US3741546A - Board game apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A game structure utilizing a main game board member, a plurality of game player pieces, a stack of bonus cards, a plurality of score sheets, and a rule booklet, wherein the game simulates one''s real life. The game board has a plurality of starting positions interconnected by selectable pathways to a main winning or central destination goal. The selectable pathways comprise main individual pathways, equal in number to the number of starting positions and each leading directly to the destination goal, together with alternate pathways, some of which by-pass consecutive spaces in the main individual pathways, and others of which lead from one main individual pathway to another. The plurality of main individual pathways are divided into an equal number of spaces between their respective starting positions and the common destination goal. The spaces along the main individual pathways are adapted to each and all be covered by individual cards, each of such cards bearing indicia stating either a number of steps to be taken or a score to be acquired, such cards being referred to hereinafter as ''''instruction'''' cards, or as a movement- or scoring-directing cards.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Chen June 26, 1973 BOARD GAME APPARATUS a plurality of game player pieces, a stack of bonus [76] Inventor: Chis! Chen 2513 Rice Ponca cards, a plurality of score sheets, and a rule booklet,

City Okla, 74601 Wherem the game simulates ones real life. The game board has a plurality of starting positions intercon- [22] Filed: Jall- 971 nected by selectable pathways to a main winning or central destination goal. The selectable pathways com- [211 App]' 1l0400 prise main individual pathways, equal in number to the number of starting positions and each leading directly C 273/134 273/134 C to the destination goal, together with alternate path- [51] Int. Cl. A63f 3/00 ways, some of which by-pass consecutive spaces in the [58] Field of Search 273/134 main individual pathways, and others of which lead from one main individual pathway to another. The plu- [56] References Cited rality of main individual pathways are divided into an UNITED STATES PATENTS equal number of spaces between their respective start- 1 903 661 4/1933 Storey 273/134 c ing psitins and the destinatim The 2:128:608 8/1938 Goertemiller 273/134 c Spaces along the main individual P y are adapted 2,458,966 1/1949 Waldrop 273/134 0 to a andball be covgred y individual cards, each of 1 such cards eating in icia stating either a number of FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS steps to be taken or a score to be acquired, such cards 1,211,863 10/1959 France 273/134 C ABSTRACT A game structure utilizing a main game board member,

being referred to hereinafter as instruction cards, or as a movement-- or scoring-directing cards.

2 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures i 232221zolsllelwllsllslm ATTORNEY PATENIEDJUN 26 m3 3. 741; 546

samaar 2 K LEAF 4 am s l 1 iss: UQUUUE J g: 28 IIIIIJIEEHEIIIIIIEJEHEHDIU LE/JP 3 am s U I I IQ WLAP4 sna s (BONUS amen) 25 LEAP 4- STEPS (BONUS CHRDS) I HAM/7E ME BOARD F/ 6 4 no. BANKER GAMBLER HUNTER BUM 1 YELLOW RED ORANGE GREEN t'k'zg? 5252 c523; E2933? soNuS7 :E A 1 3:3: CARDS 3 EAP2s'rEPs LEAP 2 LEAP 2 LEAP 2 4 EAP2 STEPSLEAP 2 LEAFS LEAP a 2 5:22: 2:22 22:2 2m 29 -2 LEAP CARDS g PASS mass IMMUNITY CARD 9 H g is o :0 +2 +3 0 F/ 5 n 3 2 4-3 +|o l2. 4 a +5 4- 2 [3 5 4 +5 3 m s s 5 4 as :0 :0 +5 4- s :9 H8 2. l8 1 38 1 l0 l8 l9 20 50 20 10 +20 I5 2| IO 20 IO IO 22 2o 3o 2o 5 23 4o 4o 3o 2o 24 so -so -4o -30 INVENTOR.

CHI-SIN CHEN mm .QMLL

ATTORNEY BOARD GAME APPARATUS Numerous types of game structures are known to the prior art utilizing game boards and game pieces but none are known to have the applicants use of the score sheets, instruction cards, bonus cards, game pieces and a main game board having a plurality of alternate pathways in which to be traveled by the respective players. Also, the prior art game structures are substantially constant in their operation of play dependent upon only the throwing of the dice or the like to determine the number of steps to be taken and not operable in a manner similar to the applicant's invention utilizing cards on each space with overturning of the same during the course of play. Additionally, the prior art game structures do not simulate the problems and decisions entailed in ones life.

In one preferred specific embodiment of this invention, a destination game structure is provided utilizing a main game board member; a plurality of game player pieces to be moved respectively upon the game board member; a plurality of bonus cards having movement indicia thereon; a plurality of instruction cards having instruction indicia thereon and separated intoseparate packs corresponding with respective ones of the game player pieces; a plurality of score sheet rule for each individual to keep score thereon; and a rule booklet to set forth the rules of the game. The main game board member is of a generally square shape having a-plurality of square indicia indicating the starting positions for respective ones of the game player pieces and having therefrom main individual pathways leading to a central destination goal. Each of the respective main individual pathways are dividedinto consecutively numbered squares or spaces of equal number leading to the central destination goal and having therebetween a plurality of alternate pathways. The alternate pathwaysconsist of exit paths leading to other individual pathways and by-pass paths to move beyond certain ones of the consecutively numbered spaces within the respective ones of the individual pathways. The exit paths and bypass paths are divided into sections for each step movement indicative of the steps to be achieved by taking the alternate pathways. The game player pieces are divided into respective configurations and colors to correspond with respective individual pathways and, in this instance, are denoted Banker, Gambler, Hunter, and Burn player pieces. The bonus cards total 52 having a plurality of' cards having movement indicia thereon such as,leap 4 steps","leap 3 steps", and leap 2 steps. The bonus cards also include an Immunity" card having such indicia thereon which may be used to counteract an instruction card. As to the instruction cards, there are 24 such cards corresponding in color to each of the game player pieces and in number to the number of individual spaces leading from respective ones of the .starting positions to the central destination goal"; The score sheet is of a generally rectangular shape having a name indicia thereon at a top portion and a plurality of vertically extending columns separated by column number indicia. At the bottom of each score sheet are a subtotal, a net score, and a final score indicia so that each individual player may keep the score for each respective game to determine the final overall winner after the play of a plurality of games. The details of the method of game play are fully discussed hereafter in the application.

One object of the game structure of this invention is to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art structures.

Another object of the game structure of this invention is to provide a game board with a plurality of player game pieces movable thereon in a predetermined manner and a plurality of main and alternate pathways whereby the game pieces can be selectively moved giving the player a wide range of decision making to make the game enjoyable and interesting.

Still one further object of the game structure of this invention is to provide a game structure having a game board, player cards, game pieces, and a score sheet member, which teaches the players to make decisions as encountered in life and learn the consequences of such decisions and, additionally, has a beneficial factor in teaching one to properly add and subtract numbers while keeping score.

One further object of this invention is to provide a game structure which is economical to manufacture; can be played by a few or a plurality of individuals; is provided with numerous decisions and choices thereon so as to be interesting for play; and can be played by one without requiring the extraordinary skill needed in chess.

Various other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following discussion, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the complete elements comprising the destination game structure of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the respective game player pieces of the game structure of this invention;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a portion of a score sheet member of the game structure of this invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial top plan view of the game board of the destination game structure of this invention illustrated'in a stage of play with various items thereon activated as indicated;

FIG. 5 is a chart showing the various individual movement indicia placed on bonus cards of the game structure of this invention;

FIG. 6 is a chart illustrating the indicia placed on the instruction cards of the game structure of this invention; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bonus cards of this invention having one such card overturned illustrating the movement indicia thereon.

The following is a discussion and description of preferred specific embodiments of a new destination game structure of this invention, such being made with reference to the drawings, whereupon the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/or structure. It is to be understood that such discussion and description is not to unduly limit the scope of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, this invention relates to a destination game structure 10 utilizing a main game board member 12 of generally square shape; a plurality of game player pieces 14; a stack of bonus cards 16, 52 in number, having movement indicia 18 on one side thereof; a plurality of instruction cards 20, namely, 24 for each of the respective game player pieces 14; a plurality of score sheet members 22 for use by individual players to keep score thereon; and a rule booklet (not shown) setting forth the instructions for game play.

The game board member 12 is generally of square or rectangular shape having hinge means thereon so as to be foldable into a compact storage condition for conveyance in a container (not shown) as desired. The board member 12 is provided at corner areas with starting squares 24, each one having therein an identification indicia 25 corresponding to respective ones of the game player pieces 14. More specifically, the identification indicia 25, as shown in FIG. 1 in clockwise movement from the upper left hand corner, are the indicia Bum, Gambler, Banker, and Hunter. From each of the starting squares 24, there is provided a generally U or J shaped individual pathway 26 leading to a central destination goal" as indicated by the destination and square indicia 28. Each of the individual pathways 26 is color coded to correspond with the respective starting square 24 and is provided with 24 (24) consecutively numbered interconnected squares indicated at 30. At each inner end of the individual pathways 26, there is provided a numerical indicia 32, being either 70 or 80", which is representative of points which are given to the player who first reaches the central designated goal 28 after proceeding along certain pathways 26, such being the object of the game. Additionally, the board member 12 is provided with a plurality of alternate pathways 34 having therein exit paths 36 which lead to other individual pathways 26, there being two exit paths 36 provided in each one of the individual pathways 26. The alternate pathways 34 further include by-pass paths 38 whereupon the player can move his respective player piece 14.

As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of game player pieces 14 are divided into various objects corresponding with the name indicia 25 on the game board member 12. One game piece 14 is indicative of a Banker; a second game piece 14 being indicative of a Gambler"; a third game piece 14 being indicative ofa Hunter"; and a fourth game piece 14 being indicative of a Bum." lt is to be noted that other identical game player pieces 14 may be provided so that more than one player may move on identical ones of the respective individual pathways 26 and two players in each pathway 26 may then enjoy this game structure 10. It is noted that, for ease of play, the starting squares 24, individual pathways 26, and the game player pieces 14 are all color coded so as to prevent confusion and such respective corresponding pathways 26 and game player pieces 14 represent variously the Banker", being colored for example yellow; the Gambler being colored for example red; the Hunter" being colored for example orange; and the "Bum" being colored for example green.

As shown in FIGS. and 7, the bonus cards 16 total 52 cards with movement indicia l8 thereon divided as follows:

7 "leap 4 steps" cards 15 leap 3 steps" cards 29 leap 2 steps" cards 1 -lmmunity" card It is noted that these bonus cards 16 have the above noted instruction and number indicated on one side and are provided with a hatched covering on the opposite side. The movement indicia 18, being leap 4 steps" on the bonus card 16 in FIG. 7, tells the individual player utilizing such card the steps to be taken. The instruction or indicia Immunity card will be explained.

The instruction cards 20 are placed in four different separate color coded stacks, being the Banker yellow, Gambler red, Hunter orange, and Burn green, and with the number of cards, namely 24, corresponding to the number of individual squares 30 in the individual pathways 26. Each of the instruction cards 20 is provided with instruction indicia 42 thereon according to the chart set forth as shown in FIG. 6. It is to be noted that the individual four stacks of instruction cards 20 utilized do not contain the same notations thereon which adds to the excitement and variations of the game structure 10 of this invention. For example, on noting the four separate vertical columns of FIG. 6, being the indicia 42 on the instruction cards 20, column one has a total of seven leap steps and five pass steps; column two has six leap steps and five pass steps; the third column has eight leap steps and three pass steps; and the fourth column has nine leap steps and three pass steps. This, or course, would appear to present some inequalities. However, it is noted upon adding the various columns from cards number 1 through 24, inclusive, the possible plus and minus points to be gained or lost are not consistent. In the column one, there is a possibility of plus 125 points and minus 120 points; in column two there is a possibility of plus 155 and minus 150 points; in column three there is a possibility of plus or minus 100 points; and in column four there is a possibility of plus 79 or minus 65 points. This provides different odds on utilizing the Banker, Gambler, Hunter, or Burn pathways 26 and thus presents a decision factor on whether to use the alternate pathways 34 such as the exit path 36 if one wishes to try a pathway 26 of another individual player.

As shown in FIG. 3, the individual score sheet member 22 is of a rectangular shape having on the top thereof a horizontal line with a name indicia 44 thereupon and having a plurality of consecutively numbered vertically extending columns 46 with each column 46 further divided into plus and minus columns 48 thereon for combining scores. Along the bottom portion of the score sheet member 22 are instruction indicia 50, being Subtotal, Net Score, and Final Score, whereupon the player adds the minus and plus points to be gained from the instruction cards 20 to achieve total and net scores for each individual game. Thereupon, after playing one or a plurality of individual games, the final overall winner can be ascertained through the totalization of the points and the one with the greater positive total would be declared the game winner.

RULES OF THE GAME Object Of The Game The object of the method of play in the game structure 10 of this invention is for an individual player to obtain the highest accumulative point total from one or a series of games. The game player pieces 14 are moved from the respective starting positions 24 through 24 steps of the main individual pathways 26 to reach the central destination goal 28 where the rewarding point count is then achieved as indicated by the indicia or 80. Each player has a choice of taking various means of reaching the destination goal 28 through the alternate pathways 34, being the exit path 36 or the bypass 38 if he recognizes the advantage to do so. Each of the 24 steps or spaces 30 within respective ones of the main individual pathways 26 are provided with instruction cards 20 to provide chances for the respective players to gain or lose points, to leap to move ahead, and to pass, thereby losing the change for advancing upon the next turn of play.

One further object of this invention is to simulate ones real life in which he can make decisions to win a game under some unpredictable circumstances and the individual moves may lead to a very disastrous failure and this makes the game most interesting and exciting.

Preparation For Playing On preparing to play with the game structure 10, the game board member 12 is placed in a horizontal position such as on a table or the like and the four packs of the instruction cards 20 are sorted into individual colors. Next, each of the packs of the instruction cards 20 are shuffled separately and each card is distributed face down on one of the spaces 30 in individual pathways 26 in a random manner. Then, each individual player selects one of the game pieces 14 to be representative on a travel path beginning at the main starting square 24 of his chosen character whether the same be Hunter, Banker, Gambler, or Burn. It is to be noted that more than one player can select the same identical ones of the player pieces 14 and play the same respective individual pathways 26 as will be explained. However, if four or less players participate, it is recommended that the players play on individual ones of the main pathways 26 instead of two playing on one and leaving one vacant. The bonus cards 16 are then thoroughly shuffled and five cards are given to each individual player in the game. For a quicker game, more than five of the bonus cards 16 may be given to each player but the players must receive the same number of such bonus cards 16. However, it must be assured that the bonus card 16 being the Immunity card is distributed to the players being in the present game.

START THE GAME'PLAY It is to be noted that the lmmunity" card is to be dealt on distribution of the bonus cards and the player who receives the Immunity card starts the game play.

Method Of Play The first game player as indicated by drawing of the immunity card then moves one step forward (or uses a bonus card 16 as will be explained) in one of the main individual pathways 26 and then turns over the instruction card 20 which is on the landed numerical space to show the instruction thereon. This instruction card 20 remains open or upright throughout the game and it is to be noted that the player always moves forward, never backward, throughout this game. After the first player has completed his movement, the person to his left continues the method of game play and such is continued throughout the game.

Now, on considering the instruction card 20 upon which a player has landed or may subsequently land, the individual player is entitled to earn plus points or obliged to deduct minus points according to the pertinent instruction card 20. This number of points, either plus or minus, then should be promptly recorded on the player's individual score sheet member 22 in the proper plus or minus column 48. If a player lands upon an instruction card 20 which indicates leap, the

, player then moves the instructed number of steps according to the indicia thereon to complete his turn of play and he continues until landing on a minus or plus point instruction card 20 or one which has the indicia pass" thereon. It is noted from the instruction cards 20 that the player has five possible instructions from the aforementioned indicia l8 thereon, namely, to leap, pass, plus points, minus points or zero. However, it is to be noted that the player may use one of his bonus cards 16 at his individual turn of play to leap the spaces 30 according to the number indicated thereon. In this case, the instruction cards 20 which the player leaps over are not to be overturned except the instruction card 20 on which the player lands. However, the player does, in using his bonus card 16 and landing on an instruction card having leap" indicia, continue his play until he receives a numerical point or a pass instruction card 20. In the aforementioned game play, it is noted that one player has the immunity card 16 and this player can turn the Immunity card in at any time to invalidate one of the undesirable instruction cards 20 which, of course, would be a minus points or a pass instruction card 20.

Alternate Pathways It is seen that the alternate pathways 34 provide the exit paths 36 to lead to the other ones of the individual pathways 26 as desired and two of the same are accessible to each player member in the individual pathways 26. Additionally, each individual pathway 26 is provided with three of the by-pass paths 38 whereupon a player can by-pass certain ones of the individual numerical spaces 30 having the instruction cards 20 thereon. This would certainly be advisable when two game pieces 14 are played on the same individual pathways 26 and one might wish to by-pass an instruction card 20 having minus fifty points thereon. The alternate pathways 34 are provided to enable an individual player, if it is to his advantage, to change from one character pathway 26 to another, or to by-pass some undesirable steps on his own individual pathway 26. This can be done only at the players turn of play and when he is in an appropriate step leading to the alternate pathway.

Winning The Game Net Score" is obtained for that particular game. From this, one obtains a Net Score" of either plus or minus which is entered in the proper column 46. In winning the overall total game play, it is recommended that a plurality of games constitute a complete game play and the individual player who has the highest plus net total score from the plurality of games, five to ten games preferably, becomes the ultimate winner.

Other Embodiments Of The Game In order to make the method of game play of the destination game structure 10 of this invention more difficult, it is to be noted that a rule may be added whereupon the respective ones of the instruction cards 20, after being landed upon and opened for reading the instruction indicia 42, could thereupon be returned with the instruction face down. In this case, the individual players, who select the same game player pieces 14 and move on the same main individual pathways 26, are forced to remember the instruction indicia 42 on the subject instruction cards 20 so that the player can avoid or may be sure to land on such spaces, whichever is advantageous for the player to gain points or leap movements thereby.

It is seen that the game structure of this invention provides a method of game play for a plurality of players using individual player pieces to be moved on a main game board member having a plurality of selective pathways thereon. The game structure not only provides alternate choices of play but also can according to one embodiment provide for reward on memorization of certain instruction cards which have been previously overturned and are not now available to the observation of the individual players. Additionally, the player can use the game structure to figure odds respectively upon overturning plus, minus, or pass instruction cards so as to regulate the method of game play to the best of his ability. Additionally, the game structure provides means for keeping individual scores requiring use of plus and minus numbers to aid in arithmetic for persons wherein such practice would be of fined in the following.

I claim:

1. A game apparatus for playing a competitive destination game adapted to simulate decisions of ones life which comprises, in combination:

a. a game board member having individual starting positions and respective pathways divided into individual player spaces and leading to a central destination goal,

b. said board member further having alternate pathways thereon providing both exit pathways connecting from ones of said individual pathways to other of said individual pathways, and by-pass pathways to by-pass certain of said player spaces in the associated pathways,

0. a plurality of game player pieces related to respective ones of said individual pathways for movement thereover indicative of a players position and movement,

d. a plurality of movementor scoring-directing cards corresponding in size and number to the size and total number of said individual player spaces, and

e. a plurality of bonus cards having movement indicia on one side thereof used by respective ones of the game players to control movement of said game player pieces on said individual pathways and said alternate pathways.

2. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein said alternate pathways have direction indicia thereon.

Claims (2)

1. A game apparatus for playing a competitive destination game adapted to simulate decisions of one''s life which comprises, in combination: a. a game board member having individual starting positions and respective pathways divided into individual player spaces and leading to a central destination goal, b. said board member further having alternate pathways thereon providing both exit pathways connecting from ones of said individual pathways to other of said individual pathways, and by-pass pathways to by-pass certain of said player spaces in the associated pathways, c. a plurality of game player pieces related to respective ones of said individual pathways for movement thereover indicative of a players position and movement, d. a plurality of movement- or scoring-directing cards corresponding in size and number to the size and total number of said individual player spaces, and e. a plurality of bonus cards having movement indicia on one side thereof used by respective ones of the game players to control movement of said game player pieces on said individual pathways and said alternate pathways.

2. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein said alternate pathways have direction indicia thereon.

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