Looking at the pattern so far, my opponent has alternated between paper and scissors in the four rounds (paper, scissors, paper, scissors). If this pattern continues, they're likely to play paper next. However, they might anticipate me recognizing this pattern and adjust their strategy. Since I've played rock twice in a row, they might expect me to continue with rock or switch to scissors. If they think I'll play rock again, they'll choose paper; if they think I'll switch to scissors, they might play rock. Given these considerations, paper is a strategic choice - it beats rock if they try to counter my potential scissors play, and ties if they stick with their alternating pattern of paper.