some pairs are better than others. If you hold rock and paper and they hold scissors and paper, keeping paper can only tie or lose. Never keep a hand that can't do better than your other one, and when neither side has such a hand, mix your choice so you can't be read.
Playing Hana-ppaegi on Janken
Pick your two hands, see your opponent's, then you have five seconds to keep one. Play to 1, 2 or 3 points against a bot or online. Hana-ppaegi games are casual.
Questions
Can I show the same hand twice?
On Janken the two hands must be different, so there is always a real choice to make.
What does hana-ppaegi mean?
"Take one away" in Korean.
Is there a best hand to keep?
Sometimes: a hand that can only tie or lose against their two is never worth keeping. Otherwise, it's a guess about what they will keep.