AU2015300663A1

AU2015300663A1 - Board game and method of playing the board game

Info

Publication number: AU2015300663A1
Application number: AU2015300663A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Shivali BABRAS; Vaidehi JOSHI; Mayuri KHARE; Ashwini LAHANE; Arwa MERCHANT
Original assignee: Anindita Toy Co P Ltd
Current assignee: Anindita Toy Co (p) Ltd
Priority date: 2014-08-04
Filing date: 2015-08-03
Publication date: 2017-03-16
Also published as: US20170216715A1; JP6728167B2; KR20170039278A; CA2957096A1; JP2017523899A; WO2016020931A3; RU2017106788A; WO2016020931A2; CN106999761A

Abstract

Disclosed is a board game capable of being played by two or more players and method of playing the board game. The board game comprises a board member having plurality of boxes configured thereon. Each box of the plurality of boxes includes at least two triangles which form at least one diagonal path thereon. Further, each box of the plurality of boxes placed in proximity with other box and/or on the sides of the board member (10) to form vertical and horizontal paths there between. Further, the board game includes a plurality of playing pieces divided into at least two sets. Each set includes at least two playing pieces, wherein each player of the two or more players is assigned one set of the playing pieces for playing the game. Furthermore, the board game includes a plurality of first blockers, at least one second blocker and at least one master blocker, wherein each player of the two or more players is assigned at least one blocker of the plurality of first, second and master blocker. Furthermore, the board game includes at least one joker and at least one flipper.

Description

WO 2016/020931 PCT/IN2015/000306

BOARD GAME AND METHOD OF PLAYING THE BOARD GAME 5

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to board game, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a board game and method of playing the board game. 10

Background of the invention

For centuries, board games have been an extremely popular form of entertainment for people of all ages. These types of board games have been designed for two or more 15 players. Many games like Othello, Chess and Corridor involve skill and a little luck. Other type of popular board games genre includes Connect 4 from Hasbro, Tic-Tac-Toe, and Corridor.

An early variant of Tic-Tac-Toe was played- in the Roman Empire around first 20 century BC. It was called Terni Lapilli and instead of having any number of pieces, each player only had three pieces, thus they had to move the pieces around the empty spaces to keep playing. The Tic-Tac-Toe’s grid markings have been found chalked all over the Rome. However, according to Claudia Zaslavsky’s book, the Tic-Tac-Toe game and other three-in-a row games from ancient Egypt to the modern 25 computer could have originated back in ancient Egypt. Another closely related ancient game is three men’s Morris which is also played on a simple grid and requires three pieces in a row to finish.

Another popular board game is Connect four, also known as Captain’s Mistress, Four 30 Up, Plot Four, Find Four, Four play, Four in a Row and Four in a Line. Specifically, US Patent No. 7900925 discloses a Connect Four board game which is a two-player 1 PCT/IN2015/000306 WO 2016/020931 5 game in which the players first choose a color and then take turns dropping colored discs from the top into a seven-column, six-row vertically suspended grid. The colored discs fall straight down, occupying the next available space within the column. The object of the Connect Four game is to connect four of one’s own discs of the same color next to each other vertically, horizontally, or diagonally before your 10 opponent before one’s opponent can do likewise.

The Connect four was created for players from age 7 and older and has an expected playing time of 10 minutes. However, the connect four is limited because only one type of game can be played. Also, the number of players is limited to 2. Further, the '15 conventional Connect four games is unidirectional which requires dropping the discs in vertical direction thereby restricting the strategic element of the game play.

Accordingly, there exist needs to provide a board game which is more entertaining and which overcomes above-mentioned drawbacks. 20

Objects of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a strategy based board game which is easy to understand. 25

Another object of the present invention is to provide a board game which has a variety of play therein and does not have limitation of players to play the game.

Summary of the invention 30

Accordingly, the present invention provides.a board game capable of being played by two or more players. The board game comprises a board member having plurality of 2 PCT/IN2015/000306 WO 2016/020931 boxes configured thereon. Each box of the plurality of boxes includes at least two triangles configured diagonally thereon to form at least one diagonal path. Further, each box of the plurality of boxes placed vertically and horizontally in proximity with other boxes to form vertical and horizontal paths there between. Further, the board game includes a plurality of playing pieces divided into at least two sets. Each set o includes at least two playing pieces of the same color, wherein each player of the two or more players is assigned one set of the playing pieces for playing the game. Furthermore, the board game includes a plurality of first blockers of a color other than the colors of the playing pieces wherein each player of the two or more players is assigned at least one blocker of the plurality of first blockers. o

The board game also includes at least one joker capable of being placed on the board member at start of the game along with the playing pieces. The joker is capable of moving by any player playing the game. Further, the board game includes at least one flipper capable of being placed on the board member at start of the game along with the playing pieces. The flipper is capable of moving by any player playing the game. The flipper acts as a joker as well as blocker when flipped and vice versa. Furthermore, the board game includes a plurality of second blockers. Furthermore, the board game includes at least one master blocker.

Typically, each player of two or more players has to move the playing pieces along the vertical, horizontal and diagonal paths such that a row of at least two pieces is formed in any one of diagonal, vertical, and horizontal direction which contains any one of at least two playing pieces, and at least one playing piece along with the joker and/or the flipper with it’s joker side up or vice versa i.e. the flipper with its joker side up and/or the joker. The formation of the row of the at least two pieces is prevented by placing the at least one blocker.. The flipper with it’s blocker side up. the at least one second blocker of the plurality second blockers or the at least one 3 PCT/IN2015/000306 WO 2016/020931 master blocker by the other player of the one or more players in between the at least two pieces or any other suitable position on the board member.

Furthermore, the blocker, the joker, the flipper, the second blocker and master blocker move in all the directions.

Also, typically, each player of two or more players has to form stacks of at least two pieces by moving the pieces along the vertical, horizontal and diagonal paths to make a formation of at least 4 playing pieces or at least one playing piece, along with the joker and/or the flipper with its joker side up adjacent to each other.

Furthermore, each player of two or more players has to form a row of at least two stacks in a row in any one of diagonal, vertical, and horizontal direction which should contain at least two stacks or at least one stack along with the joker and/or the flipper with it’s joker side up or vice versa i.e. the flipper with it’s joker side up and/ or the joker. Formation of the row of the at least two stacks is prevented by placing the at least one blocker or the flipper with it’s blocker side up by the other player of the one or more players in between the at least two stacks or any other suitable position on the board member.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a board member of a board game in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a board member of the board game of figure 1; 4 PCT/IN2015/000306 WO 2016/020931 5 Figure 3 shows another schematic view of the board member of the board game of figure 1 and the moves along with directions, the playing pieces can make on the board member;

Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view of a playing piece of the plurality of playing 10 pieces of the board game of figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 shows an example of the playing pieces placed on the board member for two players with a set of four playing pieces for each player; 15

Figure 6 shows an example of the playing pieces placed on the board member at the beginning of the game for six players with a set of four playing pieces for each player; 20 Figure 7 shows an example of the board game wherein a first blocker for obstructing formation of a row of four playing pieces is used;

Figure 8 shows an example of the board game wherein a row is formed by the playing pieces, joker and flipper; 25

Figure 8a shows an example of the board game wherein the joker and the flipper are swapped with the playing piece in the completed formation;

Figure 9 shows an example of the board game wherein the flipper with it’s blocker 30 side up is used to block the formation; 5 PCT/IN2015/000306 WO 2016/020931

Figure 10 shows an example of the board game wherein joker is placed over the blocker to miss-a-turn and lands to the next available empty space;

Figure 11 shows an example of the board game wherein first blocker is placed over the first blocker and jumps to the next available empty space;

Figure 12 shows an example of the board game wherein the playing piece is placed over the second blocker;

Figure 13 shows an example of the board game wherein the first blocker has become inactive at the blocking position after returning to the blocking position twice;

Figure 14 shows an example of the board game wherein the playing pieces are positioned adjacent to a master blocker;

Figure 14a shows an example of the board game wherein the playing pieces that were adjacent to the master blocker are stacked onto the master blocker;

Figure 15 shows an example of the board game wherein the playing pieces are adjacent to each other in a formation to get stacked;

Figure 15a shows an example of the board game wherein the playing pieces have formed stacks of two;

Figure 15b shows an example of the board game wherein the playing pieces have formed a row of four stacks; 6 PCT/IN2015/000306 WO 2016/020931 5 Figure 15c shows an example of the board game wherein the playing pieces, the joker and the flipper are adjacent to each other in a formation to get stacked;

Figure 15d shows an example of the board game wherein the joker and the flipper are swapped with the playing piece in the completed formation of the row; 10

Figure 15e shows an example of the board game wherein the row is formed by stacks, joker and the flipper;

Figure 15f shows an example of the board game wherein the joker and the flipper are 15 swapped with the stacks in the completed formation;

Figure 16 shows an example of the board game wherein the movement / flipping of flipper is shown from blocker side up to joker side up and joker side up to blocker side up; 20

Figure 16a shows an example of the board game wherein the flipper with its joker side up flips on to the blocker landing with its blocker side up and flips to the next empty space landing with its joker side up; 25 Figure 16b shows an example of the board game wherein the flipper with its blocker side up goes over the blocker with its joker side up and jumps to the next empty space with its blocker side up;

Figure 17 shows an example of the board game wherein an arrow on the board 30 member is shown which indicates the direction of play; 7 PCT/IN2015/000306 WO 2016/020931 5 Figure 18 shows an example of the board game wherein the playing piece is captured by placing the blocker over it; and

Figure 19 shows an example of the board game wherein all the elements of the game play are shown. 10

Detailed description of the invention

The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are 15 overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiment.

The present invention provides a board game and a method for playing the board game. The board game is capable of being played by two or more players thereby allowing more variety for playing the game. Also, each player can play with a set of 20 at least two playing pieces of the same color each thereby allowing more variety for playing the game. Further, the board game is multidirectional thereby allowing more variety for playing the game. The board game involves competition between two or more players to build a desired pattern on the board member while preventing the other players from building the desired pattern. 25

Referring to figures 1-19, there is shown a board game (100), in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The board game (100) is capable of being played by two or more players, each player playing with a set of two or more pieces. The board game (100) includes a board member (10), a plurality of playing pieces (20) 30 (alternatively referred as ‘the playing pieces (20)’ throughout the description), a plurality of first blockers (30) (alternatively referred as ‘the first blockers (30) throughout the description), at least one joker (40) (alternatively referred as ‘the 8 PCT/IN2015/000306 WO 2016/020931 5 joker(40) throughout the description), at least one flipper (50) (alternatively referred as ‘the flipper (50) throughout the description), the plurality second blockers (60) (alternatively referred as ‘the second blocker (60) throughout the description), at least one master blocker (70) (alternatively referred as ‘the master blocker (70) throughout the description), and a pointer/arrow (80). 10

The board member (10) as shown in figure 2 is generally a square shaped board. However, it may be evident to those skilled in the art that any other shaped board member (10) such as triangular, rectangular, hexagonal and the like may be used. The board member (10) is'made of material selected from plastic, wood, metal, paper or 15 any other material known in the art. In preferred embodiment, the board member (10) is made of plastic material.

The board member (10) includes a plurality of boxes (12) configured thereon. Each box of the plurality of boxes (12) includes at least two triangles to form at least one 20 diagonal path (16) thereon. For example, the box (12a) as shown in figure 1 includes two triangles (14a, 14b) configured thereon. In an embodiment, the box (12a) includes four triangles0(not shown) configured thereon. Specifically, each box of the plurality of boxes (12) is placed in proximity with other boxes and/or on the sides of the board member (10) to form vertical and horizontal paths (18a and 18b) there 25 between. The paths (16, 18a and 18b) allow the player to move the playing piece of the plurality of playing pieces (20 in figure 4) there through in the game. f

In preferred embodiment, when the board member (10) is made of plastic material, the plurality of boxes (12) are moulded thereon. The gaps between adjacent triangles 30 and boxes act as the paths (16, 18a and 18b) for travel of the pieces. In case of wooden based board member, the boxes (12) along with paths are machined thereon. 9 PCT/IN2015/000306 WO 2016/020931 5 In case of paper based board member, the boxes (12) along with paths are printed thereon.

As shown in figure 3, the paths (16, 18a and 18b) allows for variance in the number of paths on which the playing pieces (20) can be moved. The playing pieces (20) can 10 be moved in two or three directions when the playing piece is in a corner and in three or five directions when the playing piece is on a side and in four or eight directions when the playing piece is in location other than a corner or a side. The directions are vertically up and down, horizontally right and left and diagonally at 45 degrees, 135 degrees, 225 degrees and 315 degrees with the horizontal respectively. 15

The plurality of playing pieces (20) are divided into at least two sets (22). In preferred embodiment, the plurality of playing pieces (20) includes at least six sets, wherein each set is assigned to each player of the at least six players. Further, each set (22) includes at least two playing pieces, wherein each player of the two or more 20 players is assigned one set of the playing pieces for playing the game. Each set of plurality of playing pieces (20) is distinctly colored so as to identify which set of playing pieces belongs to which player. The player can choose a color of the playing pieces at the beginning of the game. During the game, the player can move only assigned playing pieces on the board member (10). 25

Figure 4 shows a playing piece (20) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In an embodiment, the plurality of playing pieces (20) are designed in a T-shape. The 30 T-shaped playing pieces fit into paths (16, 18a and 18b) of the board member (10) with T-slot configuration thereon and move in the paths on the board member (10) and cannot be removed. 10 PCT/IN2015/000306 WO 2016/020931

In another embodiment, the plurality of playing pieces (20) are designed in a way to be inserted from top in the paths (16, 18a and 18b) and can move in the paths on the board member (10).

The joker (40) is capable of being placed on the board member (10) at start of the game along with the playing pieces. Specifically, the joker (40) is capable of moving by any player playing the game.

Further, the flipper (50) is capable of being placed on the board member (10) at start of the game along with the playing pieces (20). Each flipper (50) is capable of acting as a joker from one side and blocker from other side as shown in figure 16. The flipper (50) is capable of being moved by any player playing the game. Also, each player is assigned at least one second blocker of the plurality second blockers (60).

Specifically, each player of two or more player/s can move the playing pieces (20) along the paths so as to form a row of at least two stacks in any one of diagonal, vertical, and horizontal direction by making a defined formation of any one of at least two playing pieces (20), the joker (40) and the flipper (50) adjacent to each other as shown in figures 15, 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e and 15f. In an embodiment, the row is formed by stacking the at least two playing pieces (20) in the formation on each other to form individual stacks wherein each stack consists of at least two playing pieces (20).

Further, each player of one or more player/s can move the first blocker (30), the second blocker (60) onto another blocker and jump it to the next available empty space to prevent a player of one or more players from completing the formation. 11 PCMN2015/000306 WO 2016/020931 5 . Furthermore, each player of one or more player/s can move the joker (40) along the paths so as to form a row along with at least one playing piece (20) of the set and later swap it with the at least one playing piece (20) of the set. Figure 8a shows an example of the board game wherein the joker (40) and the flipper (50) are swapped with the playing piece in the completed formation. 10

Moreover, each player of one or more player/s can move the joker (40) onto the blocker (30, 60) as shown in figure 10 to miss a turn of a player df one or more players and place it to the next available empty space. 15 Also, each player of one or more player/s can move the flipper (50) by flipping it along the paths so as to form a row with at least one playing piece (20) of the set and later swap it with any other playing piece (20) of the set or to block the formation of the row of another player of the one or more players by flipping it in between the at least two playing pieces or any other suitable position on the board member (20). 20 Figure 16a shows an example of the board game wherein the flipper (50) with its joker side up flips on to the blocker landing with its blocker side up and flips to the next empty space landing with its joker side up. Figure 16b shows an example of the board game wherein the flipper with its blocker side up goes over the blocker with its joker side up hence missing next players turn and jumps to the next empty space with 25 its blocker side up.

Each player of one or more player/s can move their own playing piece (20) onto the second blocker (60) and jump it to the next available empty space. Figure 12 shows an example of the board game, wherein the playing piece (20) is placed over the 30 ; second blocker (60). 12 PCT/IN2015/000306 WO 2016/020931 5 Further, each player of one or more player/s can make the first blocker (30), the second blocker (60) or the master blocker (70) inactive (i.e. it cannot be moved) if any of these are moved twice to the blocking position of formation of a row. This inactive blocker can be moved only after two playing pieces of that row are moved . . out of the formation. Figure 13 shows an example of the board game wherein the 10 blocker has become inactive at the blocking position.

Furthermore, the direction'of the game is reversed each time a player completes the formation of a row. The direction of play is indicated by the pointer/arrow (80) as shown in figure 17. 15

Moreover, each player of one or more player/s can capture the playing piece (20) by putting the blocker (30, 60) over the playing piece (20).

Also, each player of one or more player/s can stack their pieces (20) on to the master 20 blocker (70) when all the playing pieces (20) are adjacent to the master blocker (70) and become a master winner. Figure 14 shows an example of the board game wherein the playing pieces (20) are positioned adjacent to the master blocker (70) and Figure 14a shows an example of the board game wherein the playing pieces (20) that were adjacent to the master blocker (70) are stacked onto the master blocker (70). In a 25 preferred embodiment, there is only one master blocker (70).

Additionally, each player of one or more player/s get positive markings each time they block the other player from making a formation of row and negative markings when they get blocked by the other players. 30

In an embodiment, the board game (100) is played without use of the flipper (50). 13 PCT/IN2015/000306 WO 2016/020931 5 In another embodiment, the board game (100) is played without use of the joker (40).

In yet another embodiment, the board game (100) is played without use of the joker (40) and the flipper (50). 10 In yet another embodiment, the board game (100) is played without use of the second blocker (60).

In yet another embodiment, the board game (100) is played without use of the master blocker (70). 15

In yet another embodiment, the board game (100) is played between teams.

In an embodiment, the board game (100) is played without use of any of the plurality of first blockers (30). 20

In another embodiment, the board game (100) is configured in 3D format to have more entertaining effect.

In yet another embodiment, the board game (100) is played electronically by 25 developing an application for cell phone, computers and the like.

In yet another embodiment, the board game (100) is played in stacking method to form a row of stacks. 30 The objective of playing the board game (100) is to form a row of playing pieces (20) assigned to the player. The row can be formed in any one diagonal, vertical and horizontal direction before opponent player/s can do likewise. The formation of the 14 PCT/IN2015/000306 WO 2016/020931 5 row by one player may be blocked by other opponent player or next player by putting anyone of the first blocker (30), the second blocker (60), the master blocker (70) and the flipper (50) with it’s blocker side up in-between or moving the joker (40) away from the formation before the formation of the row thereby stopping the other player of finishing his game. If a player is near to the objective of achieving his at least two" 10 playing pieces in a row, then the other player(s) can use the first blocker (30), the second blocker (60) or the master blocker (70) to block the pattern. Once any one of the plurality of first blockers (30) are placed on the board member (10), the plurality of first blockers (30) can be moved by any player to block or create path for the assigned playing pieces (20). The joker (40) and the flipper (50) can be moved by any 15 player to block or create path or to form a row.

Another object of the board game (100) is to become a master winner by stacking one’s own playing pieces (20) on the plurality of master blocker (70) after positioning them adjacent to the master blocker (70). 20

Specifically, the joker (40) and the flipper (50) are placed on the board at the beginning of the game. Specifically, each player of the two or more players is assigned at least one blocker of the plurality of first blockers (30). For example, when there are five or more players playing the game, one first blocker (30) is assigned to 25 each player. However, when there are four or less than four players, two first blockers (30) are assigned to each player. There are eight blockers in the board game (100), in preferred embodiment.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of playing a board game. 30 The method of playing board game is described now in conjunction with the figure 1 depicting the board game (100). As shown in figure 1, the board game (100) includes the board member (10), the plurality of first blockers (30). and a plurality of playing 15 PCT/IN2015/000306 WO 2016/020931 5 pieces (20) divided into at least two sets, wherein each set includes at least four playing pieces, at least one joker (40), at least one flipper (50), at least one second blocker (60), and at least one master blocker (70). The method includes assigning the set of plurality of playing pieces (20) to each player of the two or more players. 10 Further, the method includes assigning at least one blocker of the plurality of first blockers (30) to each player of the two or more players. Each player can select a color of his/her own choice. The first blockers (30) are allocated according to number of players. For example, when there are six. players playing the game, one first blocker (30) is assigned to each player. However, when there are four or less than 15 four players, two first blockers (30) are assigned to each player. There are maximum eight blockers in the board game (100), in preferred embodiment.

Further, the method includes placing of the joker (40), the master blocker (70) and the flipper (50) on the board member (10) at the beginning of the game. 20

Furthermore, the method includes placing each playing piece of the at least four playing pieces of the set (22) by each player one by one on sides of the board member (10) except corners thereof. Specifically, the players start placing their playing pieces one by one sequentially on the sides of the board member (10) at a 25 location of his/her choice except the four corners of the board member (10). However, each player has to ensure that his/her four playing pieces are on four sides of the board member (10). For example, the player places each of his playing pieces on each side of the board. Example of placement of the playing pieces is shown in figures 5 and 6. 30

Thereafter, the method includes making a single move of one playing piece at a time . of the playing pieces/set (22) assigned to each player sequentially or the joker (40) or 16 PCT/IN2015/000306 WO 2016/020931 5 the flipper (50), in any one of diagonal, vertical and horizontal direction along paths (16, 18a and 18b) on the board member (10) thereby trying to make a single row of the playing pieces. Specifically, the player has to get all his playing pieces near to each other by making his way. The objective of playing the board game (100) is to form a row of his/her playing pieces in any one diagonal, vertical and horizontal 10 direction first while blocking other players from achieving their goal by using blockers (30), the second blocker (60), the master blocker (70), the joker (40), the flipper (50) or his/her playing pieces and becoming a master winner by stacking playing pieces (20) onto the master blocker (70). The first blockers (30), the second blocker (60), the master blocker (70) and the flipper (50) can also be used to create 15 path for movement of one’s own playing pieces (20).

Still further, the method includes obstructing the formation of the row of the four playing pieces of the player by next player by putting the blockers (30, 60) there between during their turn for playing the game. Wherein, once any or all of the 20 blockers (30, 60) are placed on the board member (10) by the players, any or all of the blockers (30, 60) can be used by any player playing the game for obstructing the formation of the row of the opponent player.

However, use of the plurality of first blockers (30) in the board game (100) is 25 mandatory. Even if the player completes the task of making four playing pieces in a row and still has his any or all the first blockers left, the player has to use the blockers in the immediate next round/s and then leave the game. The game is played until the player achieves four playing pieces in a row either horizontally, vertically or diagonally. The player who achieves the objective of making four playing pieces in a 0 row wins the game and game continues till the second last player achieves the four playing pieces in a row. 17 PCT/IN2015/000306 WO 2016/020931 5 In preferred embodiment, the objective of board game is to make one’s own pattern of four playing pieces in a row first, while obstructing the other players from making their pattern. The player can block the movement of other players’ playing pieces by moving his/her respective playing pieces in front of other players’ playing pieces as shown in the figure 7 by using the blockers (30). Specifically, blocking of the playing 10 pieces forces the opposite player to make more moves to make a pattern. Accordingly, the present invention includes making and blocking of pattern/s which makes the game more strategic.

Following strategy helps a player to win the board game (100). 15 1. Placing the set of playing pieces (22) close to each other on four sides of the board member (10) so that in minimal moves, for example, the pattern of four playing pieces in a row is achieved. 2. Placing the set of playing pieces (22) on the end of diagonal paths (16) where they 20 can be moved in 5 directions. This also minimizes the number of moves needed to achieve pattern of, for example, four playing pieces in a row. 3. Using a blocker by the player if the adjacent (next) player is nearing making of his/her pattern of, for example, four playing pieces in a row. Other players need not waste their blocker. Saving the blocker acts as an advantage that the other player can 25 use the blocker when most needed. 4. A player can also hide the usability of his/her blocker (whether he has used his blocker or not) from other players. This creates confusion for other players whether to use their own blockers or not. 5. Keeping of the joker and the flipper near one’s own playing pieces so as to 30 increase the chances of formation of the rows. 6. Keeping of one’s own playing pieces around the master blocker. 7. Once all the blockers are on the board, chances of making patterns increases 18 PCT/IN2015/000306 WO 2016/020931 5 8. Sometimes a move is repeated so as to achieve the objective of making a row of four playing pieces, then an alternative solution must be found in order to avoid waste of moves. 7. As also apparent, a game or set of games can be completed in a short period of time or can be extended for hours, which is dependent upon individual strategies and 10 kind of skills an individual puts in. There can be substantial skills involved in the play. For example, the game can involve the skill of blocking an opponent to prevent a win or blocking an opponent to win and the like.

The present invention addresses the deficiencies of the prior art of abstract strategy 15 pattern building games by expanding the limitations of number of factors that are characteristic of that prior art.'Particularly, the number of players that can play the board game (100) together is increased. Also, a set of playing pieces can be at least two or more. Further, the number of directions in which row of at least two playing pieces can be formed is increased. The board game (100) is not only restricted to 20 making of a row of at least two playing pieces using the plurality of playing pieces (20), but also to not let the others make a row of at least two playing pieces using the playing pieces as well as the blockers (30). Also, the board game (100) allows the player to place his playing pieces as desired and also on any side of the board member (10) which is unknown to the prior art. Consequently, the difficulty and the 25 level of enjoyment are increased.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and 30 obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable 19 PCT/IN2015/000306 WO 2016/020931 5 others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the 10 present invention. 20

Claims

We claim:

1. A board game capable of being played by two or more players, the board game comprising: a board member having plurality of boxes configured thereon, each box having at least one diagonal path configured thereon, each box of the plurality of boxes placed in proximity with other boxes and/or on the sides of the board member to form vertical arid horizontal paths there between, the board member having a pointer configured on the edge thereof to define the direction of the game play; a plurality of playing pieces divided into at least two sets, each set having at least two playing pieces, wherein each player of the two or more players is assigned . one set of the playing pieces for playing the game; a plurality of first blockers, wherein each player of the two or more players is assigned at least one blocker of the plurality of first blockers; at least one joker capable of being placed on the board member at start of the game along with the playing pieces, wherein the joker is capable of moving by any player playing the game; at least one flipper capable of being placed on the board member at start of the game along with the playing pieces, the flipper capable of acting as a joker from one of it’s side and as a blocker from it’s other side, wherein the flipper is capable of moving by any player playing the game; ' a plurality of second blockers, wherein each player is assigned least one second blocker of the plurality of second blockers; at least one master blocker capable of being placed on the board member at start of the game along with the plurality of playing pieces, wherein the at least one master blocker is capable of being moved by any player playing the game; wherein each player of one or more player/s has to move the playing pieces along the paths such that at least two playing pieces with or without anyone of the joker and joker side of the flipper forms a row in any one of diagonal, vertical, and horizontal direction, and formation of the row of the at least two playing pieces with or without anyone of the joker and flipper is prevented by placing or moving any one of the at least one first blocker, the second blocker, blocker side of the flipper and a master blocker by the other player of the one or more player in between the at least two playing pieces or any other suitable position on the board member, and wherein each player of one or more players can move the playing pieces along the paths so as to form a row of at least two stacks in any one of diagonal, vertical, and horizontal direction by making a defined formation of at least two playing pieces adjacent to each other and then stacking the at least two playing pieces in the formation on each other to form individual stacks wherein each stack consists of at least two playing pieces.
2. The board game as claimed in claim 1, wherein the board member is made of any one of plastic, wood and paper.
3. The board game as claimed in claim 1, wherein each set of plurality of playing pieces, blocker, the second blocker, master blocker, joker and flipper is distinctly colored.
4. A method of playing a board game, the board game capable of being played by two or more players, the board game having a board member, a plurality of first blockers, and a plurality of playing pieces divided into at least two sets, wherein each set includes at least two playing pieces, at least one joker, at least one flipper, at least one second blocker, at least one master blocker, the method comprising: assigning the set of plurality of playing pieces to each player of the two or more players; assigning at least one blocker of the plurality of first blockers to each player of the two or more players; placing the joker and the flipper on the board member; placing each playing piece of the at least two playing pieces of the set by each player one by one on sides of the board member except corners thereof; making a single move at a time by each player of the playing piece , the joker or the flipper in any one of horizontal, vertical and diagonal direction along paths on the board thereby trying to make a single row of his/her playing pieces; and obstructing the formation of the row of the at least two playing pieces of a player by any of the one or more other players by placing the blockers there between during their turn for playing the game, wherein once the plurality of blockers are placed on the board by the players, the plurality of blockers can be used by any player playing the game for obstructing the formation of other player/s row or for . formation of one’s own row.
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plurality of blockers can be used by any player of one or more player/s playing the game for jumping into another location or area by placing it over another adjacent blocker.
6. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plurality of first blockers, the second blocker and the at least one master blocker can be made inactive by any player of one or more players to prevent the formation of at least two in a row.
7. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the inactive blocker is· capable of being moved only after two playing pieces of that row are moved out of the formation.
8. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein use of the joker to form rows along with the playing pieces and swapping it with the playing piece once the row is formed. f . -
9. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the joker can be used by any player of one or more player/s playing the game to miss-a-turn of the other player by placing it over the one of plurality of first blockers.
10. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the flipper moves one step at a time by flipping it on every turn thereby acting as a joker and blocker.
11. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second blocker can be used by any player of one or more player/s playing the game for jumping his playing pieces into the other area by placing the playing piece over the second blocker adjacent to the playing piece.
12. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the master blocker can be used by any player of one or more player/s playing the game to stack his own playing pieces over the master blocker and becoming the master winner.
13. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein any player of one or more player/s can capture a playing piece by placing a blocker over the playing piece wherein the playing piece becomes inactive for at least one next turn.
14. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein positive and negative markings can be earned by any player of one or more player/s by blocking other players or by getting blocked by other players respectively.
15. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the direction of the game is reversed each time a player completes the formation of a row.
16. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein each player of one or more player/s can move the playing pieces along the paths so as to form a row of at least two stacks in any one of diagonal, vertical, and horizontal direction by making a defined formation of at least two playing pieces adjacent to each other and then stacking the at least two playing pieces in the formation on each other to form individual stacks wherein each stack consists of at least two playing pieces.
17. A method of playing a board game, the board game capable of being played in teams.