ZA200903724B - A kit for a board game - Google Patents

Description

) TITLE: A kit for a board game ) lw

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a board game, and particularly to a kit for a board game.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The Inventor has noted that board games are popular and accordingly would like to create a board game which is both entertaining and interactive.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for a board game, the kit including: a playing board having a plurality of demarcated zones or blocks for accommodating matching player position markers; at least one set of question cards, associated with at least some of the zones or blocks; at least one set of event cards, associated with at least some of the zones or blocks; a plurality of player position markers matched to the playing board; a plurality of score marker holders, each score marker holder being configured to receive a predetermined number of matching score markers for keeping score during play; and

® a plurality of score markers matched to the score marker holders.

The board game may be associated with a particular theme. In an example embodiment, the theme of the board game is animals of Africa.

The playing board may define a playing area shaped relative to the theme. As such, the playing area and/or playing board may be in the shape of the African continent. The playing area may comprise the entire area of the board, or alternatively, it may only comprise a portion of the board.

The demarcated zones or blocks may include such zones or blocks that are arranged in series around a periphery of the playing area.

The player position markers may be shaped relative to the theme. In an example embodiment, a player position marker may be shaped in the form of a game viewing vehicle.

The player position markers may be able to receive score markers which may be receivable in one of a plurality of sockets defined in © 20 the player position markers (the player position marker and the score marker holder thus being consolidated into a single component).

Alternatively, the score markers may be receivable in one of a plurality of sockets defined in the score marker holders which are separate and distinct from the player position markers. In such case, the score marker holders include six sockets and are in the form of tokens.

The kit may include at least one playing die (e.g. eight-sided dice). The die may be used to determine an amount of zones or blocks each player may move his/her player position marker when it is his/her turn to play.

CY. £2009/0 372 4 ® The zones or blocks may include references to the question cards. The question cards may each include one or more questions per card.

The difficulty level of these questions may vary. For example, a plurality of zones or blocks may be associated with the answering of a question, also referred to as a non-reward question. These non-reward questions may relate to the theme. Each question card may include two questions, one question being easy and one question being difficult. :

Alternatively, or additionally, at least one of the zones or blocks referring to the question cards may be associated with obtaining a reward, : also referred to as a reward question. In such case, if a player answers the question correctly, he/she may be awarded a reward in the form of a score © marker.

The appearance of the zones or blocks referring to a reward question may differ from the appearance of the zones or blocks referring to a non-reward question.

The kids may include sound and/or picture cards (for example, sound and picture cards). At least one of the zones or blocks may include reference to the sound and picture cards. Each of the sound and picture cards may direct a player to identify a picture and/or a sound related to the theme. Included in the kit may thus also be a compact disc or other audio carrier containing tracks of animal sounds. The name of the animal portrayed on the picture and sound card may appear on the back of the picture and sound card. The name of the animal sound which is associated with a specific track number may appear on an answer sheet included in the kit.

The playing board may include at least one set of demarcated zones or blocks providing an alternative direction or path for a player to follow. These alternative demarcated zones or blocks may be associated with question and/or event cards. These alternative zones or blocks (forming “off-

LL E2008/03724 ® road” paths) may be associated with a higher risk or reward. There may be three off-road paths to follow.

In an example embodiment of the invention, the kit may include play money. At least one of the zones or blocks may include reference to the play money. The play money may be in the form of notes. The notes may be allocated different values. Each of the differently valued notes may be portrayed by a different object relating to the theme. Different zones or blocks may refer to the differently valued notes.

At least one of the zones or blocks may make reference to event cards associated with the gain or loss of play money. In an example embodiment, there is provided a set of event cards instructing a player to gain or loose a specified amount of play money based on the value of the animals indicated on the event card.

In another embodiment of the invention, the kit may include a second playing board defining a second playing area, optionally in a shape related to the theme. The second plane board may be configured to accommodate at least one object piece. In an example embodiment, the second playing area represents a game farm. The playing area may comprise the entire area of the second board, alternatively it may only comprise a portion of the second board.

The kit may include a plurality of second playing boards, one for each player.

The kit may include a plurality of object pieces. These object pieces may be shaped relative to the theme.

The kit may include a plurality of different groups of object pieces. There may be provided object pieces relating to predators, herbivores,

® buck and small game shaped as an animal that forms part of that particular group of animal.

The object pieces may be placed on the second playing board or may be taken off the second playing board.

At least one of the zones or blocks may make reference to event cards associated with the gain or loss of object pieces. In the case of an example embodiment, there is provided a set of event cards instructing a player to gain or loose a specified amount of animals belonging to a specific group.

At least one of the blocks or zones may instruct a player to add or remove object pieces to or from his or her second playing board.

The kit may be packaged together with instructions for playing the game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a playing board forming part of the kit in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 shows plan and side-elevation views of a player position marker forming part of the kit in accordance with the invention;

Figure 3 shows a score marker holder with score markers forming part of the kit in accordance with the invention; and

7 - 2009703724 ® Figures 4 to 6 show different playing cards forming part of the kit in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings, reference numeral 10 (of Figure 1) generally refers to a playing board forming part of the kit in accordance with the invention. The playing board 10 defines a playing area in the shape of the

African continent and includes a plurality of peripherally extending demarcated zones or blocks 12. In this example, therefore, the theme of the game is Africa. The playing board also includes a plurality of demarcated zones or blocks 14 defining an alternative path. Three sets of playing cards 400, 500, 600 are included (refer to Figures 4 to 6).

Referring to Figure 2, reference numeral 20 refers to a player position marker forming part of the kit in accordance with the invention. The position marker is in the shape of a game viewing vehicle.

Referring to Figure 3, reference numeral 22 refers to a score marker holder which includes a plurality of corresponding score markers 26.

The score marker holder 22 is configured to receive six score markers 26 in six matched sockets 24 as well as a pre-determined amount of play money (not indicated).

In use, two to six players can play the board game on the playing board 10. Each player is provided with a player position marker 20 and a score marker holder 22. Each player uses his/her player position marker 20 to move around the playing board 10 on the demarcated zones 12, 14.

When it is a player's turn to play, an eight sided die is used to determine how many zones or blocks 12, 14 he/she may move his/her player position marker

1d A player is entitled to place one score marker 26 in a socket 24 in response to answering a particular question correctly. The first player to fill all six score sockets 24 with the allocated six score markers 26 wins the game. The score marker 26 is in the form of a token.

There is an alternative way to win the game (in contrast to the way explained above). Each player is provided with a pre-determined amount of play money at the beginning of the game. The play money is in the form of differently valued notes. Players can collect or loose play money during the course of the game. Each player is allowed to buy up to five score markers 26. The value of each score marker 26 increases progressively with each additional score marker 26 bought by the player. In this example, the different values are:

R100 000 for the first score marker 26 bought;

R150 000 for the second score marker 26 bought; : R200 000 for the third score marker 26 bought;

R250 000 for the fourth score marker 26 bought; and

R300 000 for the fifth score marker 26 bought.

The sixth score marker 26, however, can only be obtained by answering a question correctly.

Instructions associated with selected zones or blocks 12, 14 direct a player to collect or loose playing money.

Different sets or stacks of playing cards 400, 500, 600 are : provided. One of these sets is a set of question cards 400. When a player moves his player position marker 20 to a zone or block 12, 14 associated with a question card 400, the player is directed to answer a question related to animals of Africa. If the player answers the question correctly, he/she plays again until he/she answers a question incorrectly after which it is the next players turn.

® Selected zones or blocks 12, 14 (“score marker blocks”) associated with question cards 400 have a different appearance from the normal, remaining question zones or blocks 12, 14, for instance, a different colour. If a player answers a question resulting from a score marker block correctly, he/she collects a score marker 26 to place in the socket 24 on their score marker holder 22. If the player answers the question incorrectly, it is the next players turn.

A second set of playing cards 500 (“Picture and Sound Cards") includes pictures of African wildlife and reference to a specific track number on an audio carrier in the form of a compact disc, included in the kit, which is an audio representation of a call of a specific African animal.

Certain zones or blocks 12, 14 instruct a player to pick up one of the picture and sound cards 500 and to identify a picture of an animal printed on the card and/or a sound of an animal relating to a specific track included on the compact disc. Each picture and sound card 500 includes a different : picture and different track number. Prior to picking up the picture and sound card 500, the player must state whether he/she will answer one or both of the questions. If the player indicates that he/she is going to answer only one question, he/she must specify whether he/she is going to answer the question relating to the picture or the question relating to the audio track. If the player decides to answer only one of the questions and answers that question correctly, the player is awarded a pre-determined amount of play money. If the player answers incorrectly, it is the next player's turn to play. If the player decides to answer both of the questions, and answers both questions correctly, the player is awarded a score marker 26. If the player answers one or both questions incorrectly, it is the next player's turn. Answers are provided : on the back of the card or on a separate answer sheet.

: ® A third set of playing cards 600 ("Nature's Way") is associated with the occurrence of an event and is referred to as event cards. The event cards 600 include references to positive and negative events. When a player's position marker 20 falls on a zone or block 12, 14 associated with the event cards 600, he/she is instructed by the card he/she picks up (i.e. the top event card) to collect a pre-determined amount of play money or to loose a pre- determined amount of play money. The play money is in the form of differently valued notes. The values of these notes are R2000, R4000, R6000 and R10000. The wording of a typical card reads:

Positive: Congratulations! Your lioness gave birth to three new cubs.

Collect R6000.

Negative: There has been a terrible fire, two of your herbivores have died. Loose R2000.

A player has the option to take an alternative path in the form of alternative zones or blocks 14 in order to complete the game. These alternative zones or blocks 14 are associated with higher risks but also higher rewards. These alternative zones or blocks 14 are referred to as off-road tracks. Typical instructions in respect of these zones or blocks read as follows:

Receive R4000.

Your vehicle is stuck. Miss 2 turns.

You have a flat tyre. Miss 1 turn.

If a player decides to follow the alternative zone or block path, he/she is not allowed to change direction and needs to follow the path until : : he links up with the original path. Depending on the role of the die, these - off-road tracks may help or hinder the player.

The Inventor believes that the invention as exemplified enhances gaming satisfaction by providing an entertaining and interactive game. The game additionally provides two alternative means of winning the game. The invention further incorporates a variety of different audio-or visual

® elements forming part of playing the game.

The invention serves as an educational toy, providing an easy and fun way to learn more about a particular theme.

Claims (25)

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1. A kit for a board game, the kit including: a playing board having a plurality of demarcated zones or blocks for accommodating matching player position markers; at least one set of question cards, associated with at least some of the zones or blocks; at least one set of event cards, associated with at least some of the zones or blocks; a plurality of player position markers matched to the playing board; a plurality of score marker holders, each score marker holder being configured to receive a predetermined number of matching score markers for keeping score during play; and a plurality of score markers matched to the score marker holders.

2. A kit as claimed in claim 1, in which the board game is associated with a particular theme.

3. A Kit as claimed in claim 2, in which the theme of the board game is animals of Africa.

4, A kit as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, in which the playing board defines a playing area shaped relative to the theme.

5. A kit as claimed in claim 4, in which the playing area is in the shape of the African continent.

6. A kit as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, in which the demarcated zones or blocks are arranged in series around the periphery of the playing area.

7. A kit as claimed in any of claims 2 to 6 inclusive, in which the player position markers are shaped relative to the theme.

8. A kit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the score markers are receivable in one of a plurality of sockets defined in the score marker holder.

0. A kit as claimed in claim 8, in which the scoring marker is in the form of a token.

10. A kit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the kit includes at least one die.

11. A kit as claimed in claim 10, in which the die is used to determine an amount of zones or blocks each player may move his/her player position marker when it is his/her turn to play.

12. A kit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the zones or blocks includes reference to question cards. :

13. A kit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the question cards each include more than one question.

14. A kit as claimed in claim 13, in which the difficulty level of the different questions on the question cards varies. : 15. A kit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the zones or blocks associated with the question cards is further associated with obtaining a reward.

®

16. The kit as claimed in claim 15, in which, if a player answers a question correctly, he/she is awarded a reward in the form of a score marker.

17. A kit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, which includes a set of picture and sound cards and in which at least one zone or block is associated with identifying an animal and/or identifying an animal sound on the picture and sound cards. :

18. A kit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, which includes an audio carrier containing tracks of animal sounds.

19. A kit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, which includes play money.

20. A kit as claimed in claim 19, in which at least one of the zones or blocks includes reference to the play money.

21. A kit as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, in which at least one event card is associated with the gain or loss of the play money.

22. A kit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the playing board includes at least one set of demarcated zones or blocks providing an alternative direction or path for a player to follow.

23. A kit as claimed in claim 22, in which these zones or blocks providing an alternative path or direction are associated with questions or events associated with a higher risk or reward.

24. A kit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the kit is packaged together with instructions for playing the game.

25. A kit as claimed in claim 1, substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any of the examples and accompanying figures.

DATED THIS 28™ DAY OF MAY 2009 ~ ADAMS & ADAMS APPLICANT'S PATENT ATTORNEYS