US 4,637,609 A · Method for a game

Abstract

A method and apparatus for a game is disclosed in which a plurality of word-building structures, each having a plurality of playing spaces, are disposed about a gameboard. The preferred word-building structure comprises a pyramid shaped grid having 49 playing spaces. The pyramid is arranged in seven rows, with thirteen playing spaces in the base row and two less playing spaces in each succeedingly higher row. A word-building structure is associated with each respective competitor, as well as a color-coded set of playing pieces containing alphanumeric characters. These pieces are used by each competitor for building words in the horizontal, vertical, and diagonal directions in his respective word-building structure during a three minute word-building phase. The game board is then rotated to place each competitor in front of an opponent's word-building structure for an offensive phase, during which a competitor may strategically place his playing pieces to block selected spaces adjacent previously built words on an opponent's structure, thereby limiting the opponent's use of the blocked spaces in subsequent word-building phases and capturing the scoring value of the blocked words. Play continues with alternating word-building phases and offensive phases until one of a set of predetermined conditions occurs. Scores are tallied at the end of a game, at which time the point values of words are determined and the final determination of their ownership is made.

Claims31

Dependent claims

A method of playing a game for a plurality of competitors, using an apparatus having means defining a plurality of playing spaces in a grid shaped pattern and means defining a plurality of distinguishable sets of alphanumeric character-representing elements, each element dimensioned for placement within one of said playing spaces, so as to be useful for forming words within said grid shaped pattern, said method comprising:

assigning one of said distinguishable sets of elements to each competitor for manipulation into words in achieving a level of accomplishment characterized by a score;
executing a sequence of playing phases in which said competitors take turns at building words in said grid shaped pattern and then expanding said words into new words,
said sequence of playing phases followed by a terminating scoring phase comprising determining a value for each scorable word depending on its structure, and determining each competitor's score by combining the values of only those scorable words which end in one of his elements and were not further expanded;
said scorable words comprising all words which are used in determining any competitor's score.

1 more element

assigning one of said distinguishable sets of elements to each competitor for manipulation into words in achieving a level of accomplishment characterized by a score;
executing a sequence of playing phases in which said competitors take turns at building words in said grid shaped pattern and then expanding said words into new words,
said sequence of playing phases comprising executing at least one word-building phase, followed in sequence by at least one offensive phase, followed in sequence by at least one additional word-building phase;
said word-building phases comprising at least one competitor manipulating elements from his respective set to build words in intersecting patterns of said elements until a predetermined first condition occurs, each of said built words having a scoring value depending on its structure;
said offensive phase comprising at least said one competitor's opponent modifying at least one word previously built by said one competitor, said offensive phase continuing until a predetermined second condition occurs;
said modifying of a word comprising a competitor's opponent placing at least one of his respective elements, defined as blocking elements, adjacent to a word built by the competitor so as to expand the same into a new word, defined as a modified word;
said sequence of playing phases followed by a terminating scoring phase comprising determining each competitor's score by combining the values of all scorable words ending on one of said competitor's respective elements;
said scorable words comprising all words used in determining any competitor's score, and not comprising words which intersect a modified word at a blocking element and do not end on said blocking element.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method for a game

Life of this patent

Method for a game

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims31