GB2321412A - Football board game - Google Patents

Abstract

A board game apparatus comprises (i) a plurality of playing-pieces which represent two teams of players; (ii) at least one playing piece which represents a ball; (iii) a board, one surface of which is provided with a display comprising a grid of cells such that in use each playing-piece is placed on a cell on the board and the playing-pieces are moved between cells by making one of a plurality of possible predefined moves; (iv) a set of cards each of which provides an instruction; (v) a plurality of zones marked onto the display and superimposed on the grid; wherein at least some of the zones define regions between which the playing-piece which represents a ball can be moved.

Description

Football Board Game Field of Invention This invention relates to a board game and particularly to a board game about football.

Background to the invention Some board games which are used to represent field games such as football are known although these rely on the use of a random number generating device such as a die or conventional playing cards. This means that a significant element of chance is incorporated into play and this is often unsatisfying for the users of the game because it is not challenging and is also unrealistic. Users of the game find that it is not necessarily advantageous to plan ahead and develop strategies for playing the game.

A further problem is that known board games are not ideal for teaching purposes. For example, if known board games are used to simulate a real game of football, it is hard to encourage users of the game to learn how to plan ahead and develop strategies for the game that may also be transferred to the real-life situation. This is because known board games do not represent real games such as football with sufficient similarity. Skills learnt from the real game may only be transferred to the board game and vice versa if there is sufficient similarity between the two. If the board game involves significant elements of chance, as has been the case in the past, this is a big drawback.

Another problem with known board games that are used to simulate field games such as football is that they are often very complex and difficult to learn.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a board game and particularly a board game about football which overcomes or at least mitigates one or more of the problems noted above.

Summary of invention According to the present invention, there is provided a board game apparatus comprising: (I) a plurality of playing-pieces which represent two teams of players; (ii) at least one playing piece which represents a ball; (iii) a board, one surface of which is provided with a display comprising a grid of cells such that in use each playing-piece is placed on a cell on the board and the playing-pieces are moved between cells by making one of a plurality of possible predefined moves; (iv) a set of rules for playing the game; (v) a set of cards each of which provides an instruction; (vi) a plurality of zones marked onto the display and superimposed on the grid; wherein at least some of the zones define regions between which the playing-piece which represents a ball can be moved. This has the advantage that a board game is provided which is interesting and challenging to play and which does not involve a significant chance element. Advantageously, the board game can be used to simulate conventional field games such as football. When used in this way the board game can be used to develop the user's strategy and planning skills for the conventional field game as well as the board game itself. The board game is also useful for teaching purposes because it can be used indoors when weather conditions prevent the real game from being played.

In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus at least some of the zones comprise single cells. This has the advantage that movement of a playing-piece over the board can be increased using the single-cell zones. This introduces further aspects which must be taken into account in the strategy of the game and makes the game more interesting and challenging. Also, if the game is used to represent a conventional ball-game such as football, movement of a playing piece between single cell zones can be used to represent passing a football between players on a football pitch.

In a further preferred embodiment at least some of the zones marked onto the display are arranged to represent regions used in a conventional field game.

This makes the board game easy to learn for peopie who are familiar with the conventional field game involved.

Preferably, the conventional field game is a ball-game and it is also preferred that the ball-game is football.

Preferably the apparatus comprises at least one overlay sheet, one surface of which is provided with a display and wherein said overlay sheet is adapted to be placed on top of the board. This has the advantage that the format of the display on the board can easily be changed. The display can be changed to simulate different games such as football, rugby or hockey. Also, displays suitable for different skill levels can also be provided so that both expert and novice players find the game interesting.

Description of the drawings The invention will be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a plan view of the board.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of another possible board.

Description of preferred embodiments Embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of example only.

These examples represent the best ways of putting the invention into practice that are currently known to the Applicant although they are not the only ways in which this could be achieved.

The game is designed to be played by two opponents or two teams of opponents. As shown in figure 1 the invention comprises a board 1 that is marked out to represent a football pitch layout. The board is also divided up into a number of squares 2 which form a grid. Two sets of playing-pieces are provided (one for each opponent) and the playing-pieces are placed on the board with each playingpiece in one square of the grid. The two sets of playing-pieces represent two teams of football players. A playing-piece can be moved to a different square on the grid by making one of a set of predefined moves. Each opponent can make a certain number of moves which together comprise a turn and then the other opponent takes his turn. There is also another playing-piece which represents the football.

This piece can also be moved by making one of a set of predefined moves either together with a football player-piece or between football-player pieces. The object of the game is to score as many goals as possible by moving the piece which represents the football into the region on the board which represents the goal area.

The grid of squares 2 may also be a grid of other shapes such as hexagons, rectangles or other shapes. The term cell is used to refer to all the possible shapes that could be used to form the grid. Figure 1 shows the board 1 as being marked out to represent a football pitch. This is only one possibility. The board could also be marked out to represent other field games such as rugby, hockey, netball, and other ball-games. As shown in figure 1 the board is marked to show a number of zones such as the centre circle 8, and the goal areas 9 and 10.

Single-cell zones such as the player start positions 4 and the passing zones 7 are also marked on the board. The zones 3,4, 7,8,9,10,11,12,13 are superimposed on the grid of cells or squares 2 as shown in figure 1. In the case that other games such as rugby are represented then the zones have different shapes and areas.

The game includes the following items: A playing board 1 as already described.

Two sets of 15 player pieces. Preferably, a player piece is a figurine with a flat base. The base of the figurine may also have a indentation or cut away region to house the football piece. The player pieces may be made from any conventional material such as plastics material or metal.

Two football pieces. These are small football shaped models used to represent footballs. The football pieces may be made from any conventional material.

A set of tackle cards. This is a set of cards each of which has an instruction or outcome printed onto one side of the card. These cards are used when two player pieces are in adjacent squares on the board.

A set of shooting cards. This is a set of cards each of which has an outcome printed onto one side of the card, for example, that a goal has been saved or scored. These cards are used when a player piece is in the shooting area 3.

Premier league layout. This is a format for groups of players that play each other. The position of players in the league depends on the games they have won, drawn or lost. The format can be on a board with team names that can be moved in accordance with the points they have amassed. The premier league layout can be used to encourage players to improve their game and achieve better results and so move up the league table.

Knock out competition sheet. This is a sheet of paper giving instructions and a means to record the scores of matches from a knock out competition. Several such sheets may be provided and different layouts and instructions can be given on the sheets.

Instructions. The game also contains a set of printed instructions about how to play the game.

As already mentioned the board 1 is marked out to represent a football pitch layout with two halves 5 and 6. The board is also divided up into a number of squares 2 which form a grid. Some of the squares 4 are shaded and provide football-player piece start positions. There are equal numbers of shaded squares 4 on each half 5,6 of the board. At the start of the game each football-player piece can be placed on a shaded square 4. It is also possible to start the game with the football-player pieces in other positions.

Passing zones 7 are also marked out on the board 1. The passing zones are squares 2 that are marked to indicate that they represent passing zones. A square that is a passing zone 7 may also be a start position square 4.

A centre circle 8 is also marked on the board 1. At the start of the game the opponent beginning the game places two football-player pieces in the centre circle 8 and the football piece is placed at the base of one of these football-player pieces. Two goal areas 9,10 are marked on the board 1 as well as shooting areas 3, 11.

To prepare the game ready to start the board is laid out on any flat surface.

Each opponent positions his football-player pieces on one half of the board. The start position squares 4 can be used at this point if desired. Each opponent can also choose a specialist football-player piece and positions this on the board. The specialist football-player piece represents a highly skilled real football player. This football-player piece is able to take moves of larger magnitude than the other football-player pieces. For example, the specialist football-player piece can be moved through any combination of 4 squares such as 3 forward and 1 left or 4 backwards. This football-player piece can be used to further develop the strategy of the game. For example, the specialist football-player piece allows attacking capability to be increased or defences to be strengthened. Because each player must decide where to place the specialist football-player piece on the board the skill and forward-planning required for the game is increased.

The opponents decide who is to take the kick off at the start of the game. For example, the opponents could toss a coin to do this. The opponents who is to take the kick off places two of his football-player pieces in the centre circle 8 and places the football-piece at the base of one of these pieces. One football-player piece on each team is designated as representing a goal-keeper. These pieces can be distinguished from the other pieces for example, using colour or shape. Each goalkeeper is associated with a goal region 12,13 for that team. The game consists of two halves as in a real game of football and the length of time for each half is decided by the opponents at the start of game.

Football-player pieces are moved on the board without the use of a dice or other random number generator. Instead each football-player piece can be moved on the board according to one of a set of possible moves in a similar way to the movement of a chess-piece in the conventional game of chess. The set of possible moves consists of moving two squares forwards or backwards and two squares left or right. Any combination of these four moves is allowed. Football-player pieces cannot be moved diagonally and football-player pieces cannot be moved through each other. That is, the path over the board that a football-player piece takes during a move must be clear. If the path is blocked by another football-player piece then the path must be altered to go around the obstruction.

The opponents take turns to move the football-player pieces and/or the football piece. Each opponent may make up to a predefined number of moves (for example, two) before returning play to the other opponent. Each opponent may make less than the predefined number of moves but never more than the predefined number. Each opponent has an unlimited amount of time during which to make his moves unless a time limit is agreed by the opponents at the start of the game. An opponent may not move the same football-player piece more than once during a particular turn.

A football-player piece is in possession of the football piece if the two pieces are on the same square 2 of the board 1.

As in a real game of football the football piece can be passed between football-player pieces. The opponent who is currently taking his turn may pass the ball if one of his football-player pieces is in possession of the football piece. There are two main methods of passing. The first involves moving the football piece instead of a football-player piece. In this method the football-piece is moved as if it were a football-player piece. The second method involves the passing zones 7. A football-player piece that is in possession of the football piece and which is also on a passing zone 7 may pass the football piece to any other football-player piece that is also on a passing zone. Using this method of passing long passes can be made quickly. If an opponent uses this method of passing one move of his turn is used up. The football player pieces which represent the goal-keepers are considered to be on a passing zone 7 if they are within their own goal region 9,10.

Tackles can be made in the following way. If during a turn an opponent moves one of his football-player pieces into a square adjacent to another footballplayer piece then that opponent can nominate a tackle. The opponent who nominates the tackle picks the uppermost tackle card from the pile of tackle cards and turns it over. The instructions on the tackle card are then followed. The instructions on the tackle card may or may not be advantageous to the opponent who nominates the tackle. For example, the tackle card may indicate that one of the football-player pieces must make moves of a smaller magnitude than for the other player pieces. This represents the situation when a football player is injured during a real football match. A tackle may also be nominated by an opponent in the following situation. If a pass is made at any time during the game to a footballplayer piece that is adjacent to a football-player piece from the opposing team then the opposing team may nominate a tackle. In this case, all pending moves for the current turn are cancelled and the instructions on the tackle card are followed.

During his turn an opponent may move the football-piece off the board. In this situation a throw on is given to the opposing team. The opposing team gives the football-piece to any of its three nearest football-player pieces. This constitutes one of the opposing teams moves, The opposing team then has one more move to carry out to complete his turn and before play returns to the other opponent.

As in a real game of football, situations in which a corner kick is given can arise. In this situation the opponent who is awarded the corner kick places the ball at the nearest comer (this is on a passing zone). The opponent who is awarded the corner may then move any two of his football-player pieces to new positions on the board 1. This movement to two new positions does not constitute part of that opponent's turn. The other opponent or defendant is then able to move any two players to better defending positions on the board. The opponent taking the corner then passes or kicks the ball. If a pass is made this can be to any other footballplayer piece. The football-player piece who receives the football-piece does not have to be on a passing zone 7. The pass constitutes one of the opponents moves so that the opponent taking the corner has one move remaining in his turn.

A free kick can be given in one of two situations. First, during a tackle, a tackle card may give instructions for a free kick to be taken. In this case, the tackle card will provide detailed instructions for how the free kick should be taken. If a free kick is given in the goal keeper's area 12, 13 to the attacking side, a free attempt at goal is given. Second, if a football-player piece is found to be in an off-side position according to conventional football rules then the opposing team is given a free kick.

In this situation all pending moves of the team found to have a player-piece off side are cancelled. The opposing team takes over play and may pass the football-piece to any other football-player piece that is in his half of the board. The football-player piece which receives the football-piece does not have to be on a passing zone 7.

This pass is not counted as part of a turn. The opponent who was awarded the free kick then has two further moves to make as part of his turn.

To score a goal a football-player piece that is in possession of the footballpiece must be at least partly within the shooting area, 3, 11 on his opponents half of the board. This football-player piece must also have a clear path to the goal 9,10.

When an opponent meets these conditions then this opponent can nominate a shoot. When a shoot is nominated the nominator picks a shoot card. This is done in the following way. The opponent who has not nominated a shoot, shuffles the shoot cards and then holds up one shoot card in each hand. The nominator states whether he chooses left or right. This represents shooting a real football to the right or the left of the goal. If the nominator states left" then the card held in the right hand is revealed. This represents the goal keeper diving to his right in order to save a goal that is shot to the left of the goal by an attacker in a real game of football.

Similarly, if the nominator states "right" then the card held in the left hand is revealed. The shoot card that is revealed indicates whether a goal has been scored or a save has been made. If a goal has been scored then the game is restarted from the centre circle 8 with a kick off. If a save has been made then the goalkeeper piece who has made the save is given possession of the football piece. The football-piece may then be passed to any other football-player piece that is on the same half of the board and that is on the same team as the goal-keeper piece. The football-player piece that receives the football-piece does not have to be on a passing zone 7. This pass is considered as one move and the second move in the turn is then taken.

Each opponent has two football-player pieces that represent substitute football players. These pieces can be used if and when the opponent chooses. In order to use a substitute football-player piece an opponent must state that a substitution is being made at the start of his turn. The opponent making the substitution removes one or two of his football-player pieces from the board and places the corresponding number of substitute football-player pieces in the centre circle 8. The first three moves that are made with a substitute football-player piece are of greater magnitude than for a regular move. The moves consist of 3 squares forward or backwards and 3 squares left or right. This represents the fact that in a real game of football substitute football players are less tired than the other players.

After these first three moves have been made the substitute football-player pieces are moved in the same way as the other football-player pieces.

An example of a set of rules for the game is given below: 1. Contents 1. 1 x Playing board 2. 2 x Teams of 15 players 3. 2balls 4. Assorted tackle cards 5. 2 x shoot cards 6. Premier league layout 7. knock out competition sheet 8. instructions 9. timer device, for nominated game playing time 10. football-player piece bases, coloured bases to distinguish pieces 11. score board, for recording scores during a game Introduction The game is like a real game of football, skill is in the thinking ahead, and positioning players is VITAL. Moving of players into spaces to receive the ball or moving to mark your opponents players is what is needed to win this game. Played on a football pitch layout your aim is to crack your opponents defences and to score goals against him, made up of 2 halves the winner is the one with the most goals at the final whistle.

Preparation The board can be laid out on any flat surface, on the board there are a number of shaded squares (same in each half of the pitch). The players are positioned on the shaded squares, the side taking the kick off will have 2 players in the centre circle ready to start the game, a ball is then placed at the feet of one of the players in the centre circle.

Note The shaded area are a basic layout for team players, changing these positions is allowed and encouraged.

The game is of x2 halves, length of play in each half is decided at the start before kick off whistle is blown.

RULES Movement of players. All players moves are the same, Subs, are different and are explained later. The moves consist of 2 x squares forward or backwards and 2 x squares left or right, any combination of these 4 x moves are allowed, moves not fully taken cannot be taken by another player, the same player cannot be moved twice in the same turn. Players and the ball cannot be moved diagonally. In the game each team has x 2 turns, there is no time limit on players moves. Players cannot go through each other, if your path is blocked by another player you have to go around, one player per square.

Passing of ball. There are x 2 main methods of passing, first is simply moving the ball instead of your player this has to be done within the player movement rule, another is to move the ball into the path of an on coming player, on his next move can move forward and pick up the now loose ball. On the board can be seen a number of outlined squares these are known as passing zones, a player during his turn if on a passing zone can pass to any of his team members also on a passing zone, this enables long passes to be made. Using the passing zone to pass this to be taken as one of the players turns. The goal keeper is always to be considered to be on a passing zone if he is in his own area 9,10.

TACKLE CARD.

If a player wishes to make a tackle against another player he must be in an adjacent square, this can be done when his turn comes and he can then move into position, when ready he nominates a tackle, he being the one that is making the tackle turns over the tackle card and follows the instructions, (if the tackle is lost the other player then follows the instructions), and play continues with him taking his x 2 turns. The tackle card will not always be an advantage to the player making the tackle so BEWARE.

THROW ON If a player or ball cannot be moved to your advantage you may think it better to kick the ball off, the opposing team has the throw in, he can give the ball to any of his nearest 3 players, taking the throw in as one of his turn has one more turn to carry out, play continues.

CORNERS As for throw ins, a corner kick is given, this is taken on a passing zone square, the team with the corner can then move x 2 players if he wishes to better positions, (this is not taken as part of his turn). The kick taken doesn't have to go to a player on a passing zone, when passed this is taken as one of his turns so has one remaining move to make. NOTE.. If a pass at any time is made during the game and an opposing player is in an adjacent square a tackle can be nominated immediately, all teams further moves are cancelled, instructions on the tackle card is carried out, and play resumes.

FREE KICKS These are given during the game by the tackle card or your team being caught off side, the tackle card will give precise instructions as to the free kick. If a player is seen to be off side (normal football rules) during any forward pass all his further moves are cancelled, the opposing team take over the play, taking the free kick he can pass to any player in his half of the pitch (the receiver of the ball does not have to be on a passing zone), the pass is not included as part of a teams turn so the team still have x 2 moves to make.

SCORING To score the attacker must be within or part of the shaded area of the goal (diagonal shots are allowed ) and have a clear path. When in the correct position can nominate SHOOT, your opposing player takes up the SHOOT cards mixes them behind his back and then holds one in each hand, attacker then takes his shot, stating whether he has gone to the left or right, if he nominates his shot to the left the keeper would dive to HIS right, opening his right hand it will reveal whether a goal has been scored or a save has been made. If its a goal the game is restarted from the centre circle with a kick off. But if a save has been made the keeper can pass to any of his players in his half of the pitch, (the receiver doesn't have to be on a passing zone) the pass being one turn play continues with the team taking there second turn.

SUBSTITUTES Each team has x 2 subs that he can use if and when he chooses. When its the start of his turn he states that one or two subs are being made, taking the player or players off the subs are placed in the centre circle, the subs being fresh players move for there first x 3 moves 3 and 3 and revert back to the normal play after this.

Be careful when making a substitute, in the tackle cards you may find a player has been injured and can't move or not as well as his team mates.

Claims (10)

Claims

1. A board game apparatus comprising: (i) a plurality of playing-pieces which represent two teams of players; (ii) at least one playing piece which represents a ball; (iii) a board, one surface of which is provided with a display comprising a grid of cells such that in use each playing-piece is placed on a cell on the board and the playing-pieces are moved between cells by making one of a plurality of possible predefined moves; (iv) a set of rules for playing the game; (v) a set of cards each of which provides an instruction; (vi) a plurality of zones marked onto the display and superimposed on the grid; wherein at least some of the zones define regions between which the playing-piece which represents a ball can be moved.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least some of the zones comprise single cells.

3. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein at least some of the zones marked onto the display are arranged to represent regions used in a conventional field game.

4. Apparatus as in claim 3 wherein the conventional field game is a ballgame.

5. Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein the ball-game is football.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim which comprises a second set of cards each of which provides an information about an outcome.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the playing-pieces have flat-bases such that in use they rest on the board.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least some of the playing-pieces contain an indentation adapted to hold another playing-piece.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim which comprises at least one overlay sheet, one surface of which is provided with a display and wherein said overlay sheet is adapted to be placed on top of the board.

10. Apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.