U.S. patent application number 11/459604 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-01 for idiom game.
This patent application is currently assigned to BOUNCING BRAIN PRODUCTIONS SUBSIDIARY 7, LLC. Invention is credited to Daniel Lee Bizzell, Jason A. Gammon, Brian Hamlett, Wendy Michelle Hampton, Alexa Pool, Ronald W. Randal, Todd S. Stancombe, Matthew Wynn.
Application Number | 20070045963 11/459604 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37809177 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070045963 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hampton; Wendy Michelle ; et
al. |
March 1, 2007 |
IDIOM GAME
Abstract
A game includes a plurality of playing cards with each card
having a number of phrases listed on a face thereof; a random
number generator, wherein the amount of numbers that may be
generated by the random number generator equals the number of
phrases listed on each playing card; a method selecting device; and
a timer. The plurality of playing cards, the random number
generator, the method selecting device, and the timer are housed in
a box together. A method of playing the game includes the steps of
generating a number, selecting a clue methodology, selecting a card
from the plurality of cards, determining a portion of information
to be guessed based on the generated number, attempting to guess
the portion of information utilizing the clue methodology, and
scoring a point value if the portion of information is
determined.
Inventors: |
Hampton; Wendy Michelle;
(Lawrenceville, GA) ; Bizzell; Daniel Lee;
(Davidson, NC) ; Wynn; Matthew; (Charlotte,
NC) ; Stancombe; Todd S.; (Charlotte, NC) ;
Randal; Ronald W.; (Huntersville, NC) ; Gammon; Jason
A.; (Charlotte, NC) ; Hamlett; Brian;
(Charlotte, NC) ; Pool; Alexa; (Charlotte,
NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TILLMAN WRIGHT, PLLC
P.O. BOX 471581
CHARLOTTE
NC
28247
US
|
Assignee: |
BOUNCING BRAIN PRODUCTIONS
SUBSIDIARY 7, LLC
520 Elliot Street Suite 200
Charlotte
NC
|
Family ID: |
37809177 |
Appl. No.: |
11/459604 |
Filed: |
July 24, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60712564 |
Aug 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/300 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 1/062 20130101;
A63F 2009/186 20130101; A63F 2001/0425 20130101; A63F 2250/1068
20130101; A63F 2001/045 20130101; A63F 1/10 20130101; A63F
2001/0441 20130101; A63F 9/18 20130101; A63F 1/00 20130101; A63F
1/04 20130101; A63F 2001/0408 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/300 |
International
Class: |
A63F 1/00 20060101
A63F001/00 |
Claims
1. A method of playing a game, comprising the steps of: (a)
selecting a card having a plurality of idiomatic phrases contained
thereon; and (b) attempting to determine one of the plurality of
idiomatic phrases contained on the card by using a particular clue
methodology, wherein said selected idiomatic phrase is determined
by a random number generator and said particular clue methodology
is determined by a method selecting device.
2. A method of playing a game, comprising the steps of: (a) using a
random number generator to generate a number; (b) using a method
selecting device to select a clue methodology; (c) selecting a card
from a plurality of cards, each of said plurality of cards having a
plurality of idiomatic phrases contained thereon; (d) determining
one of the plurality of idiomatic phrases contained on the card
based on the generated number, the determined idiomatic phrase to
be guessed; (e) attempting to guess said determined idiomatic
phrase utilizing the clue methodology; and (f) scoring a point
value if said determined idiomatic phrase is correctly guessed.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the steps of the method are
performed by a team of players.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein steps (a)-(d) are performed by a
member of the team.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein steps (a)-(f) are repeated in a
rotating manner by a plurality of teams until one of the plurality
of teams reaches a predetermined point value.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein steps (a)-(f) are repeated in a
rotating manner by a plurality of teams for a predetermined number
of rounds of play with a winning team having the highest number of
points after the predetermined number of rounds of play.
7. The method of claim 2, wherein said point value is determined by
the number generated using the random number generator.
8. The method of claim 2, further comprising providing an allotted
time within which said determined idiomatic phrase may be
guessed.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said allotted time is determined
by a timer that is retained in a game box while the game is being
played.
10. The method of claim 2, wherein the method selecting device is a
die having characters disposed on each of six sides.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said characters represent six
different clue methodologies utilized to aid in guessing said
determined idiomatic phrase.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein one of said clue methodologies
requires a player to act out said determined idiomatic phrase to be
guessed.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein one of said clue methodologies
requires a player to illustrate said determined idiomatic phrase to
be guessed.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein one of said clue methodologies
requires a player to describe said determined idiomatic phrase to
be guessed, or to give a literal definition for said determined
idiomatic phrase to be guessed, without using any words contained
in said determined idiomatic phrase.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein one of said clue methodologies
allows a player to choose which clue methodology to use to assist
his or her teammates in attempting to guess said determined
idiomatic phrase to be guessed.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein one of said clue methodologies
requires a player to use a clue methodology chosen by a player from
an opposing team.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein one of said clue methodologies
allows a player to choose five letters which said player believes
to be present in said determined idiomatic phrase to be guessed,
and wherein another player then indicates whether and where the
chosen five letters are present in said determined idiomatic phrase
to be guessed.
18. The method of claim 2, wherein one or more players on the same
team guess said determined idiomatic phrase and, if not correctly
guessed, then one or more players on one or more opposing teams
guess said determined idiomatic phrase.
19. The method of claim 2, wherein, if said random number generator
generates the number six, then each team of a plurality of teams is
allowed to concurrently guess said determined idiomatic phrase
utilizing said selected clue methodology.
20. A game, comprising: (a) a plurality of playing cards, each card
having a number of idiomatic phrases listed on a face thereof; (b)
a random number generator, wherein the amount of numbers that may
be generated by the random number generator equals the number of
idiomatic phrases listed on each playing card; (c) a method
selecting device; and (d) a timer; (e) wherein the plurality of
playing cards, the random number generator; the method selecting
device, and the timer are housed in a box together; and (f) wherein
each card has six idiomatic phrases listed on a face thereof.
Description
I. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] For purposes of the United States, the present application
is a nonprovisional of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/712,564
filed Aug. 31, 2005. The entire disclosure of this patent
application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
II. COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
[0002] All of the material in this patent document is subject to
copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States
and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the
facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the
patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records
but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are
reserved.
III. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Family game playing is very popular in the United States.
Examples of well-known games include Trivial Pursuit, Pictionary,
Taboo and Cranium. Part of the appeal of these games is interacting
with family members and friends to achieve a common goal, e.g.,
answer a question or figure out an unknown drawing or phrase. As
such, games have become an enjoyable way to socialize with one
another. Based on the popularity of available games, it is thought
that a game that combines the challenging aspects of available
games and adds new challenging aspects would be very enjoyable and
well received.
[0004] Further, it is recognized that the English language includes
a large number of phrases, each having a meaning other than the
literal meaning of the words that make up the phrases. These are
known as idiomatic phrases or idioms. Examples of such phrases
include "Cat got your tongue?" or "Two peas in a pod." Idioms are a
funny, quirky part of the English language that are used by most
all English speakers. Based on the funny nature of idioms
themselves, it is thought that a game based on these phrases would
be very entertaining and amusing.
[0005] A game based on idioms is known. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,890,844
and 4,991,854 are drawn to a game that utilizes idioms to
familiarize children and non-native English speaking adults with
the English language. The game includes a board having a number of
spaces and a plurality of cards having on one face an idiomatic
phrase, the definition of such phrase and a number indicating the
number of spaces a player may advance upon correctly identifying a
phrase, and having on the opposite face a picture depicting the
literal meaning of the idiomatic phrase. The goal of the game is to
be the first player to reach the last space on the board. There are
a number of ways to play the game. One exemplary method is for an
opponent to be shown the face of one of the plurality of cards
having a drawing depicting the literal meaning of the idiomatic
phrase and then have the opponent guess the idiomatic phrase
depicted therein along with the meaning of the phrase. This game
playing method supports the stated purpose of the game of learning
the English language.
[0006] Although, the above-described game is probably enjoyable, it
would be more entertaining to have a game based on idioms that has
more variety in the game playing method and that includes a team
playing aspect that allows members of the same team to interact
with one another.
IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention includes many aspects and features. In
a first aspect, a game comprises a plurality of playing cards with
each card having a number of phrases listed on a face thereof, a
random number generator, wherein the amount of numbers that may be
generated by the random number generator equals the number of
phrases listed on each playing card; a method selecting device; and
a timer. The plurality of playing cards, the random number
generator, the method selecting device, and the timer are housed in
a box together.
[0008] In a feature of this aspect, each card has six phrases
listed on a face thereof. In another feature of this aspect, the
phrases listed on the cards are idiomatic phrases. In yet another
feature of this aspect, the random number generator is a standard
die. In still yet another feature, the method selecting device is a
die having a method signifying character depicted on each side
thereof. In accordance with this feature, each of the method
signifying characters is different.
[0009] In an additional feature, the game further comprises a small
dry erase board having an erasable writing surface and a dry erase
writing instrument. In yet another feature, the game further
comprises a tray arranged to receive and retain the plurality of
playing cards and the timer, and the tray is sized to fit snugly
within the box.
[0010] In still yet another feature, the timer is retained in the
tray while the game is being played. With further regard to this
feature, the timer may comprise a mechanical timer that is
incorporated into and forms part of the tray, includes a dial that
is twisted for countdown, and ticks while counting down.
Alternatively, the timer may comprise a sand timer similar to an
"hour glass" and the sand timer may be is unable to stand upright
on its own.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention, a method of playing a
game comprises the steps of selecting a card having information
contained thereon and attempting to determine a selected portion of
the information by using a particular clue methodology. The
selected portion is determined by a random number generator, and
the particular clue methodology is determined by a method selecting
device.
[0012] In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of playing
a game comprises the steps of (a) using a random number generator
to generate a number; (b) using a method selecting device to select
a clue methodology; (c) selecting a card from a plurality of cards
with each of the plurality of cards having information contained
thereon; (d) determining a portion of the information to be guessed
based on the generated number; (e) attempting to guess the portion
of the information utilizing the clue methodology; and (f) scoring
a point value if the portion of the information is determined.
[0013] In a feature of this aspect, the steps of the method are
performed by a team of players. In another feature of this aspect,
steps (a)-(d) are performed by a member of the team. In yet another
feature of this aspect, steps (a)-(f) are repeated in a rotating
manner by a plurality of teams until one of the plurality of teams
reaches a predetermined point value. In still yet another feature,
steps (a)-(f) are repeated in a rotating manner by a plurality of
teams for a predetermined number of rounds of play with a winning
team having the highest number of points after the predetermined
number of rounds of play.
[0014] In an additional feature, the point value is determined by
the number generated using the random number generator. In another
feature, the method further comprises providing an allotted time
within which the portion of the information may be determined. In
accordance with this feature, the allotted time is determined by a
timer. It is preferred that the timer is retained in a game box
while the game is being played. With regard to this feature, the
allotted time is 60 seconds.
[0015] In another feature, the method further comprises determining
one team out of a plurality teams to start the game. With regard to
this feature, the starting team is determined utilizing the random
number generator. In yet another feature, the random number
generator is a number die.
[0016] In a further feature, the method selecting device is a die
having characters disposed on each of six sides. With regard to
this feature, each of the six sides contains a different character.
In accordance with this feature, the characters represent six
different clue methodologies utilized to aid in guessing the
portion of information to be guessed. In furtherance of this
feature, one of the clue methodologies requires a player to act out
the portion of information to be guessed; one of the clue
methodologies requires a player to describe the portion of
information to be guessed or to give a literal definition for the
portion of information to be guessed without using any words
contained in the portion of information; one of the clue
methodologies allows a player to choose which clue methodology to
use to assist his or her teammates in attempting to guess the
portion of information to be guessed; one of the clue methodologies
requires a player to use a clue methodology chosen by a player from
an opposing team; and one of the clue methodologies allows a player
to choose five letters which the player believes to be present in
the portion of information to be guessed and wherein another player
then indicates whether and where the chosen five letters are
present in the portion of information to be guessed. With respect
to this last clue methodology, the five letters may be all
consonants, all vowels, or any combination thereof, such as three
consonants and two vowels.
[0017] In another feature, the information contained on each card
of the plurality of cards is a list of idiomatic phrases. In
accordance with this feature, each card of the plurality of cards
contains a list of six idiomatic phrases. In further accordance
with this feature, the portion of the information to be guessed is
one of the idiomatic phrases in the list.
[0018] In an additional feature, if the random number generator
generates the number six, each team of a plurality of teams is
allowed to guess the portion of information utilizing the clue
methodology during an allotted time.
[0019] In other features: when the phrase is not correctly guessed
by a team within the allotted, opposing teams are given the
opportunity to correctly guess the phrase and thereby "steal" the
point; and opposing teams are allowed to concurrently guess the
phrase along with the team whose turn it is under certain
circumstances, such as when a "six" is given by the random number
generator.
[0020] In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of
the present invention, it should be noted that the present
invention further includes the various possible combinations of
such aspects and features.
V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Further aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages of
the present invention will become apparent from the following
detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game and the pieces and
packaging thereof in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of one of the plurality
of playing cards of the game of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of playing the
game of FIG. 1.
VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by
one having ordinary skill in the relevant art ("Ordinary Artisan")
that the present invention has broad utility and application.
Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being
"preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated
for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may
be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a
full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover,
many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications,
and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the
embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the
present invention.
[0026] Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein
in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be
understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of
the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of
providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention.
The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not
intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be
defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not
intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present
invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found
herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
[0027] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of
steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are
illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be
understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may
be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order,
the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being
carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an
indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or
methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences
and orders while still falling within the scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the
appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
[0028] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used
herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand
such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein.
To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein--as understood
by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such
term--differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition
of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as
understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
[0029] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein,
"a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not
exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise.
Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having an apple" describes "a
picnic basket having at least one apple" as well as "a picnic
basket having apples." In contrast, reference to "a picnic basket
having a single apple" describes "a picnic basket having only one
apple."
[0030] When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at
least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items
of the list. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese or
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese without
crackers", "a picnic basket having crackers without cheese", and "a
picnic basket having both cheese and crackers." Finally, when used
herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes "all of the items of
the list." Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese and
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the
picnic basket further has crackers," as well as describes "a picnic
basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has
cheese."
[0031] Referring now to the drawings, the preferred embodiments of
the present invention are next described. The following description
of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is
in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or
uses.
[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pieces of a game and
packaging thereof in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. The game 10 includes a plurality of playing
cards 12, a random number generator, a method selecting device and
a timer 18. In a preferred embodiment, the random number generator
is a conventional die 14 having six sides with a number of dots
ranging from one to six disposed on each side of the die. For
purposes of this application, this die 14 will be referred to
herein as a number die 14. It is preferred that the timer 18 be a
mechanical timer having a time duration of 60 seconds (not shown),
although a sand timer also may be used as illustrated in FIG. 1.
The game further preferably comprises a small dry erase board
having an erasable writing surface and a dry erase writing
instrument (not shown). The Ordinary Artisan will understand that
although specific embodiments of the pieces of the game will be
described herein, any number of embodiments of the particular
pieces may be utilized to perform the particular functions of the
various pieces.
[0033] The game pieces may be stored within a game box 20 when the
game 10 is not being played. Further, some of the pieces may be
held within the game box 20 while the game 10 is being played. More
particularly, a tray 22 having a perimeter shaped similarly but
slightly smaller than a perimeter of the game box 20 fits snuggly
within the box 20 and is arranged to receive and retain the
plurality of playing cards 12 and the timer 18 during game play.
The cards 12 are maintained in a card retaining space 24 and the
timer 18 is maintained in a timer retaining space 26. The tray 22
enables the plurality of cards 12 and timer 18 to be easily
accessible during game play. The tray 22 may also retain the number
die 14 and other game pieces when the game 10 is not being
played.
[0034] Furthermore, when the timer 18 is a sand timer, it is
configured such that it will not stand upright on its own, and
therefore, will not work properly, if it is not placed in the timer
retaining space 26 of the tray 22. This timer arrangement is
intended to aid in keeping track of the timer 18, since small
pieces are often easily lost. When a preferred mechanical timer is
utilized (not shown), the mechanical timer preferably is
incorporated into and forms part of the tray ticks while counting
down. By incorporating the mechanical timer as part of the tray,
the mechanical timer is less likely to be separated and lost from
the tray and the other game pieces.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of one of the plurality
of playing cards. Each card 28 of the plurality of playing cards 12
has a numbered list of idiomatic phrases 30 disposed on a face
thereof. For example, a card 28 may include the phrases "Don't Make
A Mountain Out of A Mole Hill" or "A Ballpark Figure." Preferably
the list of phrases 30 contains six phrases, to correspond with the
numbers that may be rolled using the number die 14. During game
play, a selected player from a team rolls the number die 14 to
determine which idiomatic phrase the particular team will be trying
to guess during its turn. For example, if the selected player rolls
a three, then the team will be trying to determine the third phrase
in the list of phrases 30 during its turn. The game 10 preferably
includes between 400 and 500 cards and, consequently, the game 10
preferably includes between 2,400 and 3,000 idiomatic phrases. The
opposite face of the card 28 preferably contains a graphic indicia
of the game 10. During game play, the plurality of cards 12 are
maintained in the card retaining space 24 of the tray 22.
[0036] It is preferred that the method selecting device is a die 16
having characters disposed on each of six sides of the die 16. Each
character represents a method for giving clues to teammates to aid
in guessing a phrase from a selected card, therefore, this die 16
will be referred to herein as a method die 16. It is further
preferred that the method die 16 have a different character
disposed on each of the six sides of the die 16.
[0037] In the preferred embodiment, the following clue giving
methods are represented by characters on the method die 16: 1)
"Perform It," 2) "Draw It," 3) "Speak It," 4) "Letter It," 5)
"Choose It," and 6) "Lose It."
Perform It
[0038] The "Perform It" character requires the player giving clues
to act out a phrase or words in the phrase to be guessed in order
to help his or her teammates guess the phrase.
Draw It
[0039] The "Draw It" character requires the player giving clues to
draw a phrase or words in the phrase to be guessed to help his or
her teammates guess the phrase.
Speak It
[0040] The "Speak It" character requires the player giving clues to
either give teammates the literal definition of the selected phrase
or describe the words in the selected phrase without saying any of
the words in the phrase.
Letter It
[0041] The "Letter It" character requires the player giving clues
to inform his or her teammates whether, and if so where, five
letters chosen by the teammates are present in the phrase to be
guessed. The teammates may choose five letters.
Choose It
[0042] The "Choose It" character allows the player giving clues to
choose the method of giving clues to his or her teammates.
Lose It
[0043] The "Lose It" character allows an opposing team to choose
the method of giving clues that the guessing team will be required
to use.
[0044] The game 10 is played in teams, with there being a minimum
of two teams having at least two players each. On a team, one
player gives clues and the remaining players use the given clues to
guess the phrase to be guessed. The number of teams and the number
of people on each team is not limited.
[0045] Prior to teams starting the game, the teams decide on a
point total that must be reached in order to win the game. The
winning point total may change from game to game as it is selected
by the players involved in a particular game. The team that reaches
the predetermined point total first is the winning team.
Alternatively, the teams may predetermine a number of rounds of the
game to play. The team having the highest point total at the end of
the predetermined number of round is the winning team. The scoring
of points is discussed below.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method 100 of playing
the game 10. The method 100 begins with the teams determining which
team will be the starting team or the first guessing team 110. In a
preferred embodiment, a player from each team rolls the number die
14. The team that rolls the highest number is the starting team.
(Note that if a team ties, then the teams that tie roll again to
determine order as between the teams that tie.) The team going
second after the starting team may be selected in any number of
ways. For example, play may move to the team sitting to the left of
the starting team or play may move to the team rolling the second
highest number with the number die 14 at the beginning of the game.
If only two teams are playing, then play moves to the team that was
not the starting team.
[0047] The starting team chooses a player that will be responsible
for giving clues to the rest of his or her teammates in the
guessing team 120. The chosen player selects a card 28 from the
tray 140 and rolls the number die 14 to determine the phrase from
the list of phrases 30 for which clues will be given and rolls the
method die 16 to determine which method the chosen player will use
to give clues to the teammates 130. Once the chosen player knows
the selected phrase and the method by which clues will be given,
the timer 18 is started 150. The team has 60 seconds to guess the
selected phrase.
[0048] The number die 14 also determines the points that are
available to be scored during the turn of play. Specifically, the
point total available to be scored by the guessing team equals the
number that is rolled with the number die. For example, if the
guessing team rolls a five, then the team will score five points if
it correctly guesses the phrase to be guessed.
[0049] As an example of game play, a chosen player gives clues to
his or her teammates according to the method that was rolled with
the method die 160, e.g., if the chosen player rolls "Draw It," he
or she will attempt to illustrate the phrase or words belonging to
the phrase. The team will try to guess the selected phrase based on
the chosen player's clues. If the team is able to guess the
selected phrase in the time allotted, the team scores the point
total determined by the number die 170. If the team is unable to
guess the selected phrase in the time allotted, then that team
scores no points. Play then moves to the next team so that the next
team may take its proper turn 190.
[0050] Play continues in this manner, rotating from team to team,
until one of the teams reaches the predetermined point total or the
predetermined number of rounds has been played 180. The winning
team is the team with either the predetermined point total or the
highest number of points after the predetermined number of rounds
of play 200.
[0051] The large number of available phrases to be guessed
substantially decreases the probability of a phrase being repeated
for a long period of time. Because the game does not have a board,
it is ideal for playing during travel or at other times when space
may not be optimal. In addition, the game may be played by as a few
as four players or by many more than four players. Moreover, the
game is suitable for players of all ages.
Variations
[0052] The game of the present invention may be played according to
a number of variations to the foregoing rules of play. This
variability keeps the game fresh and fun for players even if it has
been played many times.
[0053] For example, in a preferred variation of the rules of play
of game, if the team is unable to guess the selected phrase in the
time allotted, then another team is given a single opportunity to
"steal the points" by correctly guessing the selected phrase based
on what that team has heard and seen during game play. If there is
more than one opposing team, then the other opposing teams may take
a single guess either in order of play or in a race against each
other to correctly guess the selected phrase. If another team
correctly guesses the selected phrase, then that team receives the
points that were originally available to the guessing team whose
turn it was. Play then moves to the next team so that the next team
may take its proper turn.
[0054] In another preferred variation of the rules of play, if a
six is rolled using the number die, then all teams are given the
opportunity to concurrently guess the selected phrase. In
particular, when a six is rolled, the other teams have the
opportunity to guess the selected phrase in conjunction with the
guessing by the team whose turn it is. If another team correctly
guesses the phrase, then that team receives six available points.
Play then moves to the next team so that the next team may take its
proper turn.
[0055] Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily
understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present
invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many
embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than
those specifically described herein, as well as many variations,
modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from
or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing
descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope
of the present invention.
[0056] Accordingly, while the present invention has been described
herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments,
it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative
and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the
purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the
invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed
to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other
embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent
arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the
claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *