| |
| United States Patent
|
7,347,422 |
| Wadowski , et al. |
March 25, 2008 |
Game system
Abstract
A game system with game pieces that have combinations of capture
indicia and defense indicia spaced at angular increments.
| Inventors: |
Wadowski; Peter Z.
(Phoenix, AZ), Wadowski; Katrina (Phoenix, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
11/105,777 |
| Filed: |
April 13, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
60562087 |
Apr., 2004 |
|
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| Current U.S.
Class: |
273/288 ;
273/236 |
| Current
International Class: |
A63F
3/00 (20060101) |
| Field of
Search: |
273/288,260,261,236 D21/385,386,388,389 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Mendiratta; Vishu
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman Volk Patent Group Volk, Jr.; Michael D.
Stoneman; Martin L.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application is a related to and claims priority from
prior provisional application Ser. No. 60/562,087, filed Apr. 13,
2004, entitled "GAME SYSTEM", the contents of which are incorporated
herein by this reference and are not admitted to be prior art with
respect to the present invention by the mention in this
cross-reference section.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A game piece comprising, in combination: a) at least eight
potential direction indicators; b) wherein said at least eight
potential direction indicators comprise c) at least one position-1
potential indicator directed at substantially zero degrees; d) at
least one position-2 potential indicator directed at substantially
forty-five degrees from said at least one position-1 potential
indicator; e) at least one position-3 potential indicator directed
at substantially ninety degrees from said at least one position-1
potential indicator; f) at least one position-4 potential indicator
directed at substantially one-hundred-thirty-five degrees from said
at least one position-1 potential indicator; g) at least one
position-5 potential indicator directed at substantially one
hundred-eighty degrees from said at least one position-1 potential
indicator; h) at least one position-6 potential indicator directed
at substantially two-hundred-twenty-five degrees from said at least
one position-1 potential indicator; i) at least one position-7
potential indicator directed at substantially two-hundred-seventy
degrees from said at least one position-1 potential indicator; and
j) at least one position-8 potential indicator directed at
substantially three-hundred fifteen degrees from said at least one
position-1 potential indicator; k) wherein at least one of said at
least eight potential direction indicators comprises capture
indicia; l) wherein at least one of said at least eight potential
direction indicators comprises defense indicia; m) wherein each said
capture indicia is permanently fixed to said game piece; n) wherein
each said defense indicia is permanently fixed to said game piece;
o) wherein none of said at least eight potential direction
indicators comprises both capture indicia and defense indicia; p)
wherein at least one said capture indicia and at least one said
defense indicia are angularly spaced substantially forty-five
degrees apart; r) wherein said at least one position-1 potential
indicator comprises defense indicia; s) wherein said at least one
position-2 potential indicator comprises capture indicia; t) wherein
said at least one position-3 potential indicator comprises capture
indicia; u) wherein said at least one position-5 potential indicator
comprises capture indicia; v) wherein said at least one position-7
potential indicator comprises capture indicia; and w) wherein said
at least one position-8 potential indicator comprises capture
indicia.
2. A game piece comprising, in combination: a) at least eight
potential direction indicators; b) wherein said at least eight
potential direction indicators comprise c) at least one position-1
potential indicator directed at substantially zero degrees; d) at
least one position-2 potential indicator directed at substantially
forty-five degrees from said at least one position-1 potential
indicator; e) at least one position-3 potential indicator directed
at substantially ninety degrees from said at least one position-1
potential indicator; f) at least one position-4 potential indicator
directed at substantially one-hundred-thirty-five degrees from said
at least one position-1 potential indicator; g) at least one
position-5 potential indicator directed at substantially one
hundred-eighty degrees from said at least one position-1 potential
indicator; h) at least one position-6 potential indicator directed
at substantially two-hundred-twenty-five degrees from said at least
one position-l potential indicator; i) at least one position-7
potential indicator directed at substantially two-hundred-seventy
degrees from said at least one position-1 potential indicator; and
j) at least one position-8 potential indicator directed at
substantially three-hundred fifteen degrees from said at least one
position-1 potential indicator; k) wherein at least one of said at
least eight potential direction indicators comprises capture
indicia; l) wherein at least one of said at least eight potential
direction indicators comprises defense indicia; m) wherein each said
capture indicia is permanently fixed to said game piece; n) wherein
each said defense indicia is permanently fixed to said game piece;
o) wherein none of said at least eight potential direction
indicators comprises both capture indicia and defense indicia; p)
wherein at least one said capture indicia and at least one said
defense indicia are angularly spaced substantially forty-five
degrees apart; r) wherein said at least one position-2 potential
indicator comprises capture indicia; s) wherein said at least one
position-3 potential indicator comprises defense indicia; t) wherein
said at least one position-4 potential indicator comprises defense
indicia; u) wherein said at least one position-6 potential indicator
comprises defense indicia; v) wherein said at least one position-7
potential indicator comprises defense indicia; and w) wherein said
at least one position-8 potential indicator comprises capture
indicia.
3. A game piece comprising, in combination: a) at least eight
potential direction indicators; b) wherein said at least eight
potential direction indicators comprise c) at least one position-1
potential indicator directed at substantially zero degrees; d) at
least one position-2 potential indicator directed at substantially
forty-five degrees from said at least one position-1 potential
indicator; e) at least one position-3 potential indicator directed
at substantially ninety degrees from said at least one position-1
potential indicator; f) at least one position-4 potential indicator
directed at substantially one-hundred-thirty-five degrees from said
at least one position-1 potential indicator; g) at least one
position-5 potential indicator directed at substantially one
hundred-eighty degrees from said at least one position-1 potential
indicator; h) at least one position-6 potential indicator directed
at substantially two-hundred-twenty-five degrees from said at least
one position-1 potential indicator; i) at least one position-7
potential indicator directed at substantially two-hundred-seventy
degrees from said at least one position-1 potential indicator; and
j) at least one position-8 potential indicator directed at
substantially three-hundred fifteen degrees from said at least one
position-1 potential indicator; k) wherein at least one of said at
least eight potential direction indicators comprises capture
indicia; l) wherein at least one of said at least eight potential
direction indicators comprises defense indicia; m) wherein each said
capture indicia is permanently fixed to said game piece; n) wherein
each said defense indicia is permanently fixed to said game piece;
o) wherein none of said at least eight potential direction
indicators comprises both capture indicia and defense indicia; p)
wherein at least one said capture indicia and at least one said
defense indicia are angularly spaced substantially forty-five
degrees apart; r) wherein said at least one position-1 potential
indicator comprises capture indicia; s) wherein said at least one
position-2 potential indicator comprises defense indicia; t) wherein
said at least one position-3 potential indicator comprises defense
indicia; u) wherein said at least one position-5 potential indicator
comprises defense indicia; v) wherein said at least one position-7
potential indicator comprises defense indicia; and w) wherein said
at least one position-8 potential indicator comprises defense
indicia.
4. A game piece comprising, in combination: a) at least eight
potential direction indicators; b) wherein said at least eight
potential direction indicators comprise c) at least one position-1
potential indicator directed at substantially zero degrees; d) at
least one position-2 potential indicator directed at substantially
forty-five degrees from said at least one position-1 potential
indicator; e) at least one position-3 potential indicator directed
at substantially ninety degrees from said at least one position-1
potential indicator; f) at least one position-4 potential indicator
directed at substantially one-hundred-thirty-five degrees from said
at least one position-1 potential indicator; g) at least one
position-5 potential indicator directed at substantially one
hundred-eighty degrees from said at least one position-1 potential
indicator; h) at least one position-6 potential indicator directed
at substantially two-hundred-twenty-five degrees from said at least
one position-1 potential indicator; i) at least one position-7
potential indicator directed at substantially two-hundred-seventy
degrees from said at least one position-1 potential indicator; and
j) at least one position-8 potential indicator directed at
substantially three-hundred fifteen degrees from said at least one
position-1 potential indicator; k) wherein at least one of said at
least eight potential direction indicators comprises capture
indicia; l) wherein at least one of said at least eight potential
direction indicators comprises defense indicia; m) wherein each said
capture indicia is permanently fixed to said game piece; n) wherein
each said defense indicia is permanently fixed to said game piece;
o) wherein none of said at least eight potential direction
indicators comprises both capture indicia and defense indicia; p)
wherein at least one said capture indicia and at least one said
defense indicia are angularly spaced substantially forty-five
degrees apart; r) wherein said at least one position-1 potential
indicator comprises capture indicia; s) wherein said at least one
position-2 potential indicator comprises capture indicia; t) wherein
said at least one position-3 potential indicator comprises defense
indicia; u) wherein said at least one position-5 potential indicator
comprises defense indicia; v) wherein said at least one position-7
potential indicator comprises defense indicia; and w) wherein said
at least one position-8 potential indicator comprises capture
indicia.
5. A game piece comprising, in combination: a) at least eight
potential direction indicators; b) wherein said at least eight
potential direction indicators comprise c) at least one position-1
potential indicator directed at substantially zero degrees; d) at
least one position-2 potential indicator directed at substantially
forty-five degrees from said at least one position-1 potential
indicator; e) at least one position-3 potential indicator directed
at substantially ninety degrees from said at least one position-1
potential indicator; f) at least one position-4 potential indicator
directed at substantially one-hundred-thirty-five degrees from said
at least one position-1 potential indicator; g) at least one
position-5 potential indicator directed at substantially one
hundred-eighty degrees from said at least one position-1 potential
indicator; h) at least one position-6 potential indicator directed
at substantially two-hundred-twenty-five degrees from said at least
one position-1 potential indicator; i) at least one position-7
potential indicator directed at substantially two-hundred-seventy
degrees from said at least one position-1 potential indicator; and
j) at least one position-8 potential indicator directed at
substantially three-hundred fifteen degrees from said at least one
position-1 potential indicator; k) wherein at least one of said at
least eight potential direction indicators comprises capture
indicia; l) wherein at least one of said at least eight potential
direction indicators comprises defense indicia; m) wherein each said
capture indicia is permanently fixed to said game piece; n) wherein
each said defense indicia is permanently fixed to said game piece;
o) wherein none of said at least eight potential direction
indicators comprises both capture indicia and defense indicia; p)
wherein at least one said capture indicia and at least one said
defense indicia are angularly spaced substantially forty-five
degrees apart; r) wherein said at least one position-1 potential
indicator comprises defense indicia; s) wherein said at least one
position-2 potential indicator comprises defense indicia; t) wherein
said at least one position-3 potential indicator comprises capture
indicia; u) wherein said at least one position-7 potential indicator
comprises capture indicia; and v) wherein said at least one
position-8 potential indicator comprises defense indicia.
6. A game piece comprising, in combination: a) at least eight
potential direction indicators; b) wherein said at least eight
potential direction indicators comprise c) at least one position-1
potential indicator directed at substantially zero degrees; d) at
least one position-2 potential indicator directed at substantially
forty-five degrees from said at least one position-1 potential
indicator; e) at least one position-3 potential indicator directed
at substantially ninety degrees from said at least one position-1
potential indicator; f) at least one position-4 potential indicator
directed at substantially one-hundred-thirty-five degrees from said
at least one position-1 potential indicator; g) at least one
position-5 potential indicator directed at substantially one
hundred-eighty degrees from said at least one position-1 potential
indicator; h) at least one position-6 potential indicator directed
at substantially two-hundred-twenty-five degrees from said at least
one position-1 potential indicator; i) at least one position-7
potential indicator directed at substantially two-hundred-seventy
degrees from said at least one position-1 potential indicator; and
j) at least one position-8 potential indicator directed at
substantially three-hundred fifteen degrees from said at least one
position-1 potential indicator; k) wherein at least one of said at
least eight potential direction indicators comprises capture
indicia; l) wherein at least one of said at least eight potential
direction indicators comprises defense indicia; m) wherein each said
capture indicia is permanently fixed to said game piece; n) wherein
each said defense indicia is permanently fixed to said game piece;
o) wherein none of said at least eight potential direction
indicators comprises both capture indicia and defense indicia; p)
wherein at least one said capture indicia and at least one said
defense indicia are angularly spaced substantially forty-five
degrees apart; r) wherein said at least one position-2 potential
indicator comprises capture indicia; s) wherein said at least one
position-3 potential indicator comprises capture indicia; t) wherein
said at least one position-4 potential indicator comprises defense
indicia; u) wherein said at least one position-6 potential indicator
comprises defense indicia; v) wherein said at least one position-7
potential indicator comprises capture indicia; and w) wherein said
at least one position-8 potential indicator comprises capture
indicia.
7. A game piece comprising, in combination: a) at least eight
potential direction indicators; b) wherein said at least eight
potential direction indicators comprise; c) at least one position-1
potential indicator directed at substantially zero degrees; d) at
least one position-2 potential indicator directed at substantially
forty-five degrees from said at least one position-1 potential
indicator; e) at least one position-3 potential indicator directed
at substantially ninety degrees from said at least one position-1
potential indicator; f) at least one position-4 potential indicator
directed at substantially one-hundred-thirty-five degrees from said
at least one position-1 potential indicator; g) at least one
position-5 potential indicator directed at substantially one
hundred-eighty degrees from said at least one position-1 potential
indicator; h) at least one position-6 potential indicator directed
at substantially two-hundred-twenty-five degrees from said at least
one position-1 potential indicator; i) at least one position-7
potential indicator directed at substantially two-hundred-seventy
degrees from said at least one position-1 potential indicator; and
j) at least one position-8 potential indicator directed at
substantially three-hundred fifteen degrees from said at least one
position-1 potential indicator; k) wherein at least one of said at
least eight potential direction indicators comprises capture
indicia; l) wherein each said capture indicia is permanently fixed
to said game piece; m) wherein said at least one game piece
comprises no more than, and no less than, six capture indicia; n)
wherein said at least one position-1 potential indicator comprises
capture indicia; o) wherein said at least one position-2 potential
indicator comprises capture indicia; p) wherein said at least one
position-3 potential indicator comprises capture indicia; q) wherein
said at least one position-5 potential indicator comprises capture
indicia; r) wherein said at least one position-7 potential indicator
comprises capture indicia; and s) wherein said at least one
position-8 potential indicator comprises capture indicia.
8. A game piece comprising, in combination: a) at least eight
potential direction indicators; b) wherein said at least eight
potential direction indicators comprise; c) at least one position-1
potential indicator directed at substantially zero degrees; d) at
least one position-2 potential indicator directed at substantially
forty-five degrees from said at least one position-1 potential
indicator; e) at least one position-3 potential indicator directed
at substantially ninety degrees from said at least one position-1
potential indicator; f) at least one position-4 potential indicator
directed at substantially one-hundred-thirty-five degrees from said
at least one position-1 potential indicator; g) at least one
position-5 potential indicator directed at substantially one
hundred-eighty degrees from said at least one position-1 potential
indicator; h) at least one position-6 potential indicator directed
at substantially two-hundred-twenty-five degrees from said at least
one position-1 potential indicator; i) at least one position-7
potential indicator directed at substantially two-hundred-seventy
degrees from said at least one position-1 potential indicator; and
j) at least one position-8 potential indicator directed at
substantially three-hundred fifteen degrees from said at least one
position-1 potential indicator; k) wherein at least one of said at
least eight potential direction indicators comprises capture
indicia; l) wherein each said capture indicia is permanently fixed
to said game piece; wherein said at least one game piece comprises
no more than, and no less than, five capture indicia; n) wherein
said at least one position-1 potential indicator comprises capture
indicia; o) wherein said at least one position-2 potential indicator
comprises capture indicia; p) wherein said at least one position-4
potential indicator comprises capture indicia; q) wherein said at
least one position-6 potential indicator comprises capture indicia;
and r) wherein said at least one position-8 potential indicator
comprises capture indicia.
9. A game piece comprising, in combination: a) at least eight
potential direction indicators; b) wherein said at least eight
potential direction indicators comprise; c) at least one position-1
potential indicator directed at substantially zero degrees; d) at
least one position-2 potential indicator directed at substantially
forty-five degrees from said at least one position-1 potential
indicator; e) at least one position-3 potential indicator directed
at substantially ninety degrees from said at least one position-1
potential indicator; f) at least one position-4 potential indicator
directed at substantially one-hundred-thirty-five degrees from said
at least one position-1 potential indicator; g) at least one
position-5 potential indicator directed at substantially one
hundred-eighty degrees from said at least one position-1 potential
indicator; h) at least one position-6 potential indicator directed
at substantially two-hundred-twenty-five degrees from said at least
one position-1 potential indicator; i) at least one position-7
potential indicator directed at substantially two-hundred-seventy
degrees from said at least one position-1 potential indicator; and
j) at least one position-8 potential indicator directed at
substantially three-hundred fifteen degrees from said at least one
position-1 potential indicator; k) wherein at least one of said at
least eight potential direction indicators comprises capture
indicia; wherein each said capture indicia is permanently fixed to
said game piece; wherein said at least one game piece comprises no
more than, and no less than, four capture indicia; n) wherein said
at least one position-2 potential indicator comprises capture
indicia; o) wherein said at least one position-3 potential indicator
comprises capture indicia; p) wherein said at least one position-7
potential indicator comprises capture indicia; and q) wherein said
at least one position-8 potential indicator comprises capture
indicia.
Description
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to providing a game system. More particularly
this invention relates to providing a game system with game pieces
that have capture and defense indicia arranged in a variety of
configurations angularly spaced in substantially forty-five degree
increments. Games, and particularly strategy games, must often
balance simplicity with strategic difficulty. Often, in order to
provide a game of sufficient strategic difficulty to challenge
players and maintain their interest the game must provide a high
degree of complexity. Many strategically interesting games are too
complicated and involved for beginners to learn quickly and easily.
Other games are too simple to provide a challenge after repeated
play time and again.
OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide
a game system that provides many levels of strategic challenge and
interesting game play.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a game system that is easy for beginners to learn.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to
provide such a game system with game pieces that can be used to play
games with many rule variations. It is a further object and feature
of the present invention to provide such a game system that can be
played on typical chess and checker boards.
A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy.
Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent
with reference to the following descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention
provides a game piece comprising, in combination: at least eight
potential direction indicators; wherein such at least eight
potential direction indicators comprise; at least one position-1
potential indicator directed at substantially zero degrees; at least
one position-2 potential indicator directed at substantially
forty-five degrees; at least one position-3 potential indicator
directed at substantially ninety degrees; at least one position-4
potential indicator directed at substantially
one-hundred-thirty-five degrees; at least one position-5 potential
indicator directed at substantially one hundred-eighty degrees; at
least one position-6 potential indicator directed at substantially
two-hundred-twenty-five degrees; at least one position-7 potential
indicator directed at substantially two-hundred-seventy degrees; and
at least one position-8 potential indicator directed at
substantially three-hundred fifteen degrees; wherein at least one of
such at least eight potential direction indicators comprises capture
indicia; wherein at least one of such at least eight potential
direction indicators comprises defense indicia. Moreover, it
provides such a game piece wherein none of such at least eight
potential direction indicators comprises both capture indicia and
defense indicia. Additionally, it provides such a game piece wherein
at least one such capture indicia and at least one such defense
indicia are angularly spaced substantially forty-five degrees apart.
Also, it provides such a game piece wherein such at least one
position-1 potential indicator comprises defense indicia, such at
least one position-2 potential indicator comprises capture indicia,
such at least one position-3 potential indicator comprises capture
indicia, such at least one position-5 potential indicator comprises
capture indicia, such at least one position-7 potential indicator
comprises capture indicia, and such at least one position-8
potential indicator comprises capture indicia. In addition, it
provides such a game piece wherein such at least one position-1
potential indicator comprises capture indicia, such at least one
position-2 potential indicator comprises defense indicia, such at
least one position-3 potential indicator comprises capture indicia,
such at least one position-7 potential indicator comprises capture
indicia, and such at least one position-8 potential indicator
comprises defense indicia. And, it provides such a game piece
wherein such at least one position-I potential indicator comprises
capture indicia, such at least one position-3 potential indicator
comprises capture indicia, such at least one position-5 potential
indicator comprises defense indicia, and such at least one
position-7 potential indicator comprises capture indicia. Further,
it provides such a game piece wherein such at least one position-2
potential indicator comprises capture indicia, such at least one
position-3 potential indicator comprises defense indicia, such at
least one position-4 potential indicator comprises defense indicia,
such at least one position-6 potential indicator comprises defense
indicia, such at least one position-7 potential indicator comprises
defense indicia, and such at least one position-8 potential
indicator comprises capture indicia. Even further, it provides such
a game piece wherein such at least one position-1 potential
indicator comprises defense indicia, such at least one position-2
potential indicator comprises capture indicia, such at least one
position-4 potential indicator comprises capture indicia, such at
least one position-6 potential indicator comprises capture indicia,
and such at least one position-8 potential indicator comprises
capture indicia. Moreover, it provides such a game piece wherein
such at least one position-1 potential indicator comprises capture
indicia, such at least one position-3 potential indicator comprises
defense indicia, such at least one position-5 potential indicator
comprises defense indicia, and such at least one position-7
potential indicator comprises defense indicia. Additionally, it
provides such a game piece wherein such at least one position-1
potential indicator comprises capture indicia, such at least one
position-2 potential indicator comprises defense indicia, such at
least one position-3 potential indicator comprises defense indicia,
such at least one position-5 potential indicator comprises defense
indicia, such at least one position-7 potential indicator comprises
defense indicia, and such at least one position-8 potential
indicator comprises defense indicia. Also, it provides such a game
piece wherein such at least one position-1 potential indicator
comprises capture indicia, such at least one position-2 potential
indicator comprises defense indicia, such at least one position-4
potential indicator comprises defense indicia, such at least one
position-6 potential indicator comprises defense indicia, and such
at least one position-8 potential indicator comprises defense
indicia. In addition, it provides such a game piece wherein such at
least one position-2 potential indicator comprises capture indicia,
such at least one position-3 potential indicator comprises defense
indicia, such at least one position-7 potential indicator comprises
defense indicia, and such at least one position-8 potential
indicator comprises capture indicia. And, it provides such a game
piece wherein such at least one position-1 potential indicator
comprises capture indicia, such at least one position-2 potential
indicator comprises capture indicia, such at least one position-3
potential indicator comprises defense indicia, such at least one
position-5 potential indicator comprises defense indicia, such at
least one position-7 potential indicator comprises defense indicia,
and such at least one position-8 potential indicator comprises
capture indicia. Further, it provides such a game piece wherein such
at least one position-1 potential indicator comprises defense
indicia, such at least one position-2 potential indicator comprises
defense indicia, such at least one position-3 potential indicator
comprises capture indicia, such at least one position-7 potential
indicator comprises capture indicia, and such at least one
position-8 potential indicator comprises defense indicia. Even
further, it provides such a game piece wherein such at least one
position-2 potential indicator comprises capture indicia, such at
least one position-3 potential indicator comprises capture indicia,
such at least one position-4 potential indicator comprises defense
indicia, such at least one position-6 potential indicator comprises
defense indicia, such at least one position-7 potential indicator
comprises capture indicia, and such at least one position-8
potential indicator comprises capture indicia.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a game piece comprising, in combination: at least
eight potential direction indicators; wherein such at least eight
potential direction indicators comprise; at least one position-1
potential indicator directed at substantially zero degrees; at least
one position-2 potential indicator directed at substantially
forty-five degrees; at least one position-3 potential indicator
directed at substantially ninety degrees; at least one position-4
potential indicator directed at substantially
one-hundred-thirty-five degrees; at least one position-5 potential
indicator directed at substantially one hundred-eighty degrees; at
least one position-6 potential indicator directed at substantially
two-hundred-twenty-five degrees; at least one position-7 potential
indicator directed at substantially two-hundred-seventy degrees; and
at least one position-8 potential indicator directed at
substantially three-hundred fifteen degrees; wherein at least one of
such at least eight potential direction indicators comprises capture
indicia. Moreover, it provides such a game piece wherein each of
such at least eight potential direction indicators comprises capture
indicia. Additionally, it provides such a game piece wherein such at
least one position-1 potential indicator comprises capture indicia,
such at least one position-2 potential indicator comprises capture
indicia, such at least one position-3 potential indicator comprises
capture indicia, such at least one position-5 potential indicator
comprises capture indicia, such at least one position-7 potential
indicator comprises capture indicia, and such at least one
position-8 potential indicator comprises capture indicia. Also, it
provides such a game piece wherein such at least one position-1
potential indicator comprises capture indicia, such at least one
position-2 potential indicator comprises capture indicia, such at
least one position-4 potential indicator comprises capture indicia,
such at least one position-6 potential indicator comprises capture
indicia, and such at least one position-8 potential indicator
comprises capture indicia. In addition, it provides such a game
piece wherein such at least one position-2 potential indicator
comprises capture indicia, such at least one position-3 potential
indicator comprises capture indicia, such at least one position-7
potential indicator comprises capture indicia, and such at least one
position-8 potential indicator comprises capture indicia.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a game piece comprising, in combination: at least
one potential direction indicator comprising capture indicia; and at
least one potential direction indicator comprising defense indicia;
wherein such capture indicia and such defense indicia are angularly
spaced substantially forty-five degrees apart. And, it provides such
a game piece wherein such game piece comprises at least five
potential direction indicators. Further, it provides such a game
piece wherein such game piece comprises eight potential direction
indicators substantially evenly angularly spaced at substantially
forty-five degree increments.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a method of playing a game comprising the steps
of: providing at least one game board comprising at least one grid
of spaces; providing a plurality of game pieces which can be
positioned on such at least one game board; wherein at least one of
such plurality of game pieces comprises at least one capture
indicia, and at least one defense indicia, wherein such at least one
capture indicia and such at least one defense indicia are angularly
spaced substantially forty-five degrees apart. Even further, it
provides such a method of playing a game further comprising moving
at least one of such plurality of game pieces from one space of such
at least one grid of spaces to an adjacent space of such at least
one grid of spaces, and rotating such at least one of such plurality
of game pieces to a different angular orientation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a top view of a game piece of a game system according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a top view of a set of game pieces according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 shows a top view of the game piece of FIG. 1 on a game board
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows a top view of several game pieces placed on a portion
of a game board according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the game piece of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the game piece of FIG. 1 placed
on a portion of a game board according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF
THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a top view of game piece 200 of game system 100
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Preferably, game piece 200 comprises potential direction indicators
102, preferably indicated by the outwardly facing sides of each side
(embodying herein at least one potential direction indicator) of an
octagon-shaped game piece, as shown. Preferably, potential direction
indicators 102 are spaced in evenly spaced angular increments, as
shown. Preferably, game piece 200 comprises eight potential
direction indicators 102, as shown. Preferably, potential direction
indicators 102 are angularly spaced at forty-five degree increments
(at least embodying herein wherein said game piece comprises eight
potential direction indicators substantially evenly angularly spaced
at substantially forty-five degree increments). Preferably,
potential direction indicator 102A is angularly spaced at
substantially zero degrees for the purpose of establishing the
relative angles of other potential direction indicators 102 (at
least embodying herein at least one position-1 potential indicator
directed at substantially zero degrees). Preferably, potential
direction indicator 102B is angularly spaced at substantially
forty-five degrees (at least embodying herein at least one
position-2 potential indicator directed at substantially forty-five
degrees). Preferably, potential direction indicator 102C is
angularly spaced at substantially ninety degrees. Preferably,
potential direction indicator 102D is angularly spaced at
substantially one-hundred-thirty-five degrees. Preferably, potential
direction indicator 102E is angularly spaced at substantially
one-hundred-eighty degrees. Preferably, potential direction
indicator 102F is angularly spaced at substantially
two-hundred-twenty-five degrees. Preferably, potential direction
indicator 102G is angularly spaced at substantially
two-hundred-seventy degrees. Preferably, potential direction
indicator 102H is angularly spaced at substantially
three-hundred-fifteen degrees. Preferably, game piece 200 comprises
radial symmetry, as shown, so that game piece 200 may be rotated.
Preferably game piece 200 may be rotated so that any one selected
potential direction indicator 102 may be oriented at zero degrees.
The use of absolute angle measurements (e.g. two-hundred-seventy
degrees) in defining the positions of direction indicators 102 is
used to help define the relative positions of direction indicators
102 to each other and not to establish an absolute and specific
orientation of any particular direction indicators 102, especially
since preferably game piece 200 is rotatable. Preferably, each
potential direction indicator 102 comprises at least one of the
following states: capture 104X, defense 104Y, blank 104Z. Most
preferably, each potential direction indicator 102 consists of
exactly one of the following states: capture indicia 104X, defense
indicia 104Y, or blank 104Z. Preferably, capture indicia 104X
comprises arrow indicia, as shown. Preferably, defense indicia 104Y
comprises trapezoid indicia, as shown. Preferably, blank 104Z
consists of lack of indicia for the respective potential direction
indicator 102.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as game board
geometry, game piece geometry, desired level of strategic
complexity, etc., other potential direction indicator arrangements,
such as, for example, potential direction indicators spaced in
uneven angular increments, potential direction indicators angularly
spaced at degree increments other than forty-five degrees (such as,
for example, one-hundred-twenty degrees, ninety degrees, seventy-two
degrees, sixty degrees, etc.), a greater or fewer number of
potential direction indicators (such as, for example, two potential
direction indicators, or three, or four, or five, or six, etc.),
different states for potential direction indicators (such as, for
example, a magnitude associated with movement for a certain
direction, eliminating defense indicia or blank, etc.), potential
direction indicators that comprise more than one state (such as, for
example, combined movement and defense in the same direction),
capture indicia comprising indicia other than an arrow (such as, for
example, a triangle, square, other shape, a word, or other symbol,
etc.), defense indicia comprising indicia other than a trapezoid
(such as, for example, a rectangle, asterisk, other shape, a word,
or other symbol, etc.), indicia other than "blank" (such as, for
example, a circle, dot, other shape, a word, or other symbol, etc.)
that indicates "lack of defense and lack of capture" for a given
associated potential direction indicator, etc., may suffice
FIG. 2 shows a top view of a set of game pieces 202 according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, game
system 100 comprises two sets of pieces 202. Preferably, each set of
game pieces 202 are easily distinguishable the other set, most
preferably by color (such as, for example, a black set of pieces, a
white set of pieces, a red set of pieces, an oak set of pieces, a
rosewood set of pieces, etc.). Preferably, each set of game pieces
comprises game piece 200A, game piece 200B, game piece 200C, game
piece 200D, game piece 200E, game piece 200F, game piece 200G, game
piece 200H, game piece 200I, game piece 200J, game piece 200K, game
piece 200L, game piece 200M, game piece 200N, game piece 200P, and
game piece 200Q, as shown. Preferably, game piece 200A comprises
capture indicia 104x for each of potential direction indicators
102A, 102B, 102C, 102D, 102E, 102F, 102G, and 102H (at least
embodying herein wherein each of said at least eight potential
direction indicators comprises capture indicia), as shown.
Preferably, game piece 200B comprises capture indicia 104X for each
of potential direction indicators 102A, 102B, 102C, 102E, 102G, and
102H, and blank 104Z for potential direction indicators 102D and
102F (at least embodying herein wherein game piece comprises at
least five potential direction indicators), as shown. Preferably,
game piece 200C comprises capture indicia 104X for each of potential
direction indicators 102A, 102B, 102D, 102F, and 102H, and blank
104Z for potential direction indicators 102C, 102E, and 102G, as
shown. Preferably, game piece 200D comprises capture indicia 104X
for each of potential direction indicators 102B, 102C, 102G, and
102H, and blank 104Z for potential direction indicators 102A, 102D,
102E, and 102F, as shown. Preferably, game piece 200E comprises
capture indicia 104X for each of potential direction indicators
102B, 102C, 102E, 102G, and 102H (at least embodying herein wherein
at least one of said at least eight potential direction indicators
comprises capture indicia), defense indicia 104Y for potential
direction indicator 102A (at least embodying herein wherein at least
one of said at least eight potential direction indicators comprises
defense indicia; and at least embodying herein wherein at least one
said capture indicia and at least one said defense indicia are
angularly spaced substantially forty-five degrees apart; and at
least embodying herein wherein at least one position-1 potential
indicator comprises capture indicia, at least one position-3
potential indicator comprises capture indicia, at least one
position-5 potential indicator comprises defense indicia, and at
least one position-7 potential indicator comprises capture indicia),
and blank 104Z for potential direction indicators 102D, and 102F, as
shown. Preferably, game piece 200F comprises capture indicia 104X
for each of potential direction indicators 102A, 102C, and 102G,
defense indicia 104Y for potential direction indicators 102B and
102H, and blank 104Z for potential direction indicators 102D, 102E
and 102F, as shown. Preferably, game piece 200G comprises capture
indicia 104X for each of potential direction indicators 102A, 102C,
and 102G, defense indicia 104Y for potential direction indicator
102E, and blank 104Z for potential direction indicators 102B, 102D,
102F, and 102H, as shown. Preferably, game piece 200H comprises
capture indicia 104X for each of potential direction indicators 102B
and 102H, defense indicia 104Y for potential direction indicators
102C, 102D, 102F, and 102G, and blank 104Z for potential direction
indicators 102A and 102E, as shown. Preferably, game piece 200I
comprises capture indicia 104X for each of potential direction
indicators 102B, 102D, 102F, and 102H, defense indicia 104Y for
potential direction indicator 102A, and blank 104Z for potential
direction indicators 102C, 102E, and 102G, as shown. Preferably,
game piece 200J comprises capture indicia 104X for each of potential
direction indicators 102A, defense indicia 104Y for potential
direction indicators 102C, 102E, and 102G, and blank 104Z for
potential direction indicators 102B, 102D, 102F, and 102H, as shown.
Preferably, game piece 200K comprises capture indicia 104X for each
of potential direction indicators 102A, defense indicia 104Y for
potential direction indicators 102B, 102C, 102E, 102G and 102H, and
blank 104Z for potential direction indicators 102D and 102F, as
shown. Preferably, game piece 200L comprises capture indicia 104X
for each of potential direction indicators 102A, defense indicia
104Y for potential direction indicators 102B, 102D, 102F and 102H,
and blank 104Z for potential direction indicators 102C, 102E, and
102G, as shown. Preferably, game piece 200M comprises capture
indicia 104X for each of potential direction indicators 102B and
102H, defense indicia 104Y for potential direction indicators 102C
and 102G, and blank 104Z for potential direction indicators 102A,
102D, 102E, and 102F, as shown. Preferably, game piece 200N
comprises capture indicia 104X for each of potential direction
indicators 102A, 102B, and 102H, defense indicia 104Y for potential
direction indicators 102C, 102E, and 102G, and blank 104Z for
potential direction indicators 102D and 102F, as shown. Preferably,
game piece 200P comprises capture indicia 104X for each of potential
direction indicators 102C and 102G, defense indicia 104Y for
potential direction indicators 102A, 102B, and 102H, and blank 104Z
for potential direction indicators 102D, 102E, and 102F, as shown.
Preferably, game piece 200Q comprises capture indicia 104X for each
of potential direction indicators 102B, 102C, 102G, and 102H,
defense indicia 104Y for potential direction indicators 102D and
102F, and blank 104Z for potential direction indicators 102A and
102E, as shown. Preferably, game piece 200 comprises an octagonal
shape as shown. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as game board
geometry, number of potential direction indicators, desired level of
strategic complexity, etc., other game piece arrangements, such as,
for example, different arrangements and/or combinations of potential
direction indicators and potential direction indicator states,
differently shaped game pieces (such as, for example, with more or
few sides, round shaped, triangular shaped, square shaped, pentagon
shaped, non-geometrically shaped, fancifully or iconic shaped,
three-dimensional shaped, sets of game pieces which are
distinguishable from other sets by means in addition (or instead of)
color (such as, for example, one set has a matte finish, and another
set a glossy finish, etc.), etc., may suffice.
FIG. 3 shows a top view of game piece 200A on game board 300
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Preferably, game system 100 comprises game board 300, and a
plurality of game pieces 200 for positioning on game board 300 (at
least embodying herein providing at least one game board comprising
at least one grid of spaces and providing a plurality of game pieces
which can be positioned on said at least one game board).
Preferably, game board 300 comprises a grid of spaces 302, as shown.
Preferably, game board 300 has eight columns of square spaces 302
and eight rows of square spaces 302, as shown. Preferably, game
pieces 200 are sized to fit within spaces 302, as shown. Preferably,
game pieces 200 are sized to fit within the spaces of a standard
United States Chess Federation regulation size chess board.
Preferably, when a game piece 200 is placed on a space 302 of game
board 300, game piece 200 is oriented so that potential direction
indicators 102 correlate with (point to) the spaces 302 adjacent to
the space occupied by game piece 200, as shown. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as game piece geometry, number of potential
direction indicators, desired level of strategic complexity, etc.,
other game board arrangements, such as, for example, more or fewer
columns and/or rows (such as, for example, ten columns and twelve
rows, etc.), spaces shaped other than as squares (such as, for
example, triangles, hexagons, octagons, etc.), a board shaped other
than a grid (such as, for example, a maze with corridors, rooms,
and/or obstacles, etc.), a smaller or larger game board with smaller
or larger spaces, etc., may suffice.
Preferred rules of play: Preferably, the game is played by two
players. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those
with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as game piece
geometry, desired level of strategic complexity, etc., other player
arrangements such as, for example, additional players with
additional sets of pieces, a single player, teams of players that
share control of pieces depending on different game factors, teams
of players that do not share control of pieces, etc., may suffice
Types of pieces: Preferably, each set of games pieces 202 comprises
sixteen games pieces: game piece 200A, game piece 200B, game piece
200C, game piece 200D, game piece 200E, game piece 200F, game piece
200G, game piece 200H, game piece 200I, game piece 200J, game piece
200K, game piece 200L, game piece 200M, game piece 200N, game piece
200P, and game piece 200Q, as shown. Upon reading the teachings of
this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues
such as game piece geometry, game board geometry, number of
potential direction indicators, desired level of strategic
complexity, rules of play, etc., other sets of game piece
arrangements may suffice, such as, for example, more or fewer game
pieces (such as, for example, a subset of the preferred game pieces,
additional and/or replacement game pieces with unique/different or
duplicate potential direction indicator arrangements, etc.), etc.,
may suffice.
Preferably, game pieces 200 are classified into three categories:
King, Noblemen, and Knights. Preferably, game piece 200A is the King
and may move one or two spaces. Preferably, game pieces without
defense indicia 104Y (excluding the King) are Noblemen (such as, for
example, game pieces 200B, 200C, and 200D). Preferably, Noblemen
game pieces 200B, 200C, and 200D may move any number of spaces
(preferably in one of the directions available indicated by capture
indicia 104X) and may then rotate to any (proper incremental)
orientation after movement is complete. Preferably, game pieces with
defense indicia 104Y are Knights (e.g. game pieces 200E, 200F, 200G,
200H, 200I, 200J, 200K, 200L, 200M, 200N, 200P, and 200Q).
Preferably, when a Knight game piece is moved the player has the
option of moving one space and then rotating (at least embodying
herein moving at least one of said plurality of game pieces from one
space of said at least one grid of spaces to an adjacent space of
said at least one grid of spaces, and rotating said at least one of
said plurality of game pieces to a different angular orientation),
or moving two spaces without rotating. Preferably, when any piece
moves more than one space the additional spaces must be in the same
direction (as the initial move) in a straight line. Preferably, when
a game piece 200 is rotated it may be placed in any rotational
orientation as long as potential direction indicators 102 correlate
with (point to) spaces 302 adjacent to the spaces occupied by game
piece 200 (i.e. rotational increments of forty-five degrees for
eight-sided game pieces). Preferably, game pieces must move in one
of the directions available indicated by capture indicia 104X before
rotating (game piece may not rotate first and then move).
Preferably, game pieces 200 may only move in a direction selected
from those indicated by capture indicia 104X. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as game piece geometry, game board geometry,
desired level of strategic complexity, rules of play, etc., other
rules for classifying and moving game pieces, such as, for example,
game pieces may move in any direction regardless of directions
indicated by capture indicia, a game piece other than 200A may be
classified as the King (such as, for example, a game piece where
only one potential direction indicator comprises capture indicia,
etc.), more or fewer and/or alternate classifications may be used,
different game pieces may be allowed more or less movement and/or
rotation (such as, for example, the King may be restricted to moving
one space per turn or may be allowed to move more than two spaces
per turn, Noblemen may be restricted to moving less than a certain
maximum number of spaces per turn, rotation of game pieces may be
prohibited or restricted to a limited angular increment per turn,
etc.), game pieces may be allowed to rotate in place instead of
moving, or may be allowed to rotate and then move on a turn,
rotation of a game piece (such as, for example, a Knight, etc.) may
be independent of movement, using a randomizing factor (such as, for
example, the roll of a six-sided-die) to determine how many spaces a
game piece may move on a turn, etc., may suffice.
Preferably an attacking game piece can only be moved onto a space
occupied by an opponent's piece when the attacking game piece has
capture indicia 104X pointing in the direction of movement.
Preferably, when a player moves a game piece onto a space occupied
by an opponent's game piece, the opponent's game piece is captured
(preferably, the captured piece is removed from the game board).
However, a game piece 200 with defense indicia 104Y has a barrier
protecting against movement into the space from the direction
indicated by defense indicia 104Y (immunity against capture from the
direction indicated by defense indicia 104Y). Preferably, capture
indicia 104X does not provide immunity against capture from the
direction indicated by capture indicia 104X (preferably, game pieces
200 are vulnerable from the direction in which they may potentially
capture). Preferably, two game pieces 200 may not occupy the same
space. Preferably, game pieces 200 may not "jump over" any other
game pieces 200. Upon reading the teachings of this specification,
those with ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as game piece
geometry, game board geometry, desired level of strategic
complexity, rules of play, etc., other game piece attack/defense
arrangements, such as, for example, allowing game pieces to occupy
the same space, allowing game pieces to jump over other game pieces,
etc., may suffice.
Objective of game: Preferably, the object of the game is to
checkmate the opponents King (game piece 200A) by trapping it in a
position from which escape is impossible and capture is unavoidable.
Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now understand that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as game piece
geometry, game board geometry, desired level of strategic
complexity, rules of play, etc., other game objectives may suffice,
such as, for example, occupying a certain space (or multiple spaces)
on the game board, capturing a certain number of the opponent's game
pieces, blocking the opponent from moving, etc.
Set-up phase: Preferably, the game begins with a set-up phase in
which players place game pieces 202 of their color on the empty game
board 300. Preferably, players select one of the available sets of
game pieces 202 (such as, for example, black or white, etc.).
Preferably, players sit on opposite ends of game board 300 (such as,
for example, so that row A of game board 300 is closer to the player
with the black set of game pieces 202, and row H is closer to the
player with the white set of game pieces 202). Preferably, play
begins with an empty board and with the white player placing any one
game piece 200 (from the white set of game pieces 202) on board 300.
Preferably, the white player is restricted to placing white game
pieces 200 in the two rows of game board 300 closest to the white
player (e.g. row G and Row H). Preferably, the black player is
restricted to placing black game pieces 200 in the two rows of game
board 300 closest to the black player (e.g. row A and Row B).
Preferably, game pieces 200 may be placed in any rotational
orientation as long as potential direction indicators 102 correlate
with (point to) squares 302 adjacent to the square occupied by game
piece 200 (i.e. rotational increments of forty-five degrees for
eight-sided game pieces). Preferably, once a game piece is placed
and oriented on game board 300 it is not moved nor rotated until the
set-up phase of the game is over (which occurs when all players have
placed all the game pieces 200 from their sets of game pieces 202).
After the white player places white's first game piece 200, the
black player places two game pieces 200. The white player and black
player then alternate, taking turns placing two game pieces 200 at a
time on board 300, with white placing the last game piece 200. Upon
reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary
skill in the art will now understand that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering issues such as type of game pieces, game
board geometry, desired level of strategic complexity, rules of
play, etc., other game setup arrangements, such as, for example,
having game pieces placed on the board according to a predefined
arrangement, having players place the pieces on the board,
restricting placement of pieces to different portions of the game
board, not restricting placement of pieces to certain portions of
the game board, placing game pieces in a different sequence or order
(such as, for example, requiring the King to be placed first or
last, placing game pieces one at a time instead of two at a time,
etc.), having each player secretly place all their game pieces and
then both players reveal their game pieces at the same time after
all game pieces have been placed, etc., may suffice.
Movement phase: Preferably, after the set-up phase is complete, the
movement phase begins. Beginning with the white player, players
alternate, selecting one piece to move. Players continue moving
until one player checkmates the opponent's King (game piece 200A).
FIG. 4 shows a top view of several game pieces 200 placed on a
portion of a game board 300 according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention. White game piece 200J is shown in row A,
column 2 of game board 300. Black game piece 2001 is shown in row B,
column 2 of game board 300. Black game piece 200M is shown in row C,
column 1 of game board 300. White game piece 200G is shown in row C,
column 3 of game board 300. In the position shown in FIG. 4,
according to the preferred rules of play, game piece 200J (in row A,
column 2) is temporarily trapped (cannot move) since it only has one
capture indicia 104X which is pointing to a space occupied by game
piece 200I (in row B, column 2) which is invulnerable to attack from
the direction of game piece 200J (as indicated by defense indicia
104Y on game piece 200I). Black game piece 200I has the option of
moving one space to A1 and then rotating, or moving one space to A3
and then rotating, or capturing white game piece 200G in row C,
column 3 and then rotating. Black game piece 200I cannot move into
row C, column 1 because that space is already occupied by a black
game piece, as shown. Black game piece 200M is temporarily trapped
because one of it's capture indicia 104X points off the board and
the only other capture indicia 104X points to a space (row B, column
2) which is already occupied by a black game piece, as shown. White
game piece 200G can move one space to C2 and then rotate, or move
one space to B3 and rotate, or move two spaces to A3 and not rotate
(keeping the same orientation). White game piece 200G cannot capture
black game piece 200M because game piece 200M has defense indicia
104Y protecting against attack from the direction of game piece
200G, as shown.
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a game piece 200. Preferably,
game piece 200 has eight sides, as shown. Preferably, game piece 200
comprises wood. Preferably, a set of game pieces 202 for one player
comprise one type of wood (such as, for example, rosewood) and a set
of game pieces 202 for the opposing player is made of a different,
easily distinguishable type of wood (such as, for example, oak,
teak, etc.). Preferably, capture indicia 104X and defense indicia
104Y are cut into game piece 200 using a laser. Preferably, capture
indicia 104X comprises a hole that passes completely through game
piece 200. Preferably, defense indicia 104Y comprises a hole that
passes completely through game piece 200. Upon reading the teachings
of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
understand that, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues
such as type of game pieces, game board geometry, desired level of
strategic complexity, rules of play, etc., other game setup
arrangements, such as, for example, game pieces may comprise other
materials (such as, for example, plastic, metal, etc.), game pieces
may comprise images which are electronically generated by a
computer, capture indicia 104X and defense indicia 104Y may comprise
other types of indicia (such as, for example, indicia that is
applied to the surface of the game piece, painted on, dyed,
extruded, molded, etc.), etc., may suffice.
FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of game piece 200 placed on a
portion of game board 300. Preferably, game board 300 comprises
orientation guides 304 to assist in keeping game pieces 200 oriented
properly (such as, for example, to help prevent game pieces from
accidentally being disoriented if game board 300 is jostled, etc.).
Preferably, orientation guides 304 comprise raised edges 306 around
the perimeter of spaces 302 of game board 300, as shown. Preferably,
game pieces 200 snugly abut the raised edges 306 to prevent
accidental movement and rotation, as shown. Upon reading the
teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the
art will now understand that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering issues such as type of game pieces, game board geometry,
production cost, user demand, convenience, etc., other game board
arrangements may suffice, such as, for example, omitting orientation
guides and raised edges, or providing alternate types of orientation
guides (such as, for example, holes/slots/etc. in game board into
which portions of game pieces are inserted, or magnetic alignment
devices, etc.), etc.
Preferably, game pieces 200 and game board 300 comprise tangible
material. In an alternate preferred embodiment of the present
invention, game pieces 200 and game board 300 are created by
computer program which generates game pieces 200 and game board 300
virtually and displays them so that players can play the game on a
computer (such as, for example, against an artificial intelligence
program, or against an opponent over the internet, etc.).
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and
sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims
as read in connection with the above specification.
Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and
the below claims.
* * * * *
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