AU2007229311A1 - Word game and methods of conducting same - Google Patents

Description

WO 2007/106927 PCT/AU2007/000317 1 WORD GAME AND METHODS OF CONDUCTING SAME Field of the Invention: This invention relates to a word game and more particularly to a method of playing the game. The present invention relates to a game providing entertainment and educational value, and is an interactive game. Background of the Invention: Games have various formats and serve many purposes including entertainment, improving and enhancing skills. As an educational tool this type of game stimulates interest in learning by using a game format. Therefore, a game combining competition, entertainment and education also advances learning by increasing player participation. A known form of a word game is marketed under the name of Wheel of Fortune. Wheel of Fortune is played by each player successfully choosing letters of a word or phrase determined by a host person. Most word games on the market are expensive and can be quite complex. The present invention has been created in a more simple and inexpensive format to;allow people of all ages, education and levels of income, to participate. Said invention also provides a word game which can be played by two or more players. Summary of The Invention: The present invention provides a competitive, entertaining and educational game that is exciting, challenging and fun, with a wide appeal for both children and adults. This invention provides improvement in spelling, the meaning of words and enhances vocabulary.

WO 2007/106927 PCT/AU2007/000317 2 In accordance with the invention there is provided a method of playing a word game, wherein all players are each allocated a pack of cards containing alphabet cards having a numerical value corresponding to said letter of the alphabet on one side thereof, and blank cards having a blank symbol and a numerical value corresponding to said blank symbol on one side thereof. Upon commencement of play, each player forms a word of at least two letters, or as many as twelve letters, and places said cards face down from right to left so that said word when exposed can be read correctly by other players. Said players have the option of disguising said formed word with blank cards, face down with said alphabet cards. Said blank cards can only be used at the beginning and/or end of said formed word; said blank cards cannot be used as a substitute for any alphabet card.. Provided in said invention is one pack of activity cards for use by each player. Each of said activity cards designating an action to be taken by each player as their turn arises. Said game is completed when a final player is left with unexposed alphabet cards and/or blank cards. A scorer records the points gained by each player at the same time as, or after, said designated action is performed and also as said players expose each of their said alphabet and/or blank cards. Upon completion of said game, said players scores are summed determining the winning player. Where said final players word is not guessed by a player other than said final player, bonus points are allocated to said final player. Winning player is determined from said summed scores. For the reader's reference, applicants propose to market the word game under the brand name "Everyones Guess".

WO 2007/106927 PCT/AU2007/000317 3 Component Parts of Everyones Guess: 1 Box or Soft Bag - choice of customer 4 Sets of alphabet and blank cards - each pack containing 77 alphabet cards and 5 blank cards with numerical values thereon 1 Set of Activity Cards - this pack contains 60 cards 1 Rules Booklet 1 Educational Brochure - rules of basic game can be modified for children in a classroom situation, pre-school age children and the visually impaired. 1 Bookmark - depicting Everyones Guess SetUP: Said game should be played on a flat surface. Players should have a least 58cm width in front of them. Detailed Description: The present invention relates to an interactive word game. The present invention, more precisely, relates to an interactive word game whereby players try to guess each others word, one letter at a time. Said game comprises four packs of cards consisting of alphabet and blank symbol cards, (see Fig. 1,2,3,4). Each pack of cards being a different colour for ease of identification. Said game also comprises one pack of activity cards (see Fig. 5,6,7) designating an action to be taken by said players. Said game has also been designed to allow learning to occur in an enjoyable mode and is limited only by one's imagination. Said game can be modified for the visually impaired (see Fig 8) wherein the alphabet cards cards, the blank symbol on each of the blank cards, (see Fig 1,2,3,4) the action designated on each of the activity cards (see Fig 5,6,7) and the numerical value on each of the cards are written in Braille (see Fig. 8).

WO 2007/106927 PCT/AU2007/000317 4 Said game can be modified for use by pre-school age children who are unable to read well enough to play the game of the present invention. Simple words, eg 'cat', 'mat', 'rat' and like words can be used in conjunction with images of said words. Said game can be modified for use by younger children in a classroom environment using two letter words dependent upon their stage of learning. Said game can be modified to be used by both teachers and students in an extensive range of educational opportunities; covering most subjects which allows learning to occur in an enjoyable mode. An educational brochure is included in each game. In accordance with the invention there is provided a method of playing a word game, wherein all players are each allocated a pack of cards containing alphabet cards (see Fig. 1.2.3.4) and a numerical value corresponding to said alphabet on one side thereof, and blank cards having a blank symbol (see Fig.4) and a numerical value corresponding to said blank symbol on one side thereof. Upon commencement of play, each player forms a word of at least two letters, or as many as twelve letters, and places said cards face down from right to left so that said word when exposed can be read correctly by other players. Said players have the option of disguising said formed word with blank cards, face down with said alphabet cards. Said blank cards can only be used at the beginning and/or end of said formed word; said blank cards cannot be used as a substitute for any letter of the alphabet. Provided in this invention is one pack of activity cards for use by each player. Each of said activity cards designating an action to be taken by each player as their turn arises. Designated first player selects an activity card from said pack of activity cards and takes the action designated on said selected activity card. Said first player continues, asking any other player for an alphabet or blank card. When said first player chooses an incorrect alphabet or blank card, said first player's turn is complete; if said player has selected an activity card reading 'take an additional turn', WO 2007/106927 PCT/AU2007/000317 5 said player must select another activity card and proceed as before until an incorrect alphabet or blank card is selected. Thereafter each player in turn selects an activity card from said pack of activity cards as their turn arises, and takes the action designated on selected activity card. Said player continues asking any other player for an alphabet or blank card, completing their turn only when an incorrect choice is made; if said player has selected an activity card reading 'take an additional turn' said player must select another activity card and proceed as before until an incorrect alphabet or blank card has been selected. Interruption Rule: If a player thinks they can guess an opponent's word they may interrupt the player whose turn is in progress. Said player may only interrupt provided the word has five or more unexposed alphabet or blank cards. To do this said player must identify each alphabet or blank card one by one in the correct sequence. If said player is incorrect they will lose one hundred points, plus double the points of the alphabet or blank cards already exposed. Point scores are recorded for each correct alphabet or blank card exposed. One hundred bonus points are awarded if the word is completely exposed. However, the player whose turn is in progress can deny the interruption if they know the said word themselves, but they will lose one hundred points if in fact they cannot guess the word correctly. Said game is completed when a final player is left with unexposed alphabet and/or blank cards. A scorer records the points gained by each player at the same time as, or after, said designated action is performed and also as players expose each of their said alphabet and/or blank cards. Upon completion of said game, said players scores are summed determining the winning player. Where said final player's word is not guessed by a player other than said final player, bonus points are allocated to said final player. Winning player is determined from said summed scores.

WO 2007/106927 PCT/AU2007/000317 6 Brief Description of Drawings: Figure 1 of 8 shows the front and reverse sides of alphabet cards A to H Figure 2 of 8 shows the front and reverse sides of alphabet cards I to P Figure 3 of 8 shows the front and reverse sides of alphabet cards Q to X Figure 4 of 8 shows the front and reverse sides of alphabet cards Y to Z Figure 4 of 8 also shows the front and reverse sides of the blank symbol card Figure 5 of 8 shows the front and reverse sides of eight variations of the activity cards Figure 6 of 8 shows the front and reverse sides of eight variations of the activity cards Figure 7 of 8 shows the front and reverse sides of six variations of the activity cards Figure 8 of 8 shows Braille alphabet and numerals for use with the visually impaired Basic Game Play: 1. Before the game begins, players should agree upon a dictionary they will use in the case of a challenge. The basic game does not permit the use of proper nouns, abbreviations, prefixes and suffixes standing alone, words requiring a hyphen or an apostrophe. For educational purposes said game may be modified to suit particular ages. 2. Using one set of alphabet and blank cards, each player selects one card. The player with the letter closest to "Z" begins the game. 3. Each player forms a word of at least two letters by arranging said alphabet cards face down so as to spell said word without showing the letters of the alphabet of said word to any other players. 4. Said players have the option of disguising said formed word with blank cards arranged face down with said alphabet cards. 5. Said first player selects an activity card as their turn arises and takes the action designated on said selected activity card 6. Designated first player continues to ask any other player for an alphabet or blank card. Said players may have more than one alphabet or blank card asked for, WO 2007/106927 PCT/AU2007/000317 7 however, said players expose one of their choice. 7. If the guess is correct, said player continues asking any other player for an alphabet or blank card until an incorrect choice is made. In the case of said player having turned up an activity card reading 'take an additional turn', said player must select another activity card. Once said player's guess is incorrect, play moves to the next player. 8. As each player's words are exposed, said players remain in said game selecting an activity card as their turn arises, continuing to ask any other player for a letter of the alphabet or blank. 9. Said game continues until one player is left with unexposed cards. Said players have two more turns continuing to select activity cards (twice around the table). 10. If after these two final turns said last player still has unexposed cards, said last player earns the point score of each unexposed alphabet or blank card. Said last player also wins bonus points for successfully hiding their word. How To Win: The player whose word remains unexposed is not necessarily the winner. Winning is also based on a combination of bonus points, skills in choosing an opponents letters and ultimately guessing their word. The player with the highest score wins. If desired, additional games may be played and summed at the final game. Variation to Basic Play: As an educational tool proper nouns are permitted for theme related play, e.g., names of capital cities, countries, etc. In this present invention an educational brochure is provided; said brochure can be used by both teachers and students in a whole class situation. The present invention encourages students to extend their knowledge and vocabulary in an enjoyable mode. Alphabet letters may be used in any language, eg. Polish, German or French with the addition WO 2007/106927 PCT/AU2007/000317 8 of other letters for their specific language. Scoring: 1. A player who asks an opponent to expose an alphabet letter or blank receives the numerical value thereon of the exposed card. 2. A score is not recorded for any player when an activity card is selected which says "if you have a blank expose it". 3. If a player selects a card which says an opponent must expose an alphabet letter or blank card, said player whose turn it is receives the numerical value thereon In the course of play, if said player asks an opponent for a blank card, and said opponent does not have one, said player loses fifty points. 4. Whenever a player exposes an opponent's last alphabet letter or blank card, said player receives fifty bonus points. 5. The last player with unexposed letters earns fifty bonus points for successfully hiding their word. If said player has five or more unexposed alphabet letters or blank cards said player receives one hundred bonus points, plus the numerical value of each unexposed alphabet letter or blank card. Penalties: 1. If a player interrupts during another player's turn to guess an opponent's word and the said player is incorrect they lose one hundred points plus double the points of the alphabet letters or blank cards exposed. 2. Said players must be cautious about asking for a blank because if they are incorrect they will lose fifty points. 3. If a player misspells said word they lose one hundred points WO 2007/106927 PCT/AU2007/000317 9 Card colours, quantities and values for each letter and blank: The following are the colours, quantities and numerical values for each alphabet letter and blank card in each pack of said cards: Each pack, in each game, consists of four different coloured packs of alphabet cards and blank cards, (Blue, Yellow, Green, Red). Each pack containing seventy seven alphabet cards, each alphabet card having a black letter of the alphabet and a numerical value corresponding to said letter of the alphabet on one side thereof. Five blank cards having a coloured symbol and numerical value corresponding to blank symbol on one side thereof. One pack of sixty activity cards designating an action to be taken by player. The following pages include: 1. Alphabet cards and blank cards with numerical values. 2. An example of the alphabet cards. 3. Activity cards and contents. 4. An example of the activity cards with design of the back of all cards. 5. Copy of the game rules. 6. Copy of the game's educational brochure. 7. Copy of Braille alphabet and numerals.

WO 2007/106927 PCT/AU2007/000317 10 Alphabet cards and blank cards, with numerical values, as follows: 4 of the letter A with a value of 5 3 of the letter B with a value of 10 3 of the letter C with a value of 15 3 of the letter D with a value of 10 4 of the letter E with a value of 5 3 of the letter F with a value of 10 3 of the letter G with a value of 5 2 of the letter H with a value of 15 3 of the letter I with a value of 5 1 of the letter J with a value of 15 2 of the letter K with a value of 15 3 of the letter L with a value of 10 3 of the letter M with a value of 5 3 of the letter N with a value of 5 4 of the letter O with a value of 5 3 of the letter P with a value of 10 1 of the letter Q with a value of 20 4 of the letter R with a value of 5 4 of the letter S with a value of 5 4 of the letter T with a value of 5 3 of the letter U with a value of 5 2 of the letter V with a value of 15 2 of the letter W with a value of 15 1 of the letter X with a value of 15 2 of the letter Y with a value of 15 2 of the letter Z with a value of 20 5 blank cards with a value of 10 Total of alphabet and blank cards = 77 WO 2007/106927 PCT/AU2007/000317 11 One pack of activity cards containing the following: Take your normal turn 9 cards Take an additional turn 5 cards Add 5 points to your score 4 cards Add 10 points to your score 3 cards Add 15 points to your score 2 cards Add 20 points to your score 2 cards Add 50 points to your score 2 cards Subtract 5 points from your score 2 cards Subtract 10 points from your score 1 card Subtract 15 points from your score 2 cards Subtract 20 points from your score 1 card Subtract 50 points from your score 1 card Double the value of your first guess 4 cards Triple the value of your first guess 3 cards Quadruple the value of your first guess 2 cards Quintuple the value of your first guess 2 cards Opponent on right expose "A" 2 cards Opponent on right expose "E" 2 cards Opponent on right expose 'T"I" 2 cards Opponent on right expose "O" 2 cards Opponent on right expose "U" 2 cards If you have a blank expose it 4 cards Everyone with a blank expose it 1 card Total of activity cards = 60 WO 2007/106927 PCT/AU2007/000317 12 08 - A 00 W 00; 7 rn r Z -4E tz OG)C0) m - ell WO 2007/106927 PCT/AU2007/000317 13 En4 En 4) 4) N dm4) 4, 0 0 4 11 44 0 4)~~~t j'~~ ~ I4)JSal3co 0O 0.- 0 49) 4) 4~45 Cr/. 4 4) i 0 d) 80 ;I 9-S 4) .

; 40 42~*- 0~ 0 44 0 6'0 0 r4 4) En 0 0 46 v) -, 0 . 4) 4) 'dn tw *'i 0 -- 0 4-1 0 COD -0 54 u_ -0 o. C),;))! WO 2007/106927 PCT/AU2007/000317 14 Students can challenge themselves locating mountains within a specified height range or rivers over a certain length, even the average rainfall of different locations. Words can then be grouped and used to play Everyone's Guess. Notes: * For whole class teaching 4 -6 sets of the game may be required. A dictionary may be used at the teacher's discretion. aym GUM Ideal for tnacer, 0 2005 s Ludevt& awd -parets Distributed by: Wanering g mdes ty £t The standard rules for Everyone's Guess may be modified for children or educational purposes. Everyone's Guess lends itself to an Languages Otherthan English fLOTEI extensive range of educational opportunities. It can be used by both Words can be spelt in the language of teachers and students in a whole class* study. To narrow down identification you situation, in small group learning, or by may like to categorise words according children who will in turn benefit from to those which have been learnt during extending their vocabulary in a fun way the course of study. The game is designed to allow learning to occur in an enjoyable mode and is Studies of Society and the limited only by one's imagination. Here Ehvon enffSOSEl are a few educational ideas to get you started. Selected words can be related to a specific theme i.e. countries, capital English cities, rivers, mountains, world religions,. endangered animals I plants. Spelling - Ideal for developing spelling knowledge which promotes the Science understanding of the way in which words are formed: Allow students to select words related to Phonological[sounds oflanguage] a scientific area of study i.e. famous Visual {sight, including letter scientists, amazing inventions or words combinations and common word specific to a particular strand of science endings]. i.e. chemistry, biology, physics, geology, Morphemic I units of meaning and zoology. grammatical context]. History. Students can practise their weekly words by limiting the selection of words to the Discover the past in words! Choose words they are currently learning. For words from an area of study such as younger students, you may like to Australian Prime Ministers, famous people concentrate on a specific spelling and events that have made a difference strategy such as sight words, blends, silent to the world as we know it. letters, adding prefixes / suffixes. Grammar~ Chosen words are grouped according to grammatical usage i.e. nouns, verbs, adjectives. <

Claims (25)

1. A method of playing a word game, comprising: allocating a pack of cards to each player, each pack containing alphabet cards each alphabet card having a letter of the alphabet and a numerical value corresponding to said letter of the alphabet on one side thereof, and blank cards each blank card having a blank symbol and a numerical value corresponding to said blank symbol on one side thereof; providing a pack of activity cards for use by each player each of said activity cards designating an action to be taken by player; wherein each player forms a word of at least two letters by arranging said alphabet cards face down so as to spell said word without showing the letters of the alphabet of said word to any of the other players; optionally disguising said formed word with blank cards arranged face down with said alphabet cards; determining which player goes first; wherein thereafter said first player selects an activity card from said pack of activity cards and takes the action designated on said selected activity card and a scorer records the points gained by said first player at the same time as/or after said designated action is performed; wherein thereafter each player in turns selects an activity card from said pack of activity cards as their turn arises and takes the action designated on said selected activity card and a scorer records the points gained by said player at the same time as/or after each of said designated action is performed and at the same time as/or after each said alphabet or blank card is exposed until one final player is left with one or more unexposed cards; wherein thereafter each player in turn other than said final player attempts to guess said final player's word; wherein where said final player's word is guessed by a player other than said final player allocating a final score to said player who guessed said final player's word, summing each player's score and determining the winning player from said summed scores; or wherein where said final player's word is not guessed by a player other than said final player allocating a final score to said final player, summing each player's score and determining the winning player from said summed scores.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the letter on each of the alphabet cards of at least one selected pack of said plurality of packs, the blank symbol on each of said blank cards of said selected pack, the numerical values written on said alphabet and blank cards of said selected pack and the action designated on each of the activity cards of said selected pack are written in Braille.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein at least one of said players is visually impaired, said visually impaired player is allocated said selected pack and said visually impaired player reads the cards of said selected pack and the cards of said activity pack by reading said Braille with their fingers. WO 2007/106927 PCT/AU2007/000317 16

4. The method of claim 2 wherein all of said players are visually impaired and read said Braille on said card with their fingers.

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein said game comprises eighteen cards having vowels thereof fifty nine cards having consonants thereof, five non alphabet cards having blank symbols thereof and one pack of sixty activity cards with designated actions thereon.

6. A method according to claim 1 wherein said alphabet and blank cards having a numerical value corresponding to said alphabet and blank cards on one side thereof for the purpose of scoring; numerical values of said cards range from five to fifty.

7. A method according to claim 1 wherein each player is given one pack of alphabet cards with blank cards included to form a word of their own choosing of at least two letters, or as many as twelve letters by arranging said alphabet cards face down so as to spell said word without showing the letters of the alphabet of said word to any of the other players.

8. A method according to claim 1 wherein said players may disguise their word using blank cards at the beginning and/or end of said word; blank cards may not be used within the word or as a substitute for any alphabet letter.

9. A method according to claim 1 wherein the player turns up an alphabet card from one of said packs; the player with the letter closest to 'Z' begins the game.

10. A method according to claim 1 wherein each player in turn selects an activity card from said pack of activity cards and takes the action designated on said activity card; said activity cards may instruct said players to add or subtract certain numerical values from their score or may instruct another player to expose a particular letter of the alphabet or blank card; in some instances the activity card may instruct all players to expose a blank card; said game being an interactive word game, during play as each player's word is exposed said players are still included in game play and continue taking their turn.

11. A method according to claim 1 wherein a player who is asked to expose a particular letter of the alphabet or blank card has more than one of said alphabet or blank card, said player may only expose one of said alphabet or blank cards; said players must be cautious when asking an opponent for a blank card as a negative response will exact a penalty.

12. A method according to claim 1 wherein a players turn will end with a negative response from another player except in the case of a player having selected an activity card reading 'take an additional turn'; in this case the said player must select a second activity card and proceed as before.

13. A method according to claim 1 wherein during said game any player may interrupt play if they can guess another players word; said player must spell out said word letter by letter in sequence knowing there will be penalties if the said word is incorrect; if player who is being interrupted knows said word, they may deny the interrupting player but must spell said word letter by letter in sequence knowing they will incur penalties if the said word is incorrect.

14. A method according to claim 1 wherein each player in turn plays two more rounds of the said game; if at the end of those two rounds the last player's word is still unexposed said player will earn extra bonus points for successfully hiding said word, plus the value of each letter or blank card unexposed. WO 2007/106927 PCT/AU2007/000317 17

15. A method according to claim 1 wherein player's scores are calculated from the numerical values on each of the alphabet and blank cards exposed and from said activity cards as each player takes their turn.

16. A method according to claim 1 wherein more than one game may be played, scores are ongoing and summed at the end of the prescribed number of games; the player with the highest score is the determined winner.

17. A method according to claim 1 wherein said game can modified for educational purposes; said game has been designed to cover a range of subjects to allow learning to occur in an enjoyable mode; said game can also be modified for pre-school age children who are unable to read, simple words may be used in conjunction with selected images.

18. A kit for playing a card game comprising: a plurality of packs of cards each card of each pack being adapted to enable it to be distinguished by a player of said card game as a card member of a particular pack of said plurality of packs and not a card member of another pack of said plurality of packs, each pack containing alphabet cards each alphabet card having a letter of the alphabet and a numerical value corresponding to said letter of the alphabet on one side thereof, and blank cards each blank card having a blank symbol and a numerical value corresponding to said blank symbol on one side thereof; a pack of activity cards for use by each player each of said activity cards designating an action to be taken by player.

19. The kit of claim 18 wherein the letter on each of the alphabet cards of at least one selected pack of said plurality of packs, the blank symbol on each of said blank cards of said selected pack, the numerical values written on said alphabet and blank cards of said selected pack and the action designated on each of the activity cards of said selected pack, are written in Braille.

20. The kit of claim 18 wherein the letter on each of the alphabet cards of said plurality of packs, the blank symbol on each of said blank cards of said plurality of packs, the numerical values written on said alphabet and blank cards of said plurality of packs and the action designated on each of the activity cards of said plurality of packs, are written in Braille.

21. The kit of claim 18 wherein each card of each pack is a selected colour to enable it to be distinguished by a player of said card game as a card member of a particular pack of said plurality of packs and not a card member of another pack of said plurality of packs.

22. A kit when used to play a card game said kit comprising: a plurality of packs of cards each card of each pack being adapted to enable it to be distinguished by a player of said card game as a card member of a particular pack of said plurality of packs and not a card member of another pack of said plurality of packs, each pack containing alphabet cards each alphabet card having a letter of the alphabet and a numerical value corresponding to said letter of the alphabet on one side thereof, and blank cards each blank card having a blank symbol and a numerical value corresponding to said blank symbol on one side thereof; a pack of activity cards for use by each player each of said activity cards designating an action to be taken by player; WO 2007/106927 PCT/AU2007/000317 18 said card game comprising: allocating a pack of cards from said plurality of packs to each player; providing said pack of activity cards for use by each player; wherein each player forms a word of at least two letters by arranging said alphabet cards face down so as to spell said word without showing the letters of the alphabet of said word to any of the other players; optionally disguising said formed word with blank cards arranged face down with said alphabet cards; determining which player goes first; wherein thereafter said first player selects an activity card from said pack of activity cards and takes the action designated on said selected activity card and a scorer records the points gained by said first player at the same time as or after said designated action is performed; wherein thereafter each player in turn selects an activity card from said pack of activity cards as their turn arises and takes the action designated on said selected activity card and a scorer records the points gained by said player at the same time as or after each of said designated action is performed until one final player is left with one or more unexposed cards; wherein thereafter each player in turn other than said final player attempts to guess said final player's word; wherein where said final player's word is guessed by a player other than said final player allocating a final score to said player who guessed said final player's word, summing each player's score and determining the winning player from said summed scores; or wherein where said final player's word is not guessed by a player other than said final player allocating a final score to said final player, summing each player's score and determining the winning player from said summed scores.

23. The kit when used of claim 22 wherein the letter on each of the alphabet cards of at least one selected pack of said plurality of packs, the blank symbol on each of said blank cards of said selected pack, the numerical values written on said alphabet and blank cards of said selected pack and the action designated on each of the activity cards of said selected pack, are written in Braille.

24. The kit when used of claim 23 wherein at least one of said players is visually impaired, said visually impaired player is allocated said selected pack and said visually impaired player reads the cards of said selected pack and the cards of said activity pack by reading said Braille with their fingers.

25. The kit when used of claim 23 wherein all of said players are visually impaired and read said Braille on said cards with their fingers.