U.S. patent application number 13/337847 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-27 for gammon game and method of play.
The applicant listed for this patent is Edward Novinbakht, Javid Novinbakht. Invention is credited to Edward Novinbakht, Javid Novinbakht.
Application Number | 20130161907 13/337847 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48653760 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130161907 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Novinbakht; Javid ; et
al. |
June 27, 2013 |
GAMMON GAME AND METHOD OF PLAY
Abstract
An improved gammon game and method of play using unique game
pieces is envisioned. The addition of unique playing pieces which
are adapted to be used by players to designate movements throughout
a game with rules similar to that of historic Takhteh complicates
and makes for a more challenging and mentally stimulating gaming
experience. Players both young and old will have their mental
agility tested by the new rules created specifically for the
improved gammon game and method of play.
Inventors: |
Novinbakht; Javid; (Beverly
Hills, CA) ; Novinbakht; Edward; (Beverly Hills,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Novinbakht; Javid
Novinbakht; Edward |
Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48653760 |
Appl. No.: |
13/337847 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/248 ;
273/243 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2009/0431 20130101;
A63F 3/00151 20130101; A63F 9/0415 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/248 ;
273/243 |
International
Class: |
A63F 3/00 20060101
A63F003/00 |
Claims
1. An improved Takhteh game comprising a backgammon board; and a
first die having eight dice faces each said face having indicia
representing one of the seven digits zero through six or a joker
thereon; a second die having eight dice faces; and said first dice
being identical to said second die.
2. The game of claim 1 wherein both first and second said
eight-sided dice are in the shape of an octahedron.
3. A set of dice for use with an improved version of the game of
Takhteh, said set of dice comprising: an identical set of dice
having eight faces each; each of the first seven of said faces
having indicia representing one of seven digits zero through six
thereon; and the remaining face to have indicia representing a
joker which when landed on after a role of the dice may be played
as any one of said seven digits located on said dice.
4. The set of dice of claim 3 wherein said dice are in the shape of
an octahedron.
5. A method of playing a game on a substrate having a matrix,
twenty four landing points, a bar zone, a first set of markers, and
a second set of markers, and a set of two eight-sided dice with
indicia representing the numbers zero through six and a joker
thereon each die, comprising the steps of: (a) placing said first
set of markers on predetermined points; (b) placing said second set
of markers on predetermined points; (c) initiating the game by
choosing a first player; (d) rolling said octahedron dice; (e)
moving a respective first or second marker along a path a number of
zones corresponding to at least the numbers on one of said dice if
there is a number on the dice or, alternatively, not moving or
exercising a joker option to replace the joker with any of the
other numbers on the eight-sided die if a player roles a joker.
6. The method of claim 5 further including the step allowing each
player one or more turns.
7. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of continuing
the game between any successful player and a third challenger.
8. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of continuing
the game including any players who have not challenged the
particular play but who have not been defeated by that particular
player.
9. The method of claim 5 wherein said eight side dice are in the
shape of an octahedron.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None
BACKGROUND
[0002] The following is a tabulation of some prior art that
presently appears relevant:
TABLE-US-00001 U.S. Patents Patent Number Kind Code Issue Date
Patentee 4,431,194 A Feb. 14, 1984 Lapadura 5,467,995 A Nov. 21,
1995 Miller 6,062,562 A May 16, 2000 Pardee 6,543,768 B1 Apr. 8,
2003 Kuzel
TABLE-US-00002 U.S. Patent Application Publications Publication
Number Kind Code Publ. Date Applicant 2010/0320690 A1 Dec. 23, 2010
Pollack
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENT
[0003] None found
NONPATENT LITERATURE DOCUMENTS
[0004] None found
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT AND TRADE DRESS
[0005] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. This patent
document may show and/or describe matter which is or may become
trade dress of the owner. The copyright and trade dress owner has
no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent
disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent
files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright and trade
dress rights whatsoever.
DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART
[0006] Backgammon is a centuries old game of strategy two opponents
roll dice on individual turns and move marker around a board while
trying to be the first to bare all of their own markers off the
board. There are no less than sixty-five variants of the game of
backgammon. The version most commonly played in the United States
is typically referred to as Western Backgammon.
[0007] Western Backgammon is played on a board consisting of
twenty-four narrow triangles called points. The board is divided
into four quadrants each player's "home" and "outer" boards; a
player's "home board" is the quadrant to any given player's right
while their opponents "outer board" is the quadrant to that players
left. The boards are separated by a ridge down the center called
the bar. The point furthest away from a player is their
twenty-four-point and it is also their opponent's
number-one-point.
[0008] At the start of the game each player has fifteen markers.
All of a player's markers are one color which is different from the
opponents. The first player's markers are positioned as follows:
Two on the twenty-four-point, five on his thirteen-point, three on
the eight-point, and five on the six-point. One player's marker
arrangement is a mirror image of their opponents.
[0009] A doubling cube with the numerals two, four, eight, sixteen,
thirty-two and sixty-four is used to raise the stakes of the game.
It is not rolled like the two cubed dice but is used as a marker
denoting the stakes of the game.
[0010] Each player rolls two cubed dice with numbers or pips
indicating the number one through six. The player then moves their
men around the board towards their "home" according to the numbers
rolled. The object of the game is to be the first to get all your
markers into your "home board" and then bare them off before your
opponent does.
[0011] As the markers move around the board, they may encounter and
opposing maker. If that marker is alone on a point it is called a
blot. If a blot is landed on by an opposing marker it is said to be
"hit" and is sent to the bar. Any time a player has one or more hit
markers on the bar, their first obligation is to enter those
markers into the opposing "home board". The marker may be entered
by moving it to an open point, which is not occupied by two or more
opposing markers, corresponding to one of the numbers on the rolled
dice.
[0012] Once the game is over meaning one player has borne off all
of their markers, the losers gets the value shown on the doubling
cube (which is one if there have been no doubles) as long as they
have borne off at least one marker. If the loser has not borne of
any markers, they are said to have been gammoned and lose twice the
number on the doubling cube. Finally, if that player has not borne
off any markers and still has a marker on the bar, they are said to
be "backgammoned." When this happens, the loser gets three times
the value of the doubling cube.
[0013] One very popular version of backgammon is known commonly as
Takhteh. This embodiment of the game originated in the Middle East
and shares many of the same rules and game pieces as Western
backgammon. The initial setup and the way the markers are moved
around the board are identical. However, there are a few key
differences between Takhteh and Western backgammon. These
difference include: [0014] there is no doubling and hence no
doubling cube in Takhteh; [0015] the winner of the opening roll
rerolls for his first move; [0016] "hit-and-runs" are not permitted
in a player's home board; [0017] a player may not waste pips during
bear-off unless they have no other possible move; [0018] the
winning player is given one point for a standard win and two points
for a gammon; and [0019] there is no backgammon in Takhteh.
[0020] An improved gammon game which would increase the number of
possible moves is a desirable tool for making Takhteh more
entertaining and intellectually stimulating.
[0021] Even though several types of improved backgammon-like games
have been proposed, all of the games and methods of play heretofore
known suffer from a number of disadvantages: [0022] (a) virtually
no changes have been proposed to the most comes versions of gammon
since the introduction of the doubling cube; [0023] (b) the known
gammon games suffer from being overly familiar to many players;
[0024] (c) in the known gammon games a player cannot be prevented
from moving their markers by rolling an empty set; [0025] (d) the
known gammon games don't make it possible for a player to choose
what number, if any, they want to roll; and [0026] (e) the known
gammon games use six-sided cube dice marked with numbers one
through six making it so that there are only thirty six possible
outcomes on any give roll of the dice
[0027] Therefore, there is a need for an improved gammon game and
method of play which allows for a more interesting and
thought-provoking player experience. Such a game would utilize a
unique type of die with markings which have never before been seen
in Takhteh or backgammon. The present invention effectuates these
needs.
SUMMARY
[0028] In accordance with one embodiment, an improved gammon game
and method of play which utilizes eight-side dice is envisioned. In
one embodiment, said eight-sided dice may be in the shape of an
octahedron. One embodiment of the eight-side die, each of the first
seven dice faces will contain one of the numbers zero through six.
The remaining side of the dice will be the joker side.
[0029] Adding a zero to the dice generates a possibility that any
given player may be prevented form moving on a given roll. This
will be the case when that player rolls the empty set zero. Adding
a joker to the dices generates the possibility that given player
may be allowed to choose exactly where they want to move a marker.
An improved gammon game and corresponding method of play will
reduce the impact of luck on the game of Takhteh and increase the
need for strategy and well thought out play.
[0030] It is envisioned that in one embodiment the eight-sided
dice, Arabic numerals will be used for the numbers zero through
six. However, it is further envisioned that the numbers on the dice
may be indicated in a variety of different ways. By way of example,
dots, pips, or Roman numerals are all similarly effective ways of
differentiating numbers zero through six. In the embodiments using
dots, pips, or roman numerals the number zero may be differentiated
by leaving that side of the dice face blank.
[0031] In one embodiment of the eight-sided dice, the joker-side of
the dice may be marked with the image of a joker. In a further
embodiment of the eight-sided dice, the joker-side of each die may
be marked with the word "joker."
[0032] In one embodiment of the improved gammon game, the
aforementioned dice will comprise one of the components of the
gaming apparatus. The remaining components include a backgammon
board consisting of twenty-four narrow triangles called points. The
board is divided into four quadrants with each player having an
"inner table" and an "outer table."
[0033] The first players "inner table" or "home" is demarcated by
the first six points. Points are numbered in order from one to
twenty four beginning with the point furthest to the first player's
right and then counting counter-clockwise around the board. The
first player's "outer board" is demarcated by the points thirteen
through eighteen. The opponent or second player's home board is
demarcated by the points nineteen through twenty-four while their
"outer board" consist of the quadrant containing points seven
through twelve.
[0034] The addition of unique playing pieces which are adapted to
be used by players to designate movements throughout a game with
rules similar to that of historic Takhteh complicates and makes for
a more challenging and mentally stimulating gaming experience.
Players both young and old will have their mental agility tested by
the new rules created specifically for the improved gammon game and
method of play.
[0035] The inventors further envision that, in one embodiment of an
improved gammon game and method of play, no physical board, dice,
or marker shall be required. In this embodiment, the game may be
played in an electronic format through the use of a computer and
computer software. In this embodiment, the software will mimic the
use of physical components of the apparatus by presenting players
with a virtual backgammon board, eight-sided dice, and markers on
their computer screens. Nevertheless, in this embodiment, the same
rules of the improved backgammon game will apply.
[0036] The inventors envision that, in another embodiment of the
electronic version of the improved backgammon game, players need
not be in the same room to compete against one another. Through the
use of an interne-enabled computer, players may be networked
together and challenge one another even though they are located
great distances apart from one another.
Advantages
[0037] Thus several advantages of one or more aspects are to
provide: [0038] (a) a gammon game with a unique set of rules and
playing pieces; [0039] (b) a gammon game which substantially
increases the number of landing possibilities; [0040] (c) a gammon
game which substantially increases the number of playing
possibilities beyond landing possibilities by introducing a joker
which, when landed on, can be played as any number zero through
six; [0041] (d) a gammon game where the strategy is extremely
difficult to master for new and experienced players; [0042] (e) a
gammon game which utilizes dice with unusual indicia and more
numbers to further stimulate the mental processes of the gammon
players; [0043] (f) a gammon game that provides its players a new
gaming experience which can be enjoyed by both children and adults;
[0044] (g) a game which combines social interaction for players
while challenging their mental processes; and [0045] (h) a gammon
game that address the needs of players tried with the familiarity
of traditional backgammon.
[0046] These and other advantages of one or more aspects will
become apparent from consideration of the ensuing description and
accompanying drawings. Although the description above contains many
specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope
of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of
several embodiments. For example, the dice may be constructed from
plastic in one embodiment and with porcelain or other suitable
material for playing dice in another. Thus the scope of the
embodiments should be determined by the claims that are appended
and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
[0047] The description of the invention which follows, together
with the accompanying drawings should not be construed as limiting
the invention to the example shown and described, because those
skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will be able to
devise other forms thereof within the ambit of the appended
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] Figures
[0049] FIG. 1 shows the markings on all eight sides of the unique
joker die;
[0050] FIG. 2 (a through h) are isometric views of the unique
octahedron dice;
[0051] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the initial backgammon and Takhteh
setup;
[0052] FIG. 4 (a through c) shows some of the different ways a
player may move should they role a zero on one die and a joker on
the other; and
[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates that when a player roles two zeros, they
may not move at all.
TABLE-US-00003 Reference Numerals 10 joker dice 12 backgammon board
14 marker 16 bar
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0054] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described
below. The following explanation provides specific details for a
thorough understanding of an enabling description for these
embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand that the
invention may be practiced without such details. In other
instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown
or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the
description of the embodiments.
[0055] One embodiment of an improved gammon game is shown as set-up
in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 illustrates the initial positions of all the
markers 14 on the backgammon board 12 at the start of a game of
backgammon or Takhteh. The "home" board and the "outer" boards are
separated from one another by the bar 16. The first players "inner
table" or "home" is demarcated by the first six points. Points are
numbered in order from one to twenty four beginning with the point
furthest to the first player's right and then counting
counter-clockwise around the board. The first player's "outer
board" is demarcated by the points thirteen through eighteen. The
opponent or second player's home board is demarcated by the points
nineteen through twenty-four while their "outer board" consist of
the quadrant containing points seven through twelve.
[0056] FIG. 3 also illustrates the direction in which both the
light and dark colored markers move throughout the game;
counterclockwise around the backgammon board 12 for the bright
markers and clockwise for the dark markers.
[0057] The introduction of the new eight-sided joker 10 dice
creates a plurality of potential dice landing position. FIG. 1 and
FIG. 2 are exemplary of the octahedron embodiment of the
eight-sided joker dice 10. The unfolded joker die 10 in FIG. 1 and
the isometric views of a joker die 10 in FIG. 2 illustrate where
the joker indicia and zero may be located with respect to
traditional six-sided dice markings (one through six). The
sixty-four potential landing positions are illustrated as
follows:
##STR00001##
[0058] The introduction of the eight-sided dice 10 with a joker on
at least one side greatly impacts the probabilities of a player
rolling different dice positions. Not only is there a significant
difference in the number of landing possibilities, because the dice
have more sides, there is also an increased difference in the
number of playing possibilities because one of the sides (i.e. the
joker) may be played as any one of the other seven sides (i.e. zero
through six).
[0059] By way of example, if there were no jokers and you were to
roll two dice, there would exist two possible ways of rolling a two
and a one. You could roll a two on the first die and a one on the
second; or you could roll a one on the first and a two on the
second. However, by introducing the joker onto one side of each
die, the number of ways a two and a one can be rolled goes up to
seven. The following is a list of ways a given player can roll a
two and a one: [0060] two on the first die and one on the second;
[0061] one on the first die and two on the second; [0062] two on
the first die and a joker on the second that is played as a one;
[0063] one on the first die and a joker on the second that is
played as a two; [0064] joker on the first die that is played as a
two and one on the second die; [0065] joker on the first die that
is played as a one and two on the second die; and [0066] jokers on
both dice, one of which is played as a two and the other played as
a one.
[0067] Similarly, the introduction of a joker onto one face of a
die, significantly effects the probability of rolling double. By
way of example, there is only one possible way of rolling a pair of
sixes using a traditional pair of dice. However, if one of the
faces is replaced with a joker, there are four possible ways of
rolling double sixes: [0068] six on the first die and six on the
second; [0069] joker on the first die which is played as a six and
six on the second; [0070] six on the first die and joker on the
second which is played as a six; and [0071] and jokers on both
dice, both of which are played as a six
[0072] By introducing such a wide array of possibilities, both the
strategy and concentration required to be successful at the
improved gammon game have been substantially impacted over
traditional gammon games that lack a joker dice. The dramatic
difference in probabilities between playing with traditional
six-sided dice (numbered one through six) and an eight-sided joker
dice 10 with a zero and a single joker is illustrated in the
following chart:
TABLE-US-00004 Number Dice Landing with Landing with Playing with
of plays Position 6 sided dice 8 sided dice 8 sided dice 1 0 0 --
1/64 = 1.5% 4/64 = 6.2% 2, 3 0 1 1 0 -- 2/64 = 3.1% 7/64 = 10.9% 4,
5 0 2 2 0 -- 2/64 = 3.1% 7/64 = 10.9% 6, 7 0 3 3 0 -- 2/64 = 3.1%
7/64 = 10.9% 8, 9 0 4 4 0 -- 2/64 = 3.1% 7/64 = 10.9% 10, 11 0 5 5
0 -- 2/64 = 3.1% 7/64 = 10.9% 12, 13 0 6 6 0 -- 2/64 = 3.1% 7/64 =
10.9% 14, 15 0 J J 0 -- 2/64 = 3.1% 3/64 = 4.6% 16 1 1 1/36 = 2.7%
1/64 = 1.5% 4/64 = 6.2% 17, 18 1 2 2 1 2/36 = 5.5% 2/64 = 3.1% 7/64
= 10.9% 19, 20 1 3 3 1 2/36 = 5.5% 2/64 = 3.1% 7/64 = 10.9% 21, 22
1 4 4 1 2/36 = 5.5% 2/64 = 3.1% 7/64 = 10.9% 23, 24 1 5 5 1 2/36 =
5.5% 2/64 = 3.1% 7/64 = 10.9% 25, 26 1 6 6 1 2/36 = 5.5% 2/64 =
3.1% 7/64 = 10.9% 27, 28 1 J J 1 -- 2/64 = 3.1% 3/64 = 4.6% 29 2 2
1/36 = 2.7% 1/64 = 1.5% 4/64 = 6.2% 30, 31 2 3 3 2 2/36 = 5.5% 2/64
= 3.1% 7/64 = 10.9% 32, 33 2 4 4 2 2/36 = 5.5% 2/64 = 3.1% 7/64 =
10.9% 34, 35 2 5 5 2 2/36 = 5.5% 2/64 = 3.1% 7/64 = 10.9% 36, 37 2
6 6 2 2/36 = 5.5% 2/64 = 3.1% 7/64 = 10.9% 38, 39 2 J J 2 -- 2/64 =
3.1% 3/64 = 4.6% 40 3 3 1/36 = 2.7% 1/64 = 1.5% 4/64 = 6.2% 41, 42
3 4 4 3 2/36 = 5.5% = 3.1% 7/64 = 10.9% 43, 44 3 5 5 3 2/36 = 5.5%
= 3.1% 7/64 = 10.9% 45, 46 3 6 6 3 2/36 = 5.5% = 3.1% 7/64 = 10.9%
47, 48 3 J J 3 -- = 3.1% 7/64 = 10.9% 49 4 4 1/36 = 2.7% 4/64 =
6.3% 50, 51 4 5 5 4 2/36 = 5.5% = 3.1% 7/64 = 10.9% 52, 53 4 6 6 4
2/36 = 5.5% = 3.1% 7/64 = 10.9% 54, 55 4 J J 4 -- = 3.1% 3/64 =
4.6% 56 5 5 1/36 = 2.7% = 1.5% 4/64 = 6.2% 57, 58 5 6 6 5 2/36 =
5.5% = 3.1% 7/64 = 10.3% 59, 60 5 J J 5 -- = 3.1% 3/64 = 4.6% 61 6
6 1/36 = 2.7% = 1.5% 4/64 = 6.3% 62, 63 6 J J 6 -- = 3.1% 3/64 =
4.6% 64 J J -- 1/64 = 1.5% 36/36 = 1 64/64 = 1 197/64 = 3.07 100%
100% 307% indicates data missing or illegible when filed
[0073] The inventors envision a variety of ways in which the joker
can be introduced into dice games and do not limit the scope to the
eight-sided joker dice embodiment discussed herein by way of
example. For instance, the inventors further envision the
introduction of the joker onto a traditional six-sided die with
indicia for the numbers one through six. In this embodiment of the
joker dice, one of the six numbers on the traditional dice may be
replaced with a joker.
[0074] Moreover, the inventors also envision that, in other
embodiments, the joker-dice may be introduced into other games
which use dice with similar consequences on landing and playing
probabilities as illustrated in the chart above. For example, a
joker may be introduced onto one of the sides of the dice in a
well-known dice game such as craps. Just as with backgammon or
Takhteh, this will have a significant effect on the landing and
playing probabilities which can change the way individuals play
this as well as a wide variety of other well known games requiring
dice. In other words, the inventors envision uses of joker dice
which go beyond gammon games and which are not limited to just
eight-sided dice.
[0075] FIG. 3 is exemplary of the initial backgammon and Takhteh
setup. The points in FIG. 3 are labeled according to the bright
players point of view for the purpose of illustration. Therefore,
the player with the dark markers would have opposite numbers. The
first set of markers are placed as follows: Two on the
twenty-four-point,' five on the brighter marker player's
thirteen-point, three on the eight-point, and five on the
six-point. One player's marker arrangement is a minor image of
their opponents.
[0076] Game play proceeds in manner similar to Takhteh with several
modifications to help deal with the introduction of the eight-sided
joker dice 10. Just like in western backgammon and Takhteh, the
object of the game is to move your markers according to the numbers
shown on the dice after they have been thrown. The players always
move their markers forward to a lower numbered point. Each player's
first objective is to get all of their markers into their "home"
board. Once they have done this, they can begin bearing off
individual markers. The first player to bear off all of their
markers is victorious.
[0077] While a player is trying to get their markers into the their
home board they risk having their marker sent to the bar 16 by
their opponent. A point on which any given player only has one
marker is referred to as a blot. If your opponent lands on one of
your blots, your blot marker is said to be hit. A hit parker is
placed on the bar 16 and your opponent replaces your marker with
their own.
[0078] Any time a player has one or more hit markers on the bar 16,
their first obligation is to enter those markers into the opposing
"home board". The marker may be entered by moving it to an open
point, which is not occupied by two or more opposing markers,
corresponding to one of the numbers on the rolled dice.
[0079] A player who rolls doubles, plays the numbers shown on the
dice twice. By way of illustration, if a player rolls a two and a
two, that player is allowed to use four two's and they are allowed
to move any legal combination of markers to complete this
requirement.
[0080] As long as it is legally possible, a player must use all of
the numbers of a roll to move their markers around the board. When
only one number can be played, the player must play that number. If
either number rolled can be played but not both, then the player
must choose the larger of the two numbers. Finally, when doubles
have been rolled and cannot all be legally played, then the player
must play as many numbers as they can.
[0081] FIG. 4 illustrates some of the differences between Takhteh
and the improved gammon game. All of the markers except for one
have been removed for the sake of clarity. In FIG. 4, the player
with the bright colored markers has rolled a joker on one die and a
zero on the other; a roll that would be impossible in western
backgammon or Takhteh. The zero does not provide the player with
any options and without another number, that player would not be
allowed to move. However, because the player has rolled a joker
along with the zero, they are allowed to select any of the other
numbers on the dice 10 to play as the joker.
[0082] As illustrated in FIG. 4A, a player who has rolled a joker
and a zero my move their marker six spaces from the twenty-four
point to the eighteen point. In FIG. 4B they have chosen to move
their marker two spaces, and in FIG. 4C that player has elected to
play the joker as a one. That same player may even choose to play
the joker as another zero and not move at all.
[0083] If a player rolls two zero's then they are not allowed to
move at all. They effectively lose a turn. This is illustrated in
FIG. 5 with all but two markers removed for the purpose of
illustration. In western backgammon or Takhteh, the possibility of
losing a turn based on the numbers you roll does not exist except
in rare circumstances. The only time a player may not move at all,
in the aforementioned gammon games, is when the player rolls the
dice and there are no legal moves possible.
[0084] Finally, in the event that the improved gammon player rolls
two jokers, they are allowed to play any of the numbers on the
joker dice 10 that they choose. Moreover, if they choose two of the
same number, the doubling rules still apply. In other words, and by
way of example, if the player chooses two fives, they would be
allowed to move four fives just as they would had they actually
rolled a pair of fives.
CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0085] While a particular form of the invention has been
illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. For example, the markers are illustrated as
being bright and dark in the drawings even though the inventors
contemplate the possibility that the sets of markers may both be
dark but with different colors. Accordingly, is not intended that
the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.
[0086] The teachings provided herein can be applied to other
systems, not necessarily the system described herein. The elements
and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined
to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents and
applications and other references, including any that may be listed
in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by
reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary,
to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various
references described above to provide yet further embodiments of
the invention.
[0087] Particular terminology used when describing certain features
or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the
terminology is being refined herein to be restricted to any
specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the improved
gammon game and method of play with which that terminology is
associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims
should not be constructed to limit the improved gammon game and
method of play to the specific embodiments disclosed in the
specification, unless the above Detailed Description section
explicitly define such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope
encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all
equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosed game
and method of play. The above detailed description of embodiments
of the improved gammon game and method of play is not intended to
be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed above or to
a particular field of usage. While specific embodiments of, and
examples for, the game and method of play are described above for
illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are
possible which those skilled in the relevant art will
recognize.
[0088] While certain aspects of the improved gammon game and method
of play are presented below in particular claim forms, the
inventors contemplate the various aspects of the improved gammon
game and method of play in any number of claim forms. Accordingly,
the inventors reserve the right to add additional claims after
filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for
other aspects of the improved gammon game and method of play.
* * * * *