Method Of Playing A Binary Card Game

Abstract

A binary game apparatus consisting of a plurality of playing pieces each of which are identical and each of which has first and second distinguishing characters which are respectively assigned the numbers 0 and one comprising the numbers in the binary system having base 2. The playing pieces may be cards, and each card may have one white face representing the number 0 and an opposite black face representing the number 1. When such cards are arranged adjacent, those displaying upward the character representing the number 1 have the following values; the one farthest to the right has the value 1, the next to the left the value 2, the next to the left the value 4, the next to the left the value 8, and continuing if desired with each such card representing the binary number one placed next to the left doubling in value. The cards or other playing pieces displaying upward the character representing the number 0 have the value of 0 regardless of their position. The total value of a row of adjacent playing pieces is determined by adding together the values so represented by the displayed characters of each piece, whereby a variety of number games may be played.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a binary game apparatus consisting of a plurality of playing pieces, each being identical with each having first and second distinguishing characters which are respectively assigned the numbers 0 and 1 comprising the numbers in the binary system of numbering have base 2. Playing pieces are placed adjacent and among those displaying the character representing the number 1, the first playing piece which is farthest to the right has the value 1, the second immediately adjacent to left of the first has the value 2, the third adjacent to the left of the second has the value 4, the fourth adjacent to the left of the third has the value 8, and continuing if desired to double the value of pieces displaying the character representing the number one in each successive adjacent place to the left. Playing pieces displaying the character representing 0 have the value of 0 regardless of their position in a row of adjacent playing pieces. The total value of a row of adjacent pieces is determined by adding together the values so represented by the displayed characters of each piece. For convenience, four adjacent playing pieces may be the maximum needed to play a variety of games based on matching of numbers, accumulating totals of numbers, or arranging in sequence of numbers, several games utilizing this invention being described subsequently in this specification.

Presently known games based on numbers use the number system having base 10, such as conventional playing cards. This invention utilizes the binary number system having base 2 in games which may be played with cards, blocks, chips, or even electronic boards with positive and negative electrons, as long as each is able to display representations of 0 and 1 which comprise the numbers in the binary system. The binary system has become widely known and used during recent years in electronic data processing equipment. Emphasis has also been placed on the binary system in modern educational courses of mathematics, such as the so-called "new math." However, the binary system is not known to have been incorporated heretofore in game apparatus or sets for purposes of entertainment and enjoyment as well as being educational. This invention can be of considerable value as a teaching aid in helping persons to learn the binary number system in view of the fact it is entertaining which stimulates interest which may otherwise be lacking.

Also presently known games based on numbers use playing pieces, some or all of which are different. This invention uses playing pieces all of which may be identical, and which preferably are identical.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A binary game apparatus which consists of a plurality of identical playing pieces, each having a first and second distinguishing character which are respectively assigned the numbers 0 and 1 comprising the numbers in the binary system of numbers having base 2. Playing pieces are placed adjacent, for example four playing pieces, each displaying one of the two distinguishing characters to represent either the number 1 or the number 0. The value assigned to each such displayed character is determined as described above. In this manner, such playing pieces which comprise this binary game apparatus maybe used to play a variety of games based on numbers as will be described in more detail below,even though all of the playing pieces are identical.

It is an object of this invention to provide a binary game method utilizing a plurality of playing pieces, said playing pieces each having a first and second distinguishing character which are respectively assigned the numbers 0 and 1 which comprise the numbers in the binary system.

It is an object of this invention to provide a game method utilizing a plurality of playing pieces which are all identical.

It is an object of this invention to provide a binary game method utilizing the binary system of numbers to combine entertainment, competitive challenge and interest with educational value.

Further objects of this invention will be obvious in light of the following more detailed description of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of one face of a card being a playing piece in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the opposite face of the card shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a deck representing 52 of the cards shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the edges of several of the cards being shown.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of chips which may be used with the game apparatus in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a betting board which may be used with the game apparatus in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating the position of players and cards at one stage of a game described hereinafter being played in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating the position of players and cards at a later stage of the game referred to and illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of one face of a card being a modification of a playing piece in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the opposite face of the card shown in FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings in detail, a playing piece 1 consists of a card 2 having first and second distinguishing characters consisting respectively of a white face 3 on one side and a black face 4 on the opposite side of the card 2.

52 of such cards 2, all being identical, may be used to make up a deck 5 comprising a game apparatus in accordance with this invention.

This invention utilizes the binary system which is comprised of only two numbers, the number 0 and the number 1. White face 3 represents the number 0 and black face 4 represents the number 1. In the binary system, the number 1 when arranged in a row of numbers has varying values. If the number farthest to the right in a row of numbers is one it has the value of 1. The number next to the left if one has the value of 2. The number then next to the left if one has the value of 4. The number then next to the left if one has the value of 8. The number then next to the left if one has the value 16, and continuing in like manner to double the number 1 next to the left of the immediately preceding number regardless of whether such immediately preceding number is 0 or 1. The number 0 in the binary system has the value of 0 regardless of where it appears in a row of numbers. The total value of a row of numbers 0 and 1 in the binary system is determined by adding together the values of each depending on their position in such row as described. Thus, a binary number 0000 has a total value of 0; 0001 a value of 1; 0010 a value of 2; 0011 a value of 3; 0100 a value of 4; 0101 a value of 5; 0110 a value of 6; 0111 a value of 7; 1000 a value of 8; 1001 a value of 9; 1010 a value of 10; 1011 a value of 11; 1100 a value of 12; 1101 a value of 13; 1110 a value of 14; 1111 a value of 15; and so on in like manner.

For purposes of games in accordance with this invention it is sufficient to limit the numbers in a row to 4, from which values ranging from 0 to 15 may be obtained. Four cards 2 placed in a row from left to right all having white face 3 displayed upward representing a row of four 0's would have a value of 0. Four cards 2 in such a row having the farthest card to the right displaying black face 4 upward with the other three displaying white face 3 upward would have a value of 1. If the card second to the right displays black face 4 upward with the other three displaying white faces 3, the total value of the row of four cards would be 2. If the two cards farthest to the right display their black faces 4 upward with the other two cards displaying white faces 3, the total value of the row of four cards would be 3. It will be obvious from examining the examples of binary numbers given above ranging in value from 0 to 15 that cards with displayed faces representing the numbers 0 and 1 can be arranged in like manner to represent such different values, the white faces 3 displayed upward substituting for the number 0 and the black faces 4 displayed upward substituting for the number 1.

A variety of games can be played with a deck 5 of 52 of such cards 2, and four examples will be described below.

The first may be designated "Binary I." It is a relatively simple game to introduce players to the binary system for familiarization. Up to four players can play with one deck of 52 cards 2, all cards being identical. Each player is dealt 13 cards 2. Each player arranges them in his hand so six white faces 3 and seven black faces 4 are displayed toward him. Each player then shuffles the cards in his hand and makes an ante of chips 6 or other items of some predetermined value into a central stake or pot. Then each player aligns the cards in his hand as shuffled into a deck, and takes the top four cards from such deck laying them on the playing surface in a row from left to right in front of him. Each player thus has a row of four cards before him with displayed faces representing a binary number. The player whose cards represent a binary number having the highest value wins the stake or pot. For example, if one player's row of four cards display upward all black faces 4, the total value would be 15 or the highest possible and he would win the pot if the other players all had at least one white face 3 showing in their rows of four cards. The laid out cards are then picked up by each player in the same order as laid down and placed at the bottom of the deck in each one's hands respectively. The players then can continue with a second round as described for the first, and so on without having to stop and re-shuffle the cards.

When the cards have been picked up after the third round, the 13th card becomes the first card of the next series of four cards to be laid out. Thus, a new sequence of cards will be presented for play in each round until thirteen rounds have been played. At that time the cards may be re-shuffled. There is no strategy in this game designated as "Binary I," since its basic purpose is to familiarize players with the use of binary cards or other playing pieces and the binary number system.

A second game is designated "Binary II," This game has somewhat the characteristics of roulette, and likewise requires no strategy. A betting board 7 is used having 16 spaces numbered 0 through 15 consecutively. This game may be played by two, three or four players with one deck 5 of 52 cards 2. Each player is dealt 13 cards, and each player sorts them to show six white faces 3 and seven black faces 4 facing him. One player is designated as the dealer for the first bet. Each player places his bet on one or more numbers on the betting board 7, but the amount of the bet is established by the dealer. Each player then shuffles the cards 2 in his hand, aligns them into a deck or stack, and cuts them. The faces of the top cards exposed and displayed upward in each player's deck laid on the playing surface are read clockwise beginning with the dealer. The binary number represented by the respective black and white faces so exposed and read is the winning number. The player betting on that number wins and becomes the dealer for the next bet. If there is more than one player betting on the winning number, they would share as co-winners and decide by lot who is to be dealer for the next play. For each succeeding play, each player re-shuffles his hand of cards 2, aligns them in a deck or stack, and cuts his deck of cards, thereby producing a new binary number as the winning number. There is no need to re-deal cards. If only two players are playing, the betting should be limited to the numbers 0 through 3 since two players cannot produce a binary number higher than three. Similarly, the highest binary number which three players can produce is seven. Four players can produce binary numbers as high as 15 in this game designated as "Binary II".

A third game is designated "Binary III." This game has somewhat the characteristics of stud poker. Thirteen cards 2 are dealt to each of two to four players from a deck of 52 cards. Each player arranges his hand so six white faces 3 and seven black faces 4 are facing him with the cards held in his hand. Each player shuffles his cards, and chips 6 or other items of predetermined value are anted into a central stake or pot. Each player aligns his cards into a stack or deck, cuts his hand, and lays out the top card with its face showing as it faced the player when held in his hand. Each player makes another bet and antes chips or other items into the stake or pot. Players may raise the bet, call, or drop out of the round of play. Each remaining player again shuffles the cards in his hand, aligns them into a stack or deck, makes a cut, and lays the top card on the playing table to the left of the first card laid out. The players then make a third bet, ante, raise, call or drop, make another shuffle of cards in their hands, align them into a deck, cut and lay out the third card from the top of each one's deck to the left of the second card laid out. This process is repeated a fourth time until four cards are laid out in front of each player remaining in the game. The binary numbers represented by the faces of the four cards in front of each player are determined and the player with the highest number takes the stake or pot. Skill and judgment is involved in this game based on the layouts of cards displayed which determines whether a player should stay in the game, raise the ante or drop out of the game. An example of reasoning a player might use is as follows. After laying out two white faces 3 representing two 0's while another player shows two black faces 4 representing two 1's, a player might find the trend going against him and decide to drop or fold. However, if he stays and gets to three white faces 3 or 0's while the other player shows three blacks, his thinking might change. His hand now has only three white faces 3 remaining while having seven black faces 4. The other player's hand now has six white faces 3 and only four black faces 4 for possible play. The probability is high that the first player will cut to a black face 4 for the left-most digit, and the probability is slightly lower that the opposing player will cut to a white face 3 for his left-most digit. Should that happen, the first player would win with a score of 8 compared to the opposing player's score of 7.

A fourth game is designated "Binary IV." This is an example of a more advanced and challenging game that may be played with playing pieces in accordance with this invention. It is not similar to any other game because it is based on the unique properties of the binary system. It may be played by four players per deck of 52 cards, playing as two pairs of partners. It can also be played as single, double, triple and quadruple solitaire as described later. The deck 5 of 52 cards 2 is first sorted so half the cards display white faces 3 upward and half display black faces 4 upward. The deck is then shuffled and put in the center of the table. The rotation of play is clockwise. The first player designated A takes the top card from the deck and places it on the playing table to the left of the deck as he faces it with the same face showing as when taken from the deck. The other players designated B, C and D do the same. This process is repeated once more, so player A will have two cards in front of him to the left of the deck and in line with Player B who is to Player A's left. Player B will likewise have two cards similarly displayed and in line with Player C to the left of Player B, and so on with respect to Players C and D around the table as illustrated in FIG. 6. The deck is now removed from the center of the table by Player A who will serve as dealer for future cards from the deck. Players A and C sitting opposite face a common row of four cards from left to right representing a binary number, but the value of the number to A being read from left to right is obviously different than the value of the number to C sitting opposite A when C reads the cards from left to right. Similarly players B and D sitting opposite face a second common row of four cards as illustrated in FIG. 7. Players A and C are partners; players B and D are partners. Player A as dealer takes the top card off the deck. If for example it has a white face 3 displayed, he pairs it with any card showing a white face 3 in the row of four cards from left to right in front of him, by placing it white face 3 down or white to white. Player A will then turn that column or stack of cards upside down, so the face that was toward the table will now be on top. He does the same with all cards or stacks of cards to the left of the one he paired. If a card displaying a black face 4 had been taken from the deck it would have been paired with a black face shown on one of the four cards in the left to right row in front of Player A. If no pair can be made, the card drawn from the deck is discarded and not put back into the deck. Player B then is dealt a card from the top of the deck and makes his pairing play in like manner, and so on with Players C and D. The pairing and inverting move will change the value of the binary numbers, sometimes drastically, so the choice of column or stack to be paired must be made thoughtfully when there is a choice.

When all cards in the deck have been played, the resulting binary numbers represented by the white and black faces shown on the top cards in the row of four stacks of cards from left to right in front of each player are read as they appear to each player. The partners add their values together and the highest score determines the winning team.

The highest value a four digit binary number can have is 15, represented by all black faces 4. After the initial binary numbers have been set up, each player will try to pair the remainder of the 13 cards he will receive so as to achieve the binary number value of 15 and preserve it. It is important to remember what is on the bottom faces in order to properly make each pairing choice. What is on the bottom is not necessarily the opposite of what is on the top once the pairing play beings. It is also important to remember that what affects value the least for one partner may affect value the most for his partner sitting opposite. If it is necessary to accept one or two cards which will result in displaying white faces 3 in the final one or two rounds of play, it is best to try to keep them in inside columns or stacks in order to achieve the best total value for both partners. A solitaire variation of "Binary IV" may be played as follows by one, two, three or four players using one deck 5 of 52 cards 2. Each player has a total of 13 cards 2 allotted to him in the deck. As in the partner's game described above, the deck is sorted into half white faces 3 and half black faces 4 facing upwardly in the deck which is then shuffled and placed in the center of the table. Each player in turn takes the top card and lays it in front of him building his binary number from right to left until it is four digits long. The deck remains in the center of the table and each player draws from the top in turn to make his pairing and inverting plays in the same manner as described in the partnership version of "Binary IV." At the end of the pairing and inverting plays, the player with the highest score wins. If only one player plays this solitaire version, he either makes the highest score of 15 or he does not.

These foregoing detailed examples of games that may be played with the binary game cards or other playing pieces or apparatus in accordance with this invention illustrate the invention's utility and types of games that may be played. It is obvious that many other variations and adaptions may be made.

The playing pieces may be cards 2 as used herein for purposes of illustration. However, the playing pieces may also consist of blocks, chips and even electronic boards capable of displaying positive and negative electrons, or electronic pulse circuits capable of displaying or otherwise indicating two separate distinguishing characters representing the numbers 0 and 1 which comprise the binary system of numbers.

An additional modification is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, wherein cards 2a bear the distinguishing character "0" on one face and the distinguishing character "1" on the opposite face. The character "0" is substituted for the color white to represent the binary number 0 and the character "1" is substituted for the color black to represent the binary number 1.

The particular forms of the invention described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are preferred embodiments, and various changes in the size, shape, materials and arrangement of parts may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or the attached claim.

Claims

Having thus set forth my invention, what I claim is:

1. A method for utilizing a game apparatus, including a plurality of identical playing cards, a first face on each of said cards having first distinguishing means associated therewith representing the numeral 0 in the binary system of numbers, an opposite second face on each of said cards having second distinguishing means associated therewith representing the numeral one in the binary system of numbers, utilized by sorting so half of the cards display said first distinguishing means in one direction in a stack and the other half of said cards display said second distinguishing means in the same direction in said stack, shuffling said cards, re-aligning said cards in a stack, placing said stack in the center of a playing table, a first player taking the top card from said stack leaving the same face displayed upward and placing said card on said playing table to the left of said stack as faced by said first player, a second, third and fourth player sitting around said table doing likewise in clockwise rotation, repeating the same steps an additional time, each player beginning with the first placing a second card on said table to the left of the first card he placed on said table, removing said stack of remaining cards from said table by the first player, taking the top card by the first player from such stack with its face as displayed upward, turning said card over and laying said card upon one of four cards arranged in a row from left to right in front of said first player, the face of the card so laid down having the same distinguishing means as that displayed upward by the card on which it is laid, turning said two cards, plus any cards thereunder over to display upwards the face of the bottom card formerly facing downward on the table, similarly turning over any card or stack of cards to the left thereof as faced by said first player to display upwards the face of such card or cards formerly facing downward on the table, said first player taking the next card remaining from the top of the original stack of cards and dealing to a second player to his left for play in similar manner with respect to the four cards arranged in a row from left to right in front of said second player, said second player repeating the steps of said first player with respect to the playing of said card, said first player taking the next remaining card from the top of the original stack of cards and dealing to a third player sitting opposite said first player and to the left of said second player, said third player repeating the steps of said first and second players with respect to playing of his card, said first player taking the next remaining card from the top of the original stack of cards and dealing to a fourth player sitting to the right of said first player and opposite said second player, said fourth player repeating the steps of said first, second and third players with respect to the playing of his card, repeating said steps in sequence until all cards have been played, each player determining the value of four stacks of cards arranged in front of him from left to right by the distinguishing means on the faces displayed upward by the top card in each stack, said first distinguishing means representing the numeral 0 in the binary system of numbers and said second distinguishing means representing the numeral one in the binary system of numbers, said card or stack of cards farthest to the left in front of each player being assigned the value of 8 if the face displayed upward represents the numeral 1, four in the position third to the left, two in the position second to the left, and one in the position farthest to the right if in each case the card face displayed upward represents the numeral 1, otherwise 0 if the card face displayed upward in any position represents the binary numeral 0.