AU773169B2 - Grand prix racing game - Google Patents

Description

P/00/0oII Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA,

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention Title: GRAND PRIX RACING GAME The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: -2- TITLE: GRAND PRIX RACING GAME FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to a racing game.

In particular the present invention is a board game inspired by motor racing and more particularly formula 1 grand prix racing. The racing car game simulates, for example, a formula 1 racing car championship where excitement, tension, strategy and pitfalls of a real race have been incorporated into a racing game to crate a realistic environment of racing which can change with every race.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Board games are known in which each player (represented by a playing piece) progresses around a course set out on a board.

In some known games, the progress of a player around a board may be determined solely by 15 chance.

In other games, such as MonopolyTM, the progress of the player is determined partly by chance and partly by the skill of the player in applying the principles of the game.

However, with MonopolyTM, a likely game scenario is that the eventual outcome of the game is determined by a random event or event early in the game, such as a player acquiring desirable pieces of real estate, such as Mayfair and Park Lane. ("Monopoly" is a registered trade mark of Tonka Corporation).

Other known board games such as for example those described in US4874177 and US1583488 are disadvantageous because they are very complex and involved; they take an inordinate amount of time to play and/or are not sufficiently strategically involved to sustain a player's interest.

Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 -3- There is thus a perceived need for a racing board game that involves elements of both strategic skill and chance in which the outcome is affected by a number of interacting events and may therefore be uncertain right through to the end of the game; and wherein the game can be played to completion over a range of playing times while maintaining a player's interest. The present invention seeks to meet that need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a racing game for a plurality of players which includes: a board containing a race track in which the race track is divided into a series of playing positions over which a game is played; a game piece is provided for each player which the player moves around the playing track to one of the playing positions as directed by chance means; a first chance means for promotion of said game piece about the race track; a second chance means for promoting accelerated movement of said game piece about said race track; 15 some of the playing positions may be designated with indicia of a category chosen from a .e.plurality of categories; a starting grid from which players commence play from different predetermined positions; selection means for determining starting positions on the starting grid; a plurality of sets of cards, each set of cards being designated with indicium corresponding to one category chosen from said plurality of categories wherein each of said cards contains directions and/or special tactical instructions; said playing track further including: one or more randomly scattered special designated playing positions, characterised in that said special tactical instructions contained on a card, which may be drawn from a set of cards designated with a category, can be strategically invoked by a player to disadvantage a Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 -4competing player in the course of movement about said track when said competing player's game piece lands on one of said special designated playing positions.

One of the of the advantages of the racing game is that, unlike for example Monopoly

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the outcome and eventual winner may not be known until the last possible moment.

Further advantages of the game are that it contains elements of strategy, it sustains interest and excitement, can be played over a range of times and can be readily understood.

PREFERRED ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION In its preferred form, the racing game is a car racing game, and more preferably represents a formula 1 grand prix racing game or a nas car or indy car racing game. The playing board preferably contains at least one track which can be of any configuration and can even be of a track shape which simulates a real formula 1 grand prix racing track, for example any of Melbourne, Japan, Belgium, Italy and the like.

Preferably the playing board can contain a plurality of tracks so that a championship outcome can be determined over a selection of different tracks.

Preferably each track can comprise at least one lane. More preferably the present invention comprises at least one track having between one and six lanes.

Preferably each player's starting position on the grid is determined by a grid card selection.

In this embodiment it is preferred that the grid card selected by each player indicates a grid starting position and contains an instruction giving players an advantage or disadvantage 20 commensurate with each grid starting position. It is understood that players obtain progressively decreasing advantage the further away a player starts from poll position on the grid.

Preferably the first chance means can be chosen from a set of cards or dice.

Preferably the second chance means a "turbo" die displaying numbers between six and 24.

Preferably the playing track further includes a pit lane.

Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 Preferably pit lane is divided into a plurality of playing positions.

Preferably the categories can be selected from the following non-exhaustive list of categories.

Refuel Pit Stop Grand Prix Preferably the plurality of randomly scattered special playing positions carry indicium chosen from but not limited to the following: Druids Bend Dunlop Comer Hawthorn Bend Holly's Comer Katies Bend .e Preferably the set of cards designated with the category "Grand Prix" carry instructions or 15 directions which can advantage or disadvantage a player. In particular it is preferred that the cards designated with the category "Grand Prix" randomly carry special instructions which can be used by a player to disadvantage a competing player whose game piece lands on a "special playing position.

Most preferably special instructions can only be used by a player who a competing player's game piece lands on a special playing position specified in the special instruction(s).

Preferably the racing game further includes a scorecard or scoreboard upon which progressive championship points can be recorded.

Preferably the board additionally contains at least one, more preferably two and most preferably at least three sets of cards each set being designated with a category selected from Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 -6the plurality of categories. In one embodiment there are two sets of cards designated with categories chosen from Grand Prix and Refuel.

Preferably there can be a number of special cards randomly contained within one of the sets of card which can be retained for later/strategic use by a player.

The special cards contain instructions that may enable a player to disadvantage a competing player. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention there are at least five special cards randomly distributed through a set of cards.

The special card can be used by a player to selectively disadvantage a competing player.

It is understood that a player can only use a special card to disadvantage a competing player when the competing player's game piece lands on a playing position designated with a category corresponding to the category on the special card.

This aspect of the car racing game enables a player to exercise tactics and strategy so as to disadvantage a competing player and in so doing promote himself. The idea being that a player can retain a special card and when the player chooses he/she can activate the special card against a competitor if and only if a competing player's game piece lands on a playing position designated with a category corresponding to instructions on the special card. The extent of disadvantage is wholly determined by written instructions contained on the special S- card. A further advantage of this feature is that the outcome of a game is always in the balance.

In a further aspect of the invention there is disclosed a method of playing a racing car game including the steps of providing: a board containing a race track in which the race track is divided into a series of playing positions over which a game is played; a game piece provided for each player which the player moves around the playing track to one of the playing positions as directed by chance means; a first chance means for promotion of said game piece about the race track; Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 -7a second chance means for promoting accelerated movement of said game piece about said race track; some or all of the playing positions may be designated with indicia of a category chosen from a plurality of categories; a starting grid from which players commence play from different predetermined positions; selection means for determining starting positions on the starting grid; a plurality of sets of cards, each set of cards being designated with indicium corresponding to one category chosen from said plurality of categories, each of said cards either containing directions to be followed or special tactical instructions; said special tactical instruction being unable by a player when a competing player's game piece lands on a corresponding special designated playing position; a plurality of randomly scattered special designated playing positions on said track, said special tactical instructions enabling a player to strategically disadvantage a competing player when said competing player's game piece lands on said special playing position during progress about said track; determining each player's starting position and order of play on the starting grid by selection means; .progressive movement of each player's game piece, in turn, around said track as determined by said first chance means or said second chance means from said grid starting positions; use of cards and/or a plurality of accumulated collected cards by players to promote a S. player's chance of winning or disadvantage a competing player; and continuing play in the above manner until completion of a number of laps over said race track.

Preferably a game is concluded after a minimum of four races have been played.

Preferably a single race requires at least three laps of the track to be completed by each player.

Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 -8- Preferably points are awarded to each player in order of finishing position. For example, a player finishing first may be awarded a higher number of championship points than a competitor finishing second.

More preferably it is envisaged that a points system similar to real Formula 1 racing is implemented.

Preferably the set of cards designated with the category "Pit Stop" carry instructions which determine the speed at which a player's game piece may proceed through playing position designated "Pit Lane".

Preferably when a player's game piece lands on a playing position designated with a category chosen from a plurality of categories, the player is required to pick up a top facing card designated with indicium corresponding to the playing position.

Preferably a player may retain a card which contains special instructions corresponding to a special designated playing position so as to strategically flag a competing player when said competing player lands on one of said special playing position corresponding to said special instruction.

Preferably when a competing player is targeted/flagged, said competing player cannot take advantage of landing on any designated playing position or of any accumulated cards held at the time of being targeted/flagged.

".Preferably when a competing player is targeted, said player is required to complete its current lap and recommences that lap after having passed through the finish position.

Preferably a player may accumulate cards for use at a later stage.

More preferably players' cards are redeemed at the end of each race so that each player starts afresh for each subsequent race.

It is preferred that a player can accumulate cards displaying indicium corresponding to category "Refuel".

More preferably a player may be awarded a bonus on accumulating more than at least two refuel cards.

Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 -9- Preferably the bonus may take the form of promoting a player's game piece.

More preferably the bonus is determined by the second chance means wherein said second chance means is a special turbo die having a range of numbers between 6 and 24.

Preferably a player may elect when to use the bonus.

Preferably after the end of each race points are awarded to players according to their finishing position. The points are displayed on a scoreboard so that all players can be aware of their position relative to other players at all times.

Preferably the points are awarded as follows: First 10 points Second 8 points Third 6 points Fourth 4 points Fifth 2 points Sixth 1 point 15 There are of course many pitfalls to be encountered as a player's game piece progresses around the track. For example, some or all of the playing positions that are designated with a particular category may expose a player to a particular disadvantage.

The Racing Game therefore remains in the balance until the very end. Players are encouraged to engage in strategies at various times which sustains suspense and excitement throughout the game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEW OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a car racing track according to the invention.

Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 INTEGER LIST 1. Track 2. Playing positions 3. Pit Lane 4. Grid Feature playing position (Grand Prix) 6. Feature playing position (Refuel) 7. Feature playing position (Pit Stop) 8. Special playing positions 9. Position allocated for sets of cards (feature cards) Grid selection cards 11. Board S..12. Card position "Grand Prix" 13. Card position "Refuel" 14. Finish Line DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT WITH RESPECT TO THE DRAWINGS With reference to Figure 1, there is shown a board (11) containing a playing track that is divided into a series of playing positions At various playing positions on the track, 20 playing positions are designated with feature categories.

In this embodiment the feature categories are chosen from "Grand Prix"(5), "Refuel"(6) and "Pit Stop"(7). In Figure 1 there is also shown special playing positions bearing indicia Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 -11 selected from First Corner, Dunlop Corner, Druids Corner, Hawthorn Bend, Katies Bend, and Holly's Bend.

The playing track additionally contains a "Pit Lane"(3), which players may be required to enter during the course of completing a lap, and a starting grid which represents relative starting positions of each players cars.

At various positions on the board there are shown designated card positions (12, 13) for placement of corresponding sets of cards. As can be seen the designated card positions carry indicium corresponding to at least some of the aforementioned feature categories displayed on the track. In this embodiment the indicia displayed on the designated card positions are Grand Prix"' (12) and Refuel" (13).

To commence play each player is required to determine their starting positions on the grid This is achieved in this embodiment by selecting a card from a set of cards designated with indicia Grid Start"' (not shown).

Each card in the set of Grid Stare' cards carries a number corresponding to one of the starting positions on the grid. For example, the cards may indicate first row through to sixth row. In this embodiment it is entirely possible that more than one player may start from the same position on the grid. In the event that two players start from the same position, those players may roll a die to determine order of play. Order of play is otherwise determined by position on the grid with a player on first row starting first.

In this embodiment the "Grid Start" cards also contain instructions. The instructions will generally provide a player starting at the front of the grid with an advantage progressively decreasing in advantage for each starting position behind first row. For example, a player who has selected a card indicating start from first row may also be directed to spin a special turbo die (not shown) having numbers between 6 and 24 to enable an accelerated start relative to the rest of the players.

At the rear of the starting grid a player, starting from sixth row for example, may miss a turn or may be directed to spin a normal die for a slow start.

Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 -12- When a player, during play, lands on a playing position designated with the indicium "Grand Prix" the player is required to draw a card from the set of cards (not shown) marked "Grand Prix". The "Grand Prix" cards carry instructions that broadly provide a player landing thereon with either advantage or disadvantage which a player is required to follow. The following is a non-exhaustive list of directions that a player may be faced with: Car tyres low in tread, fall back four playing positions; You clipped rear ends of nearest car going around a bend, retire to pit lane for one lap for repairs; Driver fatigued, miss a next turn to recover from drowsiness; Car in front locks brakes, move ahead of nearest car; and Crash ahead involving pile-up of cars, bring out safety car safety card.

In the event that a player removes a card displaying safety car instructions the player can elect when to implement this feature. In this embodiment, when a "safety card" is played every player's car is brought up into line behind the lead car so that, for example, a car coming second at the time of implementation that is eight positions behind the lead car is promoted to a position immediately behind the second car and so on.

It is also understood in this embodiment that if a player's car lands on a playing position designated with a category such as "Grand Prix" or "Refuel" as a result of a safety car promotion, the player cannot take a corresponding designated card.

20 The set of "Grand Prix" cards also contains some special instructing cards which display indicia corresponding to one of the special playing positions selected from: First Comer Dunlop Comer Druids Comer Hawthorn Bend Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 -13- Katies Bend Holly's Comer In this embodiment of the game, a player who obtains a "Grand Prix" card which is marked with one of the indicia corresponding to a special playing position is able to retain this card for targeted use against a competitor's car when a competitor's car lands on the corresponding special playing position.

This element of the game requires skill and strategy to determine when to implement the special instruction so as to optimise chances of winning.

In the event that a competing player's car is targeted by a player who has elected to implement a special instructing card, the competing player is required to complete his/her current lap without accreditation of that lap while all privileges available on the playing track are voided.

In the embodiment of the invention when a player's car lands on a position designated with the indicium "Refuel", the player is directed to remove a top card from the set of cards marked "Refuel" (not shown).

In this embodiment, a player is able to accumulate "Refuel" cards. In particular, when a player accumulates at least two "Refuel" cards a bonus can be awarded usually taking the form of promoting a player's car. The extent to which a player's car is promoted by the bonus is determined by throwing a special turbo die displaying numbers between 6 and 24.

A player may elect when to use a bonus associated with accumulation of the "Refuel" cards.

When a player lands on the playing position designated "Pit Stop" a player is required to draw a top card from a set of cards (not shown) displaying the indicum "Pit Stop". Each card in the set of cards designated "Pit Stop" carries instructions that determine how quickly a player's car proceeds through "Pit Lane" In "Pit Lane" cars are generally subject to 25 tyre change, petrol supply and mechanical alterations. The "Pit Stop" instructions reflect the vagaries of these procedures, some pit stops taking longer than others.

A non-exhaustive list of directions a player is faced with under the heading "Pit Stop"is:- Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 -14- Pit crew undertakes fuel supply and tyre change in record time, spin turbo die for accelerated pit lane exit; During tyre change a member of pit crew stumbles with air gun on wheel replacement miss a turn; Front axle damage during crash, car needs extensive attention miss two turns; and Brakes need replacing, need to spin a six to recommence play.

In a further embodiment, when a player car passes the "Finish Line" (15) during a race, "Refuel" cards may be awarded.

As stated previously, The Racing Game is conducted over a series of at least four races wherein each race comprises at least three laps of the "Playing Track" At the end of each race, score points are displayed on a scoreboard (not shown) so that players are openly informed of relative overall position and can implement strategy accordingly. When each race is completed by players, all unused cards collected during that race are redeemed so that 15 subsequent races are independent of earlier races. Alternatively, players may retain cards accumulated in earlier races to bring into play in a later race. The points scoring system is awarded as follows: First 10 points Second 6 points 20 Third 4 points Fourth 3 points Fifth 2 points Sixth 1 point

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strategy, is interactive and keeps the outcome in Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 15 Finally it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be incorporated into the various constructions and arrangements or parts without departing from the spirit and ambit of the invention.

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Complete Specification 6 July, 2001

Claims (1)

1. 55.5 Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 -18- Claim 9 A racing game according to Claim 1 wherein the second chance means a "turbo" die displaying numbers between six and 24. Claim A racing game according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the playing track further includes a pit lane. Claim 11 A racing game according to Claim 10 wherein pit lane is divided into a plurality of playing positions. Claim 12 A racing game according to Claim 1 wherein the categories can be selected from the following non-exhaustive list of categories. Refuel Pit Stop 9S S 9. S. 9, @9 9* 0 r @9 *c 9 0 Grand Prix Claim 13 A racing game according to Claim 1 wherein the plurality of randomly scattered special playing positions carry indicium chosen from but not limited to the following: 9.. 0 1 S 9 9 9eS@ Druids Bend Dunlop Corer Hawthorn Bend Holly's Corer Katies Bend Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 -19- Claim 14 A racing game according to Claim 12 wherein the set of cards designated with the category "Grand Prix" carry instructions or directions that can advantage or disadvantage a player. Claim A racing game according to Claim 12 wherein the cards designated with the category "Grand Prix" randomly carry special instructions which can be used by a player to disadvantage a competing player whose game piece lands on a special playing position. Claim 16 A racing game according to Claim 15 wherein special instructions can only be used by a player who a competing player's game piece lands on a special playing position specified in the special instruction(s). Claim 17 A racing game according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the racing game further includes a scorecard or scoreboard upon which progressive championship points can be 15 recorded. 0@ 6•• Claim 18 *0'0 A racing game according to any one of the preceeding claims wherein the board additionally contains one set of cards, each set being designated with a category selected from the plurality of categories. Claim 19 0000 A racing game according to Claim 1 wherein there can be a number of special cards randomly contained within one of the sets of card that can be retained for later/strategic use by a player. 0 Claim A method of playing a racing car game including the steps of providing: Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 a board containing a race track in which the race track is divided into a series of playing positions over which a game is played; a game piece provided for each player which the player moves around the playing track to one of the playing positions as directed by chance means; a first chance means for promotion of said game piece about the race track; a second chance means for promoting accelerated movement of said game piece about said race track; some or all of the playing positions may be designated with indicia of a category chosen from a plurality of categories; a starting grid from which players commence play from different predetermined positions; selection means for determining starting positions on the starting grid; a plurality of sets of cards, each set of cards being designated with indicium corresponding to one category chosen from said plurality of categories, each of said cards either containing S directions to be followed or special tactical instructions; oo said special tactical instruction being unable by a player when a competing player's game piece lands on a corresponding special designated playing position; #oooo a plurality of randomly scattered special designated playing positions on said track, said special tactical instructions enabling a player to strategically disadvantage a competing player when said competing player's game piece lands on said special playing position during progress about said track; "determining each player's starting position and order of play on the starting grid by selection means; progressive movement of each player's game piece, in turn, around said track as determined by said first chance means or said second chance means from said grid starting positions; use of cards and/or a plurality of accumulated collected cards by players to promote a player's chance of winning or disadvantage a competing player; and Complete Specification 6 July. 2001 -21- continuing play in the above manner until completion of a number of laps over said race track. Claim 21 A method according to Claim 20 wherein a game is concluded after a minimum of four races have been played. Claim 22 A method according to Claim 21 wherein a single race requires at least three laps of the track to be completed by each player. Claim 23 A method according to Claim 22 wherein points are awarded to each player in order of finishing position. Claim 24 A method according to claim 20 wherein the playing board contains at least one track which can be of any configuration and can even be of a track shape which simulates a real formula 1 grand prix racing track. Claim A method according to claim 20 wherein each track can comprise at least one lane. Claim 26 A method according to claim 20 wherein the present invention comprises at least one track having between one and six lanes. Claim 27 A method according to claim 20 wherein the present invention comprises at least one track having between one and six lanes. Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 -22- Claim 28 A method according to claim 20 wherein each player's starting position on the grid is determined by a grid card selection. Claim 29 A method according to claim 20 wherein the grid card selected by each player indicates a grid starting position and contains an instruction giving players an advantage or disadvantage commensurate with each grid starting position. Claim A method according to claim 20 wherein the first chance means can be chosen from a set of cards or dice. Claim 31 A method according to claim 20 wherein the second chance means a "turbo" diee displaying numbers between six and 24. Claim 32 15 A method according to claim 20 wherein the playing track further includes a pit lane. Claim 33 A method according to claim 20 wherein the pit lane is divided into a plurality of playing positions. Claim 34 A method according to claim 20 wherein the categories can be selected from the following non-exhaustive list of categories. Refuel Pit Stop Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 -23- Grand Prix Claim A method according to claim 20 wherein the plurality of randomly scattered special playing positions carry indicium chosen from but not limited to the following: Druids Bend Dunlop Comer Hawthorn Bend Holly's Comer Katies Bend Claim 36 *r A method according to Claim 20 wherein the set of cards designated with the category "Grand Prix" carry instructions or directions that can advantage or disadvantage a player. Claim 37 A method according to Claim 20 wherein the racing game further includes a scorecard or 15 scoreboard upon which progressive championship points can be recorded. Claim 38 A method according to Claim 20 wherein special instructions can only be used by a player who a competing player's game piece lands on a special playing position specified in the special instruction(s). Claim 39 A method according to Claim 20 wherein the racing game further includes a scorecard or scoreboard upon which progressive championship points can be recorded. Claim Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 24 A method according to Claim 20 wherein the board additionally contains one set of cards, each set being designated with a category selected from the plurality of categories. Claim 41 A method according to Claim 20 wherein there can be a number of special cards randomly contained within one of the sets of card that can be retained for later/strategic use by a player. Claim 42 A method according to Claim 20 wherein the set of cards designated with the category "Pit Stop" carry instructions which determine the speed at which a players game piece may proceed through playing position designated "Pit Lane". Claim 43 A method according to Claim 20 wherein when a player's game piece lands on a playing S. position designated with a category chosen from a plurality of categories, the player is required to pick up a top facing card designated with indicium corresponding to the playing position. Claim 44 A method according to Claim 20 wherein a player may retain a card which contains special instructions corresponding to a special designated playing position so as to strategically flag a competing player when said competing player lands on one of said special playing position corresponding to said special instruction. Claim A method according to Claim 20 wherein when a competing player is targeted/flagged, said competing player cannot take advantage of landing on any designated playing position or of any accumulated cards held at the time of being targeted/flagged. Complete Specificaion 6 July, 2001 Claim 46 A method according to Claim 20 wherein when a competing player is targeted, said player is required to complete its current lap and recommences that lap after having passed through the finish position. Claim 47 A method according to Claim 20 wherein a player may accumulate cards for use at a later stage. Claim 48 A method according to Claim 20 wherein players card are redeemed at the end of each race so that each player starts afresh for each subsequent race. Claim 49 A method according to Claim 20 wherein a player can accumulate cards displaying indicium corresponding to category "Refuel". Claim 15 A method according to Claim 20 wherein a player may be awarded a bonus on accumulating more than at least two refuel cards. Claim 51 .o A method according to Claim 20 wherein the bonus may take the form of promoting a players game piece. 20 Claim 52 A method according to Claim 20 wherein the bonus is determined by the second chance means wherein said second chance means is a special turbo dice having a range of numbers between 6 and 24. Complete Specification 6 July, 2001 0 i f -26- Claim 53 A method according to Claim 20 wherein a player may elect when to use the bonus. Claim 54 A method according to Claim 20 wherein after the end of each race points are awarded to players according to their finishing position. Claim A racing game, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the example. Claim 56 A method of playing a racing game, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the example. Dated the 6 th day of July, 2001. HARRY TSALIKIDIS By his Patent Attorneys PIPERS (Melbourne) Complete Specification 6 July, 2001