US20140265126A1

US20140265126A1 - Dice game

Info

Publication number: US20140265126A1
Application number: US13/803,207
Authority: US
Inventors: Rawn Trinidad
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Mattel Inc
Priority date: 2013-03-14
Filing date: 2013-03-14
Publication date: 2014-09-18

Abstract

A game is provided including a plurality of first player cards and a plurality of second player cards. Each of the player cards has a first side and a second side. The second side includes either a first indicia or a second indicia. A game identifier has a first side with a first pattern and a second side with a second pattern. The game includes a plurality of first player dice and a plurality of second player dice. Each die has a plurality of faces and each of the plurality of face has a color and an icon disposed thereon.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to games and methods of playing the games.
Many classic games involve large pieces requiring a significant amount of space and cumbersome setup.
It is desirable to provide a game having similar characters and the same storyline that is portable and played without a board.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A game is provided including a plurality of first player cards and a plurality of second player cards. Each of the player cards has a first side and a second side. The second side includes either a first indicia or a second indicia. A game identifier has a first side with a first pattern and a second side with a second pattern. The game includes a plurality of first player dice and a plurality of second player dice. Each die has a plurality of faces and each of the plurality of face has a color and an icon disposed thereon.
A method of playing a game including distributing a plurality of first player cards to a first player and distributing a plurality of second player cards to a second player. Each of the player cards has a first side and a second side. The second side includes either a first indicia or a second indicia. The plurality of first player cards and the plurality of second player cards are arranged face down on a playing surface such that the second side is not visible. A plurality of first player dice are distributed to a first player and a plurality of second player dice are distributed to a second player. Each die has a plurality of faces and each of the plurality of face has a color and an icon disposed thereon. A game identifier having a first side with a first pattern and a second side with a second pattern is flipped onto the playing surface. The plurality of dice are rolled until all of a player's plurality of dice have a matching color or a matching icon. One of an opponent's player cards is turned face up. A winner is determined when a player has turned over all of an opponent's player cards having the first indicia arranged on the second playing side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following description of embodiments, the description referring to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a strategy game according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plurality of dice of according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a first side of a game identifier according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a plurality of player cards according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a second side of a game identifier according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a container configured to store the dice game according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a method of playing the game according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.
Referring now to FIG. 1, where the invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments without limiting same, an exemplary dice game is shown generally at 10. The dice game 10 includes a plurality of dice 12 (e.g., eight dice or any other amount), a plurality of player cards 14 (e.g., ten life chips, or any other amount), a game identifier 16, and a rule set 18. The dice game 10 can be played using the dice 12, the player cards 14, and the game identifier 16 to conduct a boxing match or other fighting match (i.e. kick boxing, or other form of martial arts). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the plurality of components of the dice game 10 may be stored within a container 20. The container 20 may include a base 22 and a lid 24 and be generally cylindrical in shape such that the container 20 is easily grasped by a player.
According to various embodiments, any playing surface may be used as a game playing area. During game play, the placement of player cards 14 and/or the dice 12 defines the playing area.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the dice 12 may be formed from a synthetic or an organic material, and are substantially cubic in shape. In one example, each die 12 has a standard length, width, and height of about 0.6125 inches. However, dice 12 of any size easily grasped by a player are contemplated to be within the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
The plurality of dice 12 may be divided evenly into a plurality of first player dice 26 and a plurality of second player dice 28. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of first player dice 26 and the plurality of second player dice 28 includes four dice 12. Each side or face 30 of each of the plurality of dice 12 has a color 32 and icon 34 disposed thereon, and the colors 32 and/or icons 34 associated with each of the plurality of dice 12 may be substantially identical. In one embodiment, each die 12 includes six distinct colors 32 and six distinct icons 34. The icons 34 may be associated with a boxing or fighting match, such as between a pair of Rock'Em Sock'Em robots for example. Exemplary icons 34 may, but need not, include a boxing ring, a boxing glove, a bell, a face of a boxer, a burst indicative of a successful punch, and two adjacent boxing gloves with a centrally positioned burst indicative of a block for example. The colors 32 of the sides 30 of each die 12 may be selected from any of a plurality of colors, including, but not limited to, blue, red, orange, green, purple, and grey for example. However, the same color 32 need not be matched with the same icon 34 for each of the plurality of dice 12. For example, a first color and a first icon may be paired on a first die, and a second die may pair a first color with a second icon, and a second color with the first icon.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the player cards 14 may comprise a synthetic or natural, organic material and can be rectangular, circular, square, or have any specific or random shape. In one embodiment, each player card 14 is generally rectangular and has dimensions such that the player card 14 may be easily grasped by a player. Of course, any size and configuration is contemplated to be within the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Each player card 14 includes a first playable side 40 and a second playable side 42, opposite the first playable side 40. When a player card 14 is laid on the playing surface such that the first playable side 40 is visible, the player card 14 is said to have been played “face down.” Conversely, when the player card 14 is laid on the playing surface such that the second playable side 42 is visible, the player card 14 is said to have been played “face up.”
In various embodiments, the player cards 14 are divided generally equally into a plurality of first player cards 44 and a plurality of second player cards 46. In various embodiments, the first playable side 40 of each player card 14 includes a first indicia or marking. In one example, the indicia or marking (hereinafter referred to generally as marking 48) includes an illustration of a person, a character, an animal, a robot, or any other individual that can participate in a fight. In the illustrated embodiment, the marking 48 illustrates a character in a fighting stance, such as during a boxing match for example. In one embodiment, the first playable side 40 of the plurality of first player cards 44 includes a marking 48 a that illustrates a first character (e.g. a red robot) in a fighting stance, and the first playable side 40 of the plurality of second player cards 46 includes a marking 48 b that illustrates a second character (e.g. a blue robot) in a similar fighting stance.
The second playable side 42 of each of the plurality of player cards 14 includes either a first marking or a second marking. The first indicia or marking (hereinafter referred to generally as a marking 50) includes an illustration of a person, a character, an animal, a robot, or any other individual that can participate in a fight. In various embodiments, the marking 50 on the second playable side 42 of a portion of both the first player cards 44 and the second player cards 46 can illustrate a “hit.” The second indicia or marking (hereinafter referred to generally as a marking 52) may also include an illustration of a person, a character, an animal, a robot, or any other individual that can participate in a fight. In various embodiments, the second marking 52 on the second playable side 42 of a portion of both the first player cards 44 and the second player cards 46 can illustrate a “miss.”
With reference to FIG. 3, the game identifier 16 can comprise a synthetic or organic material and can be rectangular, circular, square, or have any specific or random shape. In one embodiment, the game identifier 16 is generally round and has a diameter of approximately 1.5 inches, such that the game identifier 16 is easily grasped by a player. Of course, any size and configuration is contemplated to be within the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
In various embodiments, the game identifier 16 includes a first side 60 and a second, opposite, side 62 (see FIG. 5). The first side 60 of the game identifier 16 includes a first pattern configured to indicate a first play mode. In one example, the first pattern 64 includes a color or a plurality of colors, such as arranged in a color wheel for example. The color, or plurality of colors may, but need not be, substantially similar to the plurality of colors 32 associated with the sides 30 of the plurality of dice 12. In various embodiments, the second side 62 of the game identifier 16 similarly includes a second pattern 66 configured to indicate a second play mode. In one example, the second pattern 66 includes an illustration of a person, a character, an animal, a robot, or another individual that may participate in a fight. In another embodiment, the second pattern 66 may include at least one of the plurality of icons 24 associated with the faces 20 of the plurality of dice 12, such as a fight icon for example.
The rule set 18 includes a plurality of rules that define a game 10 that can be played with the dice 12, the player cards 14, and the game identifier 16. The rules, for example, define the game operations that can be performed with the game identifier 16, define the game operations that can be performed with the plurality of dice 12, define the game operations that can be performed with the player cards 14, define the order of the game operations, and/or define the determination of a winner of the game 10.
In one example, rules of dice play are shown in the following Table 1.

TABLE 1

1	The plurality of first player cards are assigned to a first player, and
	the plurality of second player cards are assigned to the second player.
2	The player cards are arranged on the playing surface in a face down
	orientation.
3	The plurality of first player dice are assigned to a first player, and the
	plurality of second player dice are assigned to the second player.
4	A player flips the game identifier onto the playing surface.
5	If the game identifier indicates a first play mode, both players race to
	roll the same color on each of their plurality of dice. The winner
	grabs the game identifier.
6	If the game identifier indicates a second play mode, both players race
	to roll the same icon on each of the plurality of dice. The winner
	grabs the game identifier.
7	The player holding the fight coin selects and turns over one of the
	opponent's player cards such that the second playable side is in a
	“face up” configuration.
8	A player may ignore the play mode of the game identifier and instead
	race to roll a specific icon, such as a block icon for example, on each
	of the plurality of dice. If the player beats the other player, the player
	grabs the game identifier.
9	A player holding the game identifier that rolled a specific icon on
	each of their plurality of dice selects and turns over one of his/her
	own player cards such that the playing card is in a “face down”
	configuration.

In another example, rules of game play are shown in the following Table 2.

TABLE 2

1	The game may be played with two players.
2	Any playing surface may become the game playing area.
3	The player cards are arranged “face down” on the playing surface.
4	Game play begins when the game identifier is flipped. The play mode
	is defined by the orientation of the game identifier.
5	One player card is flipped for each round initiated by flipping the
	game identifier, according to the rules of dice play.
6	Game play ends when a player has turned over all of an opposing
	player's player cards having a first indicia on the second playable
	side.

A method 100 of playing the dice game 10 using the dice 12, player cards 14, and game identifier 16 based on the rule set 18 is generally illustrated in FIG. 7. As can be appreciated in light of the disclosure, the order of operation within the method 100 is not limited to the sequential execution as illustrated in FIG. 7, but may be performed in one or more varying orders as applicable and in accordance with the present disclosure.
In one example, the method 100 may begin at 102. The player cards 14 may be separated into the plurality of first player cards 44 and a plurality of second player cards 46, one for each player at 104. The first player cards 44 having a first indicia 48 a on a first playable side 40 are arranged “face down” in front of a first player, and the second player cards 46 having a similar marking 48 b on a first playable side 40 are arranged “face down” in front of a second player to define a playing area at 106. The dice 12 are similarly divided equally into a plurality of first player dice 26 and a plurality of second player dice 28 at 108. Play begins at 110 when a player flips the game identifier 16 from his or her hand onto the playing surface.
If the game identifier 16 lands such that a first pattern 64 on a first side 60 of the game identifier 16 is visible, thereby indicating a first play mode, both players may race to roll the same color 32 on each respective plurality of dice 26, 28 at 112. If, however, the game identifier 16 lands such that a second pattern 66 on a second side 62 of the game identifier 16 is visible, indicating a second play mode, both players may race to roll the same icon 34 on each respective plurality of dice 26, 28 at 114. The first player to roll the all of the same color 32 or all of the same icon 34 grabs the game identifier 16 at 116 or 118 respectively. After grabbing the game identifier 16, the player turns over one of the opponent's player cards 14 in block 120 to determine if a first marking 50 or a second marking 52 is disposed on the second playable side 42 of the player card 14 to indicate a “hit” or a “miss”. Alternatively, once the game identifier 16 lands on the playing surface, a player wanting to play defense, races to roll a specific icon 34, such as a blocking icon for example, on each of that player's plurality of dice 12 at 122. If the player rolls the specific icon on each die 12 before the opponent rolls either all of the same color 32 or all of the same icon 34, as dictated by the game identifier 16, the player grabs the grabs the game identifier 16 at 124. The player then turns over one of his or her own “face up” player cards 14 at 126, for example a player card 14 having a first marking 50 disposed on the second playing side 28 to indicate a successful hit. However, if the opponent rolls either all of the same color 32 or all of the same icon 34 before the player rolls all of the specific icon, the opponent grabs the game identifier 16 as in blocks 116 or 118, and similarly selects another of the player's player cards 14 to turn “face up.”
Once a player card 14 has been turned over to either a “face up” or “face down” configuration, as in any of blocks 120, 126, the player in possession of the game identifier 16, flips the game identifier 16 from his or her hand onto the playing surface to initiate another round at 128. Rounds are played until all of one player's player cards 14 having a first “hit” marking 50 on a second playing side 42 are revealed and a winner is assigned at 130 such that the method may end at 132.
While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A game, comprising:

a plurality of first player cards, each having a first side and a second side, wherein the second side of each of the plurality of first player cards includes either a first indicia or a second indicia;

a plurality of second player cards, each having a first side and a second side, wherein the second side of each of the plurality of first player cards includes either a first indicia or a second indicia;

a game identifier having a first side with a first pattern and a second side with a second pattern;

a plurality of first player dice, each having a plurality of faces and each of the plurality of faces having a color and an icon disposed thereon; and

a plurality of second player dice, each having a plurality of faces and each of the plurality of faces having a color and an icon disposed thereon.

2. The game according to claim 1, further comprising:

a rule set that includes a plurality of rules, wherein a first rule of the plurality of rules instructs each player to place their cards face down on a playing surface such that the second indicia is not visible;

wherein a second rule of the plurality of rules provides that the game identifier be placed on a surface showing either the first pattern or the second pattern;

wherein a third rule of the plurality of rules instructs each player to roll their player dice so that either all of the dice have a matching color or a matching icon;

wherein a fourth rule of the plurality of rules instructs the first player to have all of their dice have a matching color or a matching icon to flip over one of an opposing player's player cards; and

wherein a fifth rule of the plurality of rules determines a winner of the game when a player has turned over all of an opposing player's playing cards having the first indicia.

3. The game according to claim 1, wherein the first indicia on the second playing side of the plurality of first player cards and the plurality of second player cards indicates a hit.

4. The game according to claim 1, wherein the second indicia on the second playing side of the plurality of first player cards and the plurality of second player cards indicates a miss.

5. The game according to claim 1, wherein the first pattern on the first side of the game identifier includes one or more colors.

6. The game according to claim 1, wherein the second pattern on the second side of the game identifier includes a fight icon.

7. The game according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of colors are associated with the faces of each die of the plurality of first player dice and the plurality of second player dice.

8. The game according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of icons are associated with the faces of each die of the plurality of first player dice and the plurality of second player dice.

9. The game according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of colors and the plurality of icons are substantially identical for each of the plurality of first player dice and the plurality of second player dice.

10. The game according to claim 1, further comprising a container configured to store the plurality of first player cards, the plurality of second player cards, the game identifier, the plurality of first player dice, the plurality of second player dice, and the rule set when the game is not in use.

11. A method of playing a game, comprising:

distributing a plurality of first player cards to a first player, the first player cards each having a first side and a second side, wherein the second side of each of the plurality of first player cards includes either a first indicia or a second indicia;

distributing a plurality of second player cards to a second player, the second player cards each having a first side and a second side, wherein the second side of each of the plurality of first player cards includes either a first indicia or a second indicia;

arranging the plurality of first player cards and the plurality of second player cards face down on a playing surface such that the second indicia is not visible;

distributing a plurality of first player dice, each first player die having a plurality of faces and each of the plurality of faces having a color and an icon disposed thereon;

distributing a plurality of second player dice, each second player die having a plurality of faces and each of the plurality of faces having a color and an icon disposed thereon;

flipping a game identifier onto the playing surface to determine a play mode, the game identifier having a first side with a first pattern and a second side with a second pattern;

rolling the dice until all of a player's plurality of dice either have a matching color or a matching icon;

turning one of an opponent's plurality of player cards face up; and

determining a winner when a player has turned over all of an opponent's player cards having the first indicia arranged on the second playing side.

12. The method of playing a game according to claim 11, wherein the first indicia on the second playing side of the plurality of first player cards and the plurality of second player cards indicates a hit.

13. The method of playing a game according to claim 11, wherein the second indicia on the second playing side of the plurality of first player cards and the plurality of second player cards indicates a miss

14. The method of playing a game according to claim 11, wherein the first pattern on the first side of the game identifier includes one or more colors.

15. The method of playing a game according to claim 11, wherein the second pattern on the second side of the game identifier includes a fight icon.

16. The method of playing a game according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of colors are associated with the faces of each die of the plurality of first player dice and the plurality of second player dice.

17. The method of playing a game according to claim 16, wherein a plurality of icons are associated with the faces of each die of the plurality of first player dice and the plurality of second player dice.

18. The method of playing a game according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of colors and the plurality of icons are substantially identical for each of the plurality of first player dice and the plurality of second player dice.