US 2002/0119812 A1 · EDUCATIONAL WORD GAME AND METHOD FOR EMPLOYING SAME

Abstract

The present invention is an educational word game and method of playing same that may be provided in single or bi-lingual versions and that challenges players to form as many new words from a set of at least two base words as possible within a limited amount of time. The word game provides players greater and more varied entertainment and educational challenges over previous word games by requiring that the players define a set of rules for each game prior to play and by the random selection of round prize amounts and the letter length of the at least two base words, and thus the number and type of letters players may use to form new words. A pointer centrally attached to a game board is spun to determine the base word letter length and prize amounts for each of at least one round of play that comprise a game, by where the pointer lands on the board. Players fill in a game rules sheet by selecting from among optional rule definitions for each of a plurality of rules to define the set of rules for each game. The rules of a game include a time limit for a round of play, a type of new words to form that qualify for credit, a criterion for determining a round winner, a criterion for determining a game winner and, in bi-lingual versions of the game, a language of play. By requiring that two or more base words be used, the number, length, and sophistication of words a player may potentially make is greatly expanded over comparable games in which only one base word, or a limited number of individual letters, are provided. The entertainment, as well as educational, value of the game is also increased by requiring the players to define the set of rules for each game. The variety of combinations of rules options possible allow players to experience new levels of fun and challenge with each game they play.

Claims39

Dependent claims

A word game for play by at least two players, comprising:

a plurality of game pieces each of the game pieces having a rectangular shape with a length and a width greater than its height forming a front and a back broader surface and four narrower edge surfaces, the front and back broader surfaces each having indicated thereon a base word;
a game board comprising a plurality of subdivisions radiating outward from a center of the game board and a pointer rotatably attached to the center of the game board, each of the plurality of subdivisions having indicated thereon a round prize amount to be awarded to a round winner, and a base word length equal to a number of letters in each base word in a set of at least two base words to be played in a current round of play, the at least two base words of the base word length being indicated on a selection of at least two of the plurality of game pieces;
and,
a timer to time each of an at least one round of play comprising a game.

1 more element

A word game for play by at least two players, comprising:

a plurality of game pieces each of the game pieces being rectangular in shape with a length and a width greater than its height forming a front and a back broader surface and four narrower edge surfaces, the front and back broader surfaces each having indicated thereon a base word;
a game rules sheet on which are listed a group of at least two optional definitions of each of a plurality of game rules, the plurality of game rules comprising:
a time limit rule to specify a time limit for each of an at least one round of play;
a round winner rule to specify a criterion for determining a round winner for each of the at least one round of play;
and,
a game winner rule to specify a criterion for determining a game winner, a game comprising the at least one round of play;
a game board comprising a plurality of subdivisions radiating outward from a center of the game board and a pointer rotatably attached to the center of the game board, each of the plurality of subdivisions having indicated thereon a round prize amount to be awarded to a round winner, and a base word length equal to a number of letters in each base word in a set of at least two base words to be played in a current round of play, the at least two base words of the base word length being indicated on a selection of at least two of the plurality of game pieces;
and,
a timer to time each of the at least one round of play for the specified time limit.

6 more elements

A method for playing a word game by at least two players, comprising:

providing a plurality of game pieces each of the game pieces having a rectangular shape with a length and a width greater than its height forming a front and a back broader surface and four narrower edge surfaces, the front and back broader surfaces each having indicated thereon a base word;
providing a game rules sheet on which are listed a group of at least two optional definitions of each of a plurality of game rules, the plurality of game rules comprising:
a time limit rule to specify a time limit for each of an at least one round of play;
a round winner rule to specify a criterion for determining a round winner for each of the at least one round of play;
and,
a game winner rule to specify a criterion for determining a game winner, a game comprising the at least one round of play;
beginning play of the word game by defining a set of rules for the game comprising selecting one of the at least two optional definitions for each of the plurality of game rules;
providing a game board comprising a plurality of subdivisions radiating outward from a center of the game board and a pointer rotatably attached to the center of the game board, each of the plurality of subdivisions having indicated thereon a round prize amount to be awarded to a round winner, and a base word length equal to a number of letters in each base word in a set of at least two base words to be played in a current round of play, the at least two base words of the base word length being indicated on a selection of at least two of the plurality of game pieces;
providing a timer to time each of the at least one round of play for the specified time limit;
playing a round of the word game according to the defined set of rules for the game, comprising:
determining a round prize amount and a base word length for the round by spinning the pointer on the game board and noting the round prize amount and the base word length indicated on the subdivision at which the pointer lands;
determining the at least two base words for play in the round by selecting at least two of the plurality of game pieces of the base word length for the round of play;
beginning the round of play by starting the timer and to timing the round of play for the specified time limit;
forming as many new words of the selected type of new words as possible within the specified time limit from a set of letters contained in the at least two base words selected;
and,
determining the winner of the round by calculating each of the at least two player's score for the round according to the selected criterion for determining the round winner and awarding the winner the round prize amount;
and,
repeating the playing a round of the word game step until one of the at least two players achieves a game win according to the selected criterion for determining a game winner.

15 more elements

A bi-lingual word game for play by at least two players, comprising:

a plurality of game pieces each of the game pieces having a rectangular shape with a length and a width greater than its height forming a front and a back broader surface and four narrower edge surfaces, the front and back broader surfaces each having indicated thereon a base word, and the base word indicated on the front surface is in a first language, and the base word indicated on the back surface is in a second language;
a game rules sheet on which are listed a group of at least two optional definitions of each of a plurality of game rules, the plurality of game rules comprising:
a time limit rule to specify a time limit for each of an at least one round of play;
a round winner rule to specify a criterion for determining a round winner for each of the at least one round of play;
and,
a game winner rule to specify a criterion for determining a game winner, a game comprising the at least one round of play;
a game board comprising a plurality of subdivisions radiating outward from a center of the game board and a pointer rotatably attached to the center of the game board, each of the plurality of subdivisions having indicated thereon a round prize amount to be awarded to a round winner, and a base word length equal to a number of letters in each base word in a set of at least two base words to be played in a current round of play, the at least two base words of the base word length being indicated on a selection of at least two of the plurality of game pieces;
and,
a timer to time each of the at least one round of play for the specified time limit.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Educational word game and method for employing same

Life of this patent

Educational word game and method for employing same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims39