U.S. patent application number 12/196187 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-26 for pool table game including process for interactively delivering specific instructions to each player for all shots during game play.
Invention is credited to David Lawrence Bilgen, Jeffrey Allen Bilgen.
Application Number | 20090054168 12/196187 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40382716 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090054168 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bilgen; David Lawrence ; et
al. |
February 26, 2009 |
POOL TABLE GAME INCLUDING PROCESS FOR INTERACTIVELY DELIVERING
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS TO EACH PLAYER FOR ALL SHOTS DURING GAME
PLAY
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method of playing a
billiards game among a plurality of players. The invention resides
in the delivery of a set of shot instructions to each player in the
game. Each player is to take turns shooting his or her assigned
balls according to the set of shot instructions. Once all shot
instructions have been complied with, the game is scored according
to the rules of the particular game and a winner is determined. The
method of delivering shot instructions has application in many
different games with varying sets of game rules.
Inventors: |
Bilgen; David Lawrence;
(Chatsworth, CA) ; Bilgen; Jeffrey Allen;
(Moorpark, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KELLY LOWRY & KELLEY, LLP
6320 CANOGA AVENUE, SUITE 1650
WOODLAND HILLS
CA
91367
US
|
Family ID: |
40382716 |
Appl. No.: |
12/196187 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60957528 |
Aug 23, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63D 15/20 20130101;
A63D 15/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/1 |
International
Class: |
A63D 15/00 20060101
A63D015/00 |
Claims
1. A method of playing a billiards game among a plurality of
players, comprising the steps of: assigning a billiard ball set to
each of the players; establishing a shooting order for the players;
delivering player specific shot instructions to each of the
players; and each player shooting the assigned billiard ball set
according to the player specific shot instructions in the
established shooting order.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein each billiard ball set comprises
a plurality of uniquely identified balls.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the player specific shot
instructions comprise a plurality of shot instructions
corresponding to each of the plurality of uniquely identified
balls.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the plurality of uniquely
identified balls each have a specified point value that is
associated with the unique identification.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the steps of
determining which of the uniquely identified balls from all of the
players is closest to a target area, and scoring the game based
upon the specified point value of the uniquely identified ball that
is closest to the target area.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the shot instructions include
one-rail, two-rail, three-rail, wild, question, no shot and bonus
shot instructions.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the players shoots the
assigned billiard balls from a starting area to a target area.
8. The method of claim 5, wherein the billiards game comprises
multiple rounds and each round comprises repeating the delivering,
shooting, determining and scoring steps.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the players shoot at a different
target area in each round.
10. A method of playing a billiards game among a plurality of
players, comprising the steps of: assigning a billiard ball set to
each of the players, each billiard ball set comprising a plurality
of uniquely identified balls wherein each ball has a specified
point value that is associated with the unique identification;
establishing a shooting order for the players; delivering player
specific shot instructions to each of the players, the player
specific shot instructions comprising a plurality of shot
instructions corresponding to each of the plurality of uniquely
identified balls; and each player shooting the assigned billiard
ball set according to the player specific shot instructions in the
established shooting order.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the steps of
determining which of the uniquely identified balls from all of the
players is closest to a target area, and scoring the game based
upon the specified point value of the uniquely identified ball that
is closest to the target area.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the shot instructions include
one-rail, two-rail, three-rail, wild, question, no shot and bonus
shot instructions.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the players shoots each
of the assigned billiard balls from a starting area to a target
area.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the billiards game comprises
multiple rounds and each round comprises repeating the delivering,
shooting, determining and scoring steps.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the players shoot at a
different target area in each round.
16. A method of playing a billiards game among a plurality of
players, comprising the steps of: assigning a billiard ball set to
each of the players, each billiard ball set comprising a plurality
of uniquely identified balls, wherein each ball has a specified
point value that is associated with the unique identification;
establishing a shooting order for the players; delivering player
specific shot instructions to each of the players, the player
specific shot instructions comprising a plurality of shot
instructions corresponding to each of the plurality of uniquely
identified balls, wherein the shot instructions include one-rail,
two-rail, three-rail, wild, question, no shot and bonus shot
instructions; each player shooting the assigned billiard ball set
from a starting area to a target area according to the player
specific shot instructions in the established shooting order;
determining which of the uniquely identified balls from all of the
players is closest to the target area; and scoring the game based
upon the specified point value of the uniquely identified ball that
is closest to the target area, wherein the game comprises multiple
rounds and each round comprises repeating the delivering, shooting,
determining and scoring steps, and wherein the players shoot at a
different target area in each round.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to billiard games. More
particularly, the present invention relates to billiard games
wherein players are assigned a discrete set of balls and then
receive a set of shot instructions that control the manner and
order in which the players shoot those balls.
[0002] Billiard games have been around for centuries. Various types
of prior art billiard games include 8-ball, 9-ball, cut-throat,
etc. Such prior art billiard games allow a player to determine the
manner in which a ball is shot, i.e., straight shot, cut shot, bank
shot, multiple rail shot, etc. In addition, with a few notable
exceptions (9-ball), a player can shoot his or her assigned balls
in any sequence.
[0003] Such prior art games involve a great deal of skill in
shooting the balls, determining the order in which to shoot the
balls, and where to position the cue ball for the next shot. A
skillful player can dominate such a game against a less skillful
player. Such domination can lead to a player "running the table",
i.e., shooting all of his or her assigned balls without the other
player even getting a turn.
[0004] Indeed, most games between players of different skill levels
usually result in the more skillful player getting more shooting
opportunities. Being up against a more skillful player can make a
game uninteresting or even boring. Especially where the game
excitement comes from actually shooting a ball and most of the time
is spent watching someone else shoot their balls.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a new billiard game wherein
players of different skill levels can compete on a more level
playing field. There is also a need for a new billiard game wherein
multiple players receive an equal number of opportunities to shoot
their assigned balls. The present invention fulfills these needs
and provides other related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed to a method of playing a
billiards game among a plurality of players. The method begins with
assigning a billiard ball set to each of the players and
establishing a shooting order for the players. Next,
player-specific shot instructions are delivered to each of the
players. Each player then shoots the assigned billiard ball set
according to the player-specific shot instructions in the
established shooting order.
[0007] Each billiard ball set comprises a plurality of uniquely
identified balls, with each ball having a specified point value
associated with the unique identification. The player-specific shot
instructions comprise a plurality of shot instructions
corresponding to each of the plurality of uniquely identified
balls. The shot instructions may include one-rail, two-rail,
three-rail, wild, question, no shot and bonus shot
instructions.
[0008] Each of the players shoots each of the assigned billiard
balls from a starting area to a target area according to the
player-specific shot instructions. After each player has performed
all of the player-specific shot instructions, the players must
determine which of the assigned billiard balls is closest to the
target area. The game is scored based upon the specified point
value of the ball that was closest to the target area, with the
points going to the player to which the closest ball was
assigned.
[0009] The billiards game may comprise multiple rounds with each
round comprising repeating the delivering of instructions, shooting
the balls, determining the player closest to the target area and
scoring based upon which ball was closest. In each of the multiple
rounds, the players may shoot at a different target area.
[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an array of billiard balls according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a one-rail shot instruction according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a two-rail shot instruction according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a three-rail shot instruction according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a no shot shot instruction according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a question shot instruction according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a wild card shot instruction according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a bonus shot shot instruction according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 depicts the path of a one-rail shot according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates the path of a two-rail shot according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates the path of a three-rail shot according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates a measuring device according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates the use of the measuring device
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0025] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method embodying the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] The present invention is concerned with a method of playing
a billiards game among a plurality of players. As with most
billiard games, a set of uniquely identified billiard balls are
assigned to each player and a shooting order of the players is
established. Distinct from most billiard games is the fact that
each player is assigned a set of player-specific shot instructions
which establish the order and the manner in which the player must
shoot the balls assigned to him or her. Each player then shoots the
assigned billiard ball set according to the player-specific shot
instructions in the established shooting order.
[0027] This inventive method will herein be described in the
context of a particular set of game rules and variations thereon.
However, a person having ordinary skill in the art will realize
that the inventive method of delivering shot instructions
controlling the order and manner in which a player shoots his or
her assigned billiard balls has application to any number of games
with varying rules.
[0028] A game which follows this inventive method will challenge
players of all abilities in unique ways by requiring very precise
control of each shot under only those conditions that are specified
or allowed by the shot instructions. Delivery of varying shot
instructions from game to game will facilitate each player being
randomly challenged by a variety of disadvantages, while at other
times being the beneficiary of a variety of advantages. The
inventive method results in games that challenge the ability,
intelligence and consistency of players, while blending both
offensive and defense strategies.
[0029] Players of all skill levels will be equally involved in
every game, whereas with most pool table games the better player
typically spends far more time shooting than does his or her less
skilled competition. Players of varying skill levels will be able
to successfully compete against one another with only a modicum of
experience and a little practice. Even entry level players will
achieve success, fulfillment and enjoyment when competing against
players with far more experience and ability. Periodic advantages
brought about by the range of available shot instructions and
sequences when compared to the shot instructions and sequences of
an opponent will enable even the most inexperienced players to
achieve success.
[0030] To practice the inventive method one should provide ball
sets, shot instructions, game rules and a measuring device, all of
which can be packaged and marketed as a game unit and/or as
individual components. Additional components, as they become
available can be marketed as well. The game herein described may be
played on any size pool table, including billiard tables without
pockets. No adjustments are required to any table.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the ball sets are preferably delivered
in a master set of 16 balls, as with prior art billiard sets. All
balls are regulation size manufactured to industry standards. The
ball set for the inventive method preferably comprises five sets of
three balls plus an extra ball.
[0032] Each three-ball set is preferably of a unique color. By way
of example only, the colored three-ball sets can be yellow, blue,
red, purple and orange. Other color combinations are possible so
long as each three-ball set can be uniquely identified. Each ball
may also be identified by some other unique identifier, i.e.,
numbering each three-ball set with a number one through five. Each
uniquely identified three-ball set should include three distinct
ball designs. One possible distinct design is to include a
one-striped ball, a two-striped ball and a three-striped ball in
each set.
[0033] Alternatively, the ball sets may comprise different numbers.
For example, three five-ball sets are possible where every
one-striped ball is assigned to one player, every two-striped ball
is assigned to another player, and every three-striped ball is
assigned to a third player, if necessary. In this instance, the
ball designs (one-stripe, two-stripe, three-stripe) would identify
the player and the unique colors would correspond to the point
value. As a further example, the colors or numbers may be limited
to three and the number of stripe variations increased to five. A
person skilled in the art will realize that other ball combinations
are possible, especially with different ball designs and unique
identifiers.
[0034] In the preferred embodiment, each unique ball within a
three-ball set will carry a specific point value. With the stripe
designs the point values can be commensurate with the number of
stripes the balls have: the one-striped ball carries a value of one
point; the two-striped ball carries a value of two points; and the
three-striped ball carries a value of three points. In this
embodiment, as many as three points may be achieved in each
game/round as will be determined based upon the number of stripes
on the "winning" ball, as explained below.
[0035] The one-, two- and three-striped balls have default shot
methods controlling the manner in which they are shot--as either a
one-rail shot (the one-striped ball), a two-rail shot (the
two-striped ball) or a three-rail shot (the three-striped ball).
However, as described below the shot instructions may modify these
default shot methods such that balls may be specified to be shot in
different ways or may be permitted to be shot in different
ways.
[0036] The extra ball is generally similar to a cue ball in a
standard billiard set. This ball (largely white in color) is a
"bonus" ball, which is used in specific circumstances during
matches. When a player is delivered a bonus shot instruction, as
explained below, he or she may elect to shoot a "free" shot at
specified junctions during game play. This extra ball is used to
exercise these "free" shots, which may employ any of the three
legal shot types (either a one-, two- or three-rail shot). This
extra ball may be used offensively, to achieve a position nearest
to the target, or to advance another ball to a position closer to
the target. Alternatively, the extra ball may be used defensively,
to sink or retard the position of an opponents' ball. The extra
ball may carry any designated point value but preferably carries a
value of one point. Should a legally executed extra ball end a game
in the winning position, the player having executed this shot is
awarded one point.
[0037] The shot instructions provide the means to orchestrate and
deliver a vast number of competitive game scenarios. They dictate
how balls are to be shot. Each instruction specifies a type of shot
available to a player. The shot instructions are the mechanisms
through which a vast number of competitive game scenarios are
"interactively" orchestrated and communicated to the players. These
shot instructions tell the players exactly what shot(s) may be
executed at each shot opportunity.
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 2-8, there are a total of six (6)
different shot instructions, which can be delivered to the players
in a variety of combinations, such to provide all players with a
variety of unique challenges and opportunities. Throughout game
play, the dynamics of how these shot instructions "match up" with
those of opposing players will provide thousands of unique
competitive scenarios that players will encounter.
[0039] The three "ball" shot instructions, as depicted in FIGS. 2,
3 and 4 are solid or patterned round elements with one, two or
three diagonal lines through them. These shot instructions
correspond to the "default" shots for each of the three balls in
the player ball sets. These instructions are very specific--when
any of these instructions are delivered to a player, the player
MUST execute shots as follows:
[0040] (1) The "one-striped" ball shot instruction (FIG. 2)
requires the player receiving this instruction to shoot only his or
her one-striped ball (if it has not already been played) executing
it as a one-rail shot;
[0041] (2) The "two-striped" ball shot instruction (FIG. 3)
requires the player receiving the instruction to shoot only his or
her two-striped ball (if it has not already been played) as a
two-rail shot; and
[0042] (3) The "three-striped" ball shot instruction (FIG. 4)
requires the player receiving this instruction to shoot only his or
her three-striped ball (if it has not already been played)
executing it as a three-rail shot.
[0043] If upon receiving any of these "ball" instructions, the
specified ball has already been shot in the current game, then the
player may substitute any other ball that has not been specified
for use at another time in the present game. However, any such ball
must be shot using the number of rails consistent with the number
of stripes specified by the shot instruction.
[0044] Three additional shot instructions (FIGS. 5, 6, and 7) are
as follows:
[0045] (1) The "no-shot" shot instruction (FIG. 5) is represented
by a diagonal line through the center of an open circle. The player
receiving this instruction is permitted `no shot`. In a game
comprising a plurality of instructions delivered to a player, the
no shot instruction should be delivered only as early or middle
instructions, but never as a final shot instruction. Nor should it
be delivered more than once on any set of shot instructions;
[0046] (2) The "question-mark" shot instruction (FIG. 6) is
represented by a question mark in the center of a circle. The
player receiving this instruction must shoot the ball in the manner
specified (i.e. a one-, two- or three-rail shot) by his or her
opponent. The player receiving this instruction (and shooting this
opponent-specified shot) may use any ball that is "available" for
use (that has not already been played or otherwise specified for
use by another shot instruction in the present round). When more
than two players are competing, the opponent who follows the player
receiving this instruction will specify the shot;
[0047] (3) The "wild" shot instruction (FIG. 7), represented by a
"W" in a circle, enables the player receiving this instruction to
shoot any ball that is "available" for use (not already having been
played or otherwise specified for use by another shot instruction
in the present game), and may shoot it in any of the three manners
(as a one-, two-, or three-rail shot).
[0048] The bonus shot instruction (FIG. 8), represented by the word
"BONUS", entitles the player receiving this shot instruction to a
"free" shot of his or her choosing, at specific junctures during a
game. The "free" shot may be exercised in the round in which the
instruction was delivered, or held for use in a future round in the
current game. It may be used offensively (to achieve a position
near the Target Pocket, or to advance another of the player's
balls) or defensively (to retard or pocket an opponent's ball). No
player may use more than one bonus shot instruction in any game.
Should a player receive a second bonus shot instruction in the same
game, that instruction must immediately be surrendered. In a
variation where shot instructions are delivered on cards, the
surrendered bonus shot instruction is replaced in the deck and the
deck then immediately re-shuffled and cut, prior to resuming play.
This "free" shot is always executed using the white extra ball,
which carries a value of one point. Should a game end with this
white extra ball nearest the target area, the player having shot it
is awarded a single point.
[0049] Only one bonus shot instruction may be exercised in any one
round. Once a player has exercised his or her bonus shot
instruction, opposing players may not exercise a second bonus shot
instruction in that same round. A bonus shot instruction may be
used either immediately before or immediately after a player's
specific shot instruction. The player also gets to use his or her
delivered specific shot instruction when using a bonus instruction.
In addition, a player may use a bonus instruction after the
specific shot instructions of all players have been executed.
[0050] In one preferred embodiment, the shot instructions may be
delivered in a deck of varied shot instruction cards, each
stipulating the order, types of shots, ball usage and any shot
options that each player must adhere to during each game. Each card
displays multiple shot instructions, preferably three, to
correspond to the number of balls in a set. The cards indicate, top
to bottom, what shot and/or what shot options a player may execute
in each of three turns of a round. The top-most shot instruction
represents the first turn shot, the middle shot instruction
represents the second turn shot and the bottom-most shot
instruction represents the third turn shot. With thousands of
possible card pairings and options, every game will present a
completely new set of challenging conditions for all players. A
preferred deck would include about fifty-two cards to create
sufficient variety and keep game play interesting. In addition to
the shot instruction cards that display multiple instructions,
there are two additional bonus cards as described above.
[0051] Each player will draw, or will be dealt, his or her own shot
instruction card prior to the beginning of each game. How these
cards "match up" against the card(s) of other players will dictate
play for that game. Alternatively, the shot instructions may be
delivered by electronic means on a personal portable device, i.e.,
a PDA, or other similar device. The electronic device would
randomly generate a set of shot instructions for each player
similar to the cards described above.
[0052] All shot instructions are to be executed (shot) from a
starting area, preferably the "spot" on a billiards table, in
either a one-, two- or three-rail orientation as dictated by the
shot instructions. The object is to get the ball closest to a
target area using the designated manner of shot. In the described
game, a player shoots his or her ball toward a target area to
achieve a position nearest to the target area. Where the target
area is a pocket, the object is to be the closest to the target
pocket without going into the target pocket.
[0053] A "live play" area is designated around the target area
bordered by the second diamonds along both the vertical (long) and
the horizontal (short) rails, nearest to the "target pocket". These
points also intersect with the "spot" or starting area. The "live
play" area comprises one-eighth (1/8) of the tables surface area.
Should any ball fall into a pocket, including the "target pocket",
or come to rest outside the "live play" area, by any means, whether
shot offensively or as a result of a defensively played shot, it is
considered "dead" and immediately removed from the table, for the
duration of the current round.
[0054] All players have the same arsenal of shots at their
disposal, for execution at the direction of the shot instructions.
All shots will start from the starting area and will be directly
struck by the cue stick (unlike most pool table games wherein only
the cue-ball is directly struck by the cue stick).
[0055] The three types of shots permitted in the preferred
embodiment are:
[0056] (1) The one-rail shot (FIG. 9), which must first contact the
end rail farthest from the target pocket and then may contact
either side or end rail nearest to the target pocket;
[0057] (2) The two-rail shot (FIG. 10), which must first contact
the end rail farthest from the target pocket, then must contact the
side rail diagonally opposite the target pocket, then may contact
either side or end rail nearest to the target pocket; and
[0058] (3) The three-rail shot (FIG. 11), which must first contact
the side rail, on the same side of the table as the target pocket,
then must contact the end rail farthest from the target pocket,
then must contact the side rail diagonally opposite the target
pocket, it may then contact either side or end rail nearest to the
target pocket.
[0059] Contact with any rails other than those identified above
constitutes a foul, the minimum penalty for which is the immediate
removal of the fouling ball from play. Additional penalties may
apply under certain other circumstances.
[0060] After the last shot of each game, the ball closest to the
target area will be deemed the "winning" ball. A measuring device,
as depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13, is used to aid players in
determining which of two or more balls has achieved a position
nearest to the target area, when such determination cannot be made
by eye alone. This component may be provided in mechanical form as
depicted. However, other forms, i.e. electronic or laser devices,
capable of measuring relative distances on a similar scale would
suffice. The player to which that winning ball is assigned is
awarded a number of points corresponding to the value assigned to
the winning ball--either one, two, or three points will ordinarily
be awarded.
[0061] A typical game following the inventive method, as
illustrated in FIG. 14, begins with each player selecting or being
assigned a set of billiard balls (110), as described above. The
players then agree upon a length of the game (120), for example,
the first to eighteen points, in which the first player to achieve
the specified points is the winner of the game.
[0062] Next, the order in which the players take turns is
established. (130) Players may alternate shooting first in each
round of a game. A set of player specific shot instructions is
delivered to each player. (140) As described above, these shot
instructions may be delivered as shot instruction cards from a
deck, by electronic means or by any other available means. The
player-specific instructions specify the exact shots required of
each player in each turn of the current round. A new set of shot
instructions is similarly delivered to each player for each ensuing
round until the game is over.
[0063] In the pre-determined order, all players play their first
turn shot following the player-specific shot instructions. In the
same pre-determined order, all players then play their next turn
shot following the player-specific shot instructions. This will
continue until all players have shot all of their assigned balls or
followed all of their delivered shot instructions, i.e., three
rounds. (150)
[0064] Pursuant to the bonus shot instruction described above, a
player may use a bonus shot instruction at the permitted times.
After the final shot of the last turn has come to rest, the round
is normally over. However, if any player is still holding a bonus
shot instruction and no other player has used a bonus shot
instruction in the current round, he or she may use the bonus shot
instruction to take an additional shot, using the extra ball
(1-point value).
[0065] After the final shot of the round comes to rest, a winner is
determined based upon which player's ball, still remaining within
the "live play area," is closest to the target area (160). He or
she will be awarded the number of points equivalent to the point
value of the winning ball. (170) The winning player's score for the
game is then increased by the appropriate number of points. Score
may be kept by moving players' tokens the specified number of
"diamonds" around the table. Any scoring method that is acceptable
to all players may be used.
[0066] Each player is then delivered a new set of player-specific
shot instructions and play continues with the next round. The next
player in the established order shoots first in the ensuing round.
Each round may progress to a new target area, i.e., pocket, to
change the skills required in successive rounds. When one player
achieves the agreed total number of points, the game is over.
(180)
[0067] In a typical game according to the present invention the
pairing between the shot instructions delivered to one player and
the shot instructions delivered to all other players creates a
dynamic that can equate to advantages for certain players and
disadvantages for other players. Considering the available shot
instructions and the possible combinations of two, three or more
shot instructions, the number of available sets of shot
instructions is enormous. On top of that, when one considers the
possible combinations of one set of shot instructions matched up
against another set of shot instructions, the variation from
round-to-round and game-to-game is almost limitless.
[0068] Each matching up of shot instructions presents players with
different advantages or disadvantages. For example, the breaking
player in a round is already at a slight disadvantage as one or
more opponents will receive a subsequent shot. In addition, the
combined specifics of the shot instructions may either overcome or
worsen this disadvantage based upon a number of considerations.
[0069] The type and order of specific shot instructions can tip the
advantage/disadvantage balance one way or the other. If one player
is required to shoot the most valuable ball first, this creates a
disadvantage. The no shot instruction similarly creates a
disadvantage for the player that receives this instruction.
Further, shot instructions may require multiple two- or three-rail
shots in the later rounds which increase the disadvantage. An
enormous disadvantage arises with the question mark shot
instruction which allows another player to specify the shot that
must be attempted.
[0070] Advantages arise from receiving wild card shot instructions
or being able to specify an opponent's shot. Persons having
ordinary skill in the art will realize the advantages and
disadvantages imparted by the possible combinations of shot
instructions and pairing of shot instructions.
[0071] Although several embodiments have been described in detail
for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the
appended claims.
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