GB2211750A

GB2211750A - Question-and-answer board games

Info

Publication number: GB2211750A
Application number: GB8825918A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William John Elliott; Irene Mabel Bunty Elliott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-11-04
Filing date: 1988-11-04
Publication date: 1989-07-12
Also published as: GB8825918D0

Abstract

Apparatus for playing a game comprises a map divided into a number of zones by a grid superimposed on the map. The zones are numbered and cards are provided which are numbered correspondingly. Each card bears a multiple-choice statement which corresponds to the area of the map included in the respective zone. The correct choice is indicated on the cards. The game is played by throwing a die, and moving a token accordingly on the board, a card being drawn which corresponds to the number of the zone occupied by the player. The multiple choice statement is read to the player, and if he identifies the correct choice, he is allowed a further move. <IMAGE>

Description

ABOARD GAME APPARATUS" BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to apparatus for playing a game.

Board games are known in which players move tokens on a board which is printed in the form of a map. The players are required to answer questions in order to progress around the board. The degree of difficulty of the questions in such games is often such that younger persons are discouraged from playing the game, and the possible educative value of the game is lost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the invention apparatus for playing a game comprises a map divided into a plurality of zones; a plurality of tokens adapted to be placed on the map and moved from zone to zone; and a set of cards, each card corresponding to a specific zone and bearing a multiple-choice statement relating to the area of the map included in that zone, the correct choice being indicated on the card.

Preferably two or more different cards are provided for each zone.

The multiple-choice statement on each card may relate to the geography, history, economy, demography or culture of the corresponding zone on the map.

The map may be printed on a board.

Preferably the zones are blocks defined by a grid which is superimposed on the map, each block being numbered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawing is a representation of a printed board included in apparatus according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawing, apparatus for playing a game includes a rectangular board 10 on which is printed a map of Southern Africa. A rectangular grid divides the board into numerous square blocks which are numbered consecutively. A box of cards (not shown) is divided into a number of compartments corresponding to the number of squares which overlie the mainland on the map. Each compartment contains several cards. Printed on each card is a multiplechoice statement which relates to the area bounded by the respective square of the grid. By Mmultiple- choice statement" is meant a statement, rather than a question as such, which contains two or more alternative words or phrases, only one of the words or phrases correctly completing the statement.The statements can relate to the geographical features found in the area defined by the square, or to demographic, economic, cultural or historical facts associated with the area. The correct choice i6 indicated on the card.

One example of an appropriate statement is the following: NPretoria is the (a) capital (b) largest seaport (c) southernmost city of South Africa", the correct choice being (a).

To use the apparatus, a number of players each place a token on the square numbered "1". Each player throws a die, and the first person to throw a "2", thereby landing on square "3", starts. Another player draws a card form the section of the box of cards corresponding to square "3", and reads out the multiple-choice statement which is printed thereon.

The choice which correctly completes the statement is printed on the card. If the player concerned identifies the correct choice, he may throw the die again, to move to a new square. When he makes an incorrect choice, his run comes to an end and another player's turn begins. Each player takes a turn in rotation and the game is played until one of the players reaches the last square on the board and chooses a correct statement, thus winning the game.

Certain squares are designated as BONUS or HANDICAP squares and assist or hinder the players movement on the board according to the specific instructions printed in that square. For example, a BONUS square say instruct the player to advance several squares, vhile a HANDICAP square may instruct the player to movie back several squares. Certain of the cards in the box are BONUS or HANDICAP cards and supplement the normal cards corresponding to the numbered squares. The instructions on the BONUS and HANDICAP squares and cards are also related to the areas bonded by the respective squares, to thereby improve the educative value of the game. Cards designated CHANCE are also provided and may be selected instead of the standard cards. The CHANCE cards contain instructions which are not necessarily related to the square on which the player has landed.

Because the cards bear a multiple-choice statement and not merely a question, players who do not know the correct answer can make a guess based on common sense or luck in attempting to identify the correct choice. This makes the game more entertaining for younger players, for example, pre-teenage players, and increases the educational value of the game.

Claims

1. Apparatus for playing a game comprising a map divided into a plurality of zones; a plurality of tokens adapted to be placed on the map and moved from zone to zone; and a set of cards, each card corresponding to a specific zone and bearing a multiple-choice statement relating to the area of the map included in that zone, the correct choice being indicated on the card.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein two or more different cards are provided for each zone.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the multiple-choice statement on each card relates to the geography, history, economy, demography or culture of the corresponding zone on the map.

4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the map is printed on a board.

5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the zones on the map are blocks defined by a grid which is superimposed on the map, each block being numbered.

6. Apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.