GB2247180A

GB2247180A - Apparatus for playing a game

Info

Publication number: GB2247180A
Application number: GB9018456A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher John Callow
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-08-22
Filing date: 1990-08-22
Publication date: 1992-02-26
Also published as: GB9018456D0

Abstract

There is disclosed apparatus for playing a game, comprising: means 4 defining an array of X positions, in rows and columns, on each of which positions a plurality n of counters 8 to 24 may be stacked; and a plurality of counters of t different types, there being at least X x n DIVIDED t counters of each type. To play the game, players take turns to place a counter on one of the positions defined in the array. A counter may be placed on any position, eg stacked on top of another counter. Players score by completing a row of n of their own counters in the array. <IMAGE>

Description

APPARATUS FOR PLAYING A GAME This invention relates to apparatus for playing a game.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided apparatus for playing a game, comprising: means defining an array of X positions, in rows and columns, on each of which positions a plurality n of counters may be stacked; and a plurality N of counters of t different types, there being at least X x n counters of each type.

t To play the game, players take turns to place a counter on one of the positions defined in the array. A counter may be placed on any position, eg stacked on top of another counter. Players score by completing a row of n of their own counters in the array. The rows may be vertical in the stack; horizontal on columns, rows or diagonals of the array, but all at the same level; or on diagonals in the vertical plane, ie on ascending or descending levels in the stack from position to position along columns, rows or diagonals of the array. When all the counters have been placed on the array, the winner is the player with the highest number of rows of n of their own counters. A row must be claimed when it is completed, it may not be claimed if it is discovered after the player's turn has ended.

In preferred embodiments of the apparatus the array is a square matrix having from 4 to 6 positions on a side.

The number n of counters which may be stacked in each position is preferably 4. The number t of different types of counters is preferably 2. A 4 x 4 matrix with stacks of 4 counters, provides an interesting game for 2 players which lasts about 20 minutes. A 6 x 6 matrix with stacks of 4 counters provides a serious intellectual challenge rivalling chess in complexity and interest.

The counters of different types may be distinguished by different colours.

Preferred embodiments of the invention include means for locating the counters in a stack at each position in the array. The means for locating counters preferably comprises a peg at each position in the array, each counter having a through hole to receive the peg.

One embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, which is a perspective view of apparatus for playing a game embodying the invention.

Referring to the drawing, a base board 2 has an array in the form of a 4 x 4 matrix of positions on each of which a plurality of counters may be stacked. The positions are defined by 16 pegs 4. A plurality of counters 6 to are provided each having a central hole to receive the pegs which are tall enough that 4 counters may be stacked in each position. The pegs thus each locate counters in a respective stack. The counters are of two types. Half the counters are one colour (shown white) and half the counters are another colour (shown flecked). In other arrangements, there may be more than two types of counters to accommodate more players. In general if there are X positions in the array, each stack contains n counters and there are t different types of counter, then there must be at least X x n counters of each type.

t Only 10 of the 64 counters required for the apparatus illustrated are shown in the drawing.

The players take it in turn to place a counter on the array. They score by completing a row of 4 of their own counters. The rows may be vertical as illustrated by the flecked counters 8, 10, 12 and 14. The rows may be horizontal as illustrated by the flecked counters 14, 16, 18, 20, in which case all the counters have to be at the same level above the base board 2, but the row may be on any row, column or diagonal of the matrix. The rows may also be on a diagonal in the vertical plane as illustrated by the flecked counters 8, 22, 24 and 20, in which case the row may be on any row, column or diagonal of the matrix.

In other arrangements, the array may be of different sizes, eg 5 x 5 or 6 x 6, or may be rectangular. Different arrangements for stacking the counters may be used, eg the pegs could be replaced by a transparent tube at each position so that counters, which could for example be balls, can be stacked in the tubes. The counters themselves may be formed to facilitate stacking. For example, generally discshaped counters (like those illustrated) may each be formed with a spigot on one side and a recess on the other. The base board is then also formed with a recess or spigot in each position in the array, so that by inserting a spigot into recess the counters ma be stacked on the Dositions in

the array. Magnets or materials liRe velcroZmay also ne used to facilitate stacking the counters.

Claims

1. Apparatus for playing a game, comprising: means defining an array of X positions, in rows and columsn, on each of which positions a plurality n of counters may be stacked; and a plurality N of counters of t different types, there being at least X x n counters of each type.

t

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, including means for locating the counters in a stack at each position in the array.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the means for locating counters comprises a peg at each position in the array, each counter having a through hole to receive the peg.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the array is a square matrix having from 4 to 6 positions on a side.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the number n of counters which may he stacked in each position is 4.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the number t of different types of counters is 2.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the counters of different types are distinguished by different colours.

8. A computer programmed to simulate the apparatus claimed in any preceding claim.