GB2187966A - Improvements in or relating to board games - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for playing a board game comprises a board having lines (16) marked thereon for representing directions of travel, and apertures (18) in the board for marking distances of travel along the said lines. Playing pieces (20) together with a distinctive piece (24) representing a ball, may have pegs (22) enabling attachment to the board at a hole, determined at least in the case of the ball by use of a random number generator such as a dice. The apparatus can particularly simulate a game of cricket. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to board games DESCRIPTION.

Field of invention.

This invention relates to board games and concerns a board for a board game simulating a game or sport involving a moving object such as a ball, the invention being applicable particularly, but not exclusively, to simulated team ball games.

Summary of the invention.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a board for a board game wherein the board is marked with lines representing possible directions of travel of a moving object.

In play, the direction of travel of the object at appropriate stages of the game may be determined, for example, by use of suitably marked cards or by use of a random number generator such as one or more dice and associated look-up table.

The lines are preferably marked off in units representing the distance of travel, which may be determined in play, for example, by use of a random number generator such as one or more dice and associated iook-up table or by the use of suitably marked cards.

The board is preferably adapted to have pieces removably attached thereto at predetermined positions along the lines with the pieces representing, for example, the position of players, position of the moving object etc.

This is conveniently achieved by providing apertures in the board at predetermined locations along the marked lines of travel, with co-operating pegs provided on the pieces. Alternatively, protrusions may be provided on the board with co-operating recesses in the pieces.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a board game comprising a board in accordance with the present invention.

Such a game may also incorporate the following components: 1. Pieces representing players.

2. One or more pieces representing a moving object such as a ball.

3. A random number generator such as a pair or pairs of dice, possibly with associated shaker, e.g. for use in determining distances of travel.

4. One or more sets of cards for determining possible outcomes, e.g. the distance of travel.

5. One or more score cards.

The invention finds particular application in games simulating various sports or ball games such as cricket, rugby (union and league), football (soccer), hockey, rounders, tennis, netball and golf. In such cases, the rules of the board game may be based closely on the rules of the real game or sport, enabling production of a board game accurately simulating the real sport or game.

A typical embodiment of the invention in the form of a board game simulating cricket will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing which illustrates schematically the board of the game.

Detailed description of embodiment.

1. Introduction.

The illustrative game is based on the general rules and principles of the real game of cricket with certain modifications and adaptations in view of the chance elements introduced by use of dice and cards to determine outcomes of events. Although chance elements are involved, skill is also required to play the game well.

The game is played between two players (or teams of players) representing two teams of cricketers which play against each other as in a real game of cricket, with one team fielding and the other bating. Dice are used to determine the type of ball thrown by a bowler and the distance the ball is hit by a batsman (and hence the number of runs), with cards being used to determine the direction in which the ball is hit.

2. Equipment.

Board.

The board is illustrated in the accompanying drawing and represents a cricket pitch. The board comprises a rectangular piece of rigid material, e.g. wood or cardboard, and is generally coloured green within an area defind by boundary marking 10. (In a modified version, the board instead of being rectangular may have the shape of the pitch as denoted by the boundary marking.) Two creases 12 with associated stumps 14 are represented centrally on the pitch, e.g. by white markings.

Possible directions of travel of the ball in play are represented on the pitch by a series of lines 16 of a different colour e.g. a darker green. From each crease 12 there are eight possible directions of play: ahead, behind, right, left and the four intermediate directions.

Each line 16 of possible travel has a series of peg holes, e.g. represented at 18, and located therealong at spaced intervals, the distance between the holes representing the distance of travel along the lines.

The pieces.

Two or more sets of 11 pieces 20 are provided, each representing a team of cricketers.

Each piece is in the form of a miniature representation of the upper part of the body of a cricketer, with a peg 22 extending downwardly therefrom and adapted to be removably received in the holes 18 for temporarily locating pieces in selected locations along the lines of travel. The pieces in each team are all of the same colour e.g. white, blue, orange etc., and are numbered 1 to 11.

Dice and shakers.

Two sets are provided coloured red and yellow, each set comprising two dice and a shaker.

The ball.

Ball 24 comprises a small red sphere with attached peg for removable insertion in holes 18.

Bowling card. (1) This carries a table listing the consequences of dice scores on bowling, as will be described below.

Batting cards (22) Each card specifies a direction of travel of the ball on batting, as will be described below.

Score cards.

These are based on conventional score cards as used in the real game of cricket.

3. To start the game.

1. Both players throw dice. The player with the higher score chooses whether to bat or field, and the player with the lower score decides team colours.

2. The players agree upon the length of game to be played as determined by the number of innings (to be discussed below), say one or two innings, and agree the time limit for each innings, say 30 minutes.

3. The batting side decides at which end to open batting.

4. Field placing.

The fielding player places his 11 men on the pitch by fitting the pegs of the pieces into the holes 18 along the lines of play.

The wicket keeper must be positioned directly behind the stump at the batting end, being located a selected distance from the stump. Experience acquired through play of the game will assist in selecting an appropriate distance.

The bowler is positioned at the opposite end to the wicket keeper and may be located in any hoie directly in line with and behind the stumps.

The other 9 players are positioned along the direction of travel lines and may be located in any of the peg holes. Generally, they will be positioned as in the real game of cricket.

The batting player places two selected batsmen in position in front of the two wickets.

4. Playing the game.

After the board has been set up as described above, the fielding side player throws two dice (e.g. the red dice) and the consequence of the particular throw is determined by reference to the bowling card which lists details as follows: 2x3=Out-leg before wicket (LBW) 2 x 4= Out-hit wicket (HW) 1 x 6=Out-bowled 1 x 1 No ball (batsman then throws) 2 x 1 = Leg bye (batsman then throws) 2x2=Wide (batsman then throws) 2x5=Bye (batsman then throws).

If the fielding side player throws any other combination of dice scores this counts as a good ball.

The batting player than throws two dice, (e.g. the yellow set) and the resulting dice score determines the distance the ball is hit and also the number of runs scored, which is determined by halving the dice total and rounding down if necessary. The number of runs scores is entered on the score card.

The batting player also picks a batting card from the top of a face down stack to determine the direction in which the ball is hit. The direction cards are made up as follows: 2 forward straight 2 backward straight 2 square left 2 square right 4 forwards diagonally left 4 forwards diagonally right 2 backwards diagonally left 2 backwards diagonally right The batting player moves the ball the appropriate number of holes along the relevant direction of hit line. If the ball lands on a square occupied by a fielder then that batsman is caught out (but the runs score counts) and the next batsman comes in.

If the batsman throws 2 x 6 (scoring six runs) this counts as an overthrow and he throws again with the bowler missing a turn.

Only three consecutive double 6's are allowed.

If the batsmen throw a total dice score of 6 and selects a "forwards straight" card, the other batsman is out by being run out.

5. General.

1. After an over of six balls the batsman at the opposite end bats and the fielding players may be moved to different locations.

2. If a no ball is bowled another throw of the dice takes place to complete an over.

3. Individual fielders may only be moved during an over provided the fielding player has not yet thrown the dice.

4. The batsman may be moved between the wickets according to the score of runs made, and must change ends when an odd score is recorded.

5. The ball should also be moved, but in accordance with the total dice score rather than the runs score.

6. The batting player may shuffle the , "bat- ting cards", but only in between overs.

7. When the fielding side player has taken 10 wickets the batting side innings is finished and the total number of runs, byes, wides and no-balls is added up to give the total score.

8. Where a time limit for an innings has been agreed in advance, if the time limit expires during an over then that over is allowed to finish before the end of the innings.

The principle of the invention can be applied equally to other sports and games such a rugby (union and league), football (soccer), hockey, etc. In this case, the board may be marked to simulate the pitch as in the real game, with the whole pitch covered with a regular array of possible lines of play, e.g. in the form of a rectangular or square grid and superimposed grid of diagonal lines.

The invention may also be applied to other games or sports where the direction of movement of the players is more constrained, such as rounders. In this case, in addition to lines representing possible lines of play of the ball, a track representing the path of movement of a player, say between bases, may also be delineated.

Claims (9)

1. A board for a board game wherein the board is marked with lines representing possible directions of travel of a moving object.

2. A board according to claim 1, wherein the lines are marked off in units representing a distance of travel.

3. A board according to claim 2, in combination with means for determining the selection of the line of travel and the distance moved by the object along the selected line.

4. A board according to claim 3, wherein the said means includes a random number generator such as a dice.

5. A board according to any of claims 1 to 4, in combination with pieces which attach to the board by means of cooperating apertures and pegs.

6. Apparatus for playing a board game comprising a board as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, together with pieces representing players, a distinctive piece representing a ball or other moving object, a random number generator such as one or more dice, together with one or more sets of cards for determining, in accordance with the throw of the dice, the direction and/or distance of travel.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1, having apertures on the board along the marked lines of travel, and pegs on the said pieces, including the distinctive piece, for enabling each piece to be attached to the board.

8. A board substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

9. Apparatus for playing a board game substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.