20 Across

NYT Daily • August 15, 2025

Rock alternative

Answer:

PAPER

Hint:

It beats rock but loses to scissors in a classic game.

Explanation:

This clue plays on the classic game "Rock, Paper, Scissors," where "paper" is the choice that beats "rock." The word "alternative" hints that you're looking for something that serves as an opposite or replacement to "rock" in that context. It’s a straightforward pun—no deeper meaning, just a clever twist on a familiar phrase.

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