GB2299278A - Game apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A printed card 10 for use in playing a game in which two sides compete to attain a higher score. The printed card 10 is printed with the representation of a playing field, for example a soccer field 12, which is divided into relevant areas including two halves 12a, 12b, penalty areas 14 and net areas 20. The playing field 12 is further subdivided into playing squares 16 upon which is printed a symbol representing a player of one of the sides, the symbol initially being concealed by an easily removed over-printed rubber spot. The net area 20 is also subdivided into squares upon which are printed a number of hidden symbols which can be revealed to represent a goal or a save/miss.

Description

GAME APPARATUS This invention relates to a game apparatus, and in particular, but not exclusively, to game apparatus in the form of a single use game card.

There is now much interest in video and computer games, but there remains a steady demand for traditional card and board games. These are generally less expensive than video and computer games, and are self-contained, in that they do not require provision of a computer or VCR.

However, even travel versions of traditional board games generally have many playing pieces which may be dropped or mislaid, and also require the players to be seated with a table top or other surface at their disposal. In addition, the games themselves are still relatively expensive and bulky and are unsuited for use as, for example, promotional "give-aways" or inserts.

It is among the objects of aspects of the present invention to provide a game apparatus which is inexpensive to manufacture and supply, and is suited for use in a wide variety of occasions and situations.

According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for use in playing a game in which two sides compete to attain a higher score, the apparatus comprising a game board carrying a representation of a playing field divided into a plurality of playing areas, including a scoring area, each playing area being further subdivided into a plurality of playing spaces, each playing space including an initially hidden symbol representing one of the sides and which may be revealed by a player.

In use, the game apparatus is used following a set of rules which govern movement across the game board, the aim being to enter the scoring area and thus obtain the opportunity to score. The apparatus will typically be used to represent an existing ball game, as played by individuals or teams; in this specification reference will be made primarily to a soccer game, though this is merely intended to provide an illustration of how the apparatus might be used with reference to a widely understood game.

Preferably, the apparatus consists of a printed card bearing the playing field and playing areas. Thus, as no additional apparatus is required to play the game, the cost of manufacturing the apparatus may be relatively low and the game may be played in many different situations and circumstances, for example while standing in a bus queue or in a school playground. The game apparatus is thus ideally suited as an insert to be included with, for example, a sports publication. The relatively low cost of the apparatus also permits a group of individuals to purchase a large number of game cards to, for example, mimic an existing league structure and play each other over a "season" in accordance with a fixture list corresponding to, for example, one of the Football Association leagues.

Similarly, cards could be produced to correspond to particular competitions, such that, for example, a group of players could create their own "World Cup".

Preferably also, the playing areas correspond to recognised areas of a sports field, such as the two halves and the penalty boxes of a soccer field. Conveniently, the playing spaces are squares defined by longitudinal and lateral subdivision of the playing field.

Preferably also, the symbol in each playing space is hidden beneath an opaque easily removable covering, such as rubber spots printed on the surface of the board.

Preferably also, the hidden symbol in each playing space is a team colour, for example blue for Glasgow Rangers, and green for Glasgow Celtic. Alternatively, the symbol may be, for example, a team crest, or team strip or a combination of a figure in the team colour.

Movement across the board by one side is primarily achieved by movement between adjoining playing spaces. To commence such movement requires a player to first select an unplayed space where the symbol is still hidden, removing the rubber removable cover to expose the team colour or symbol printed below. If the colour or symbol now exposed is this player's team, the player selects another connecting hidden square to pass to, continuing each time this player's team is disclosed.

If the player uncovers a square which shows the other team colour or symbol this represents, for example, a bad pass or successful tackle and play is then transferred to the other team player.

When a player uncovers their team colour or symbol and there is a connection with other squares already showing this player's team, the player can move or pass freely along connecting team squares before opening the next choice of connected hidden square.

On reaching the scoring area, a player is entitled to a shot at goal, and may then reveal a hidden symbol from a space in a subdivided shooting area, where selected spaces include a ball symbol representing a goal.

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing which illustrates game apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the form of a soccer game card 10. One surface of the card 10 is printed with the representation of a soccer field 12 which is divided into two halves 12a, 12b, each half being further subdivided to include a penalty box 14, and the whole field being subdivided into a large number of rectangular playing spaces or squares 16.

Each square 16 is printed with a symbol representing a player of one of the sides, typically a spot in the team colour, this symbol initially being concealed by an overprinted rubber spot. All of the squares 16 within the field 12 includes a coloured spot, the colours being dispersed in a random manner through the field. Further, a net area 20 is printed behind each goal, and in this example includes a number of hidden symbols which may be revealed to represent a goal or a save\miss.

The rules of the soccer game utilising the game apparatus 10 will now be described.

In general, the game is played by "passing" from one square to an adjoining or connecting square, uncovering one of your own players in the connecting square constituting a successful pass, and retaining possession, whereas uncovering the other team's player represents a bad pass or a tackle, resulting in loss of possession to the other side.

At kick-off, one player removes a spot 18 in a playing square 16 adjacent the centre line 22 in the player's half.

The ball is then passed to any connected unopened square by revealing the hidden symbol. If removing the spot 18 reveals your team colour, you choose the direction to pass to another connected square 16. When the square 16 you have moved into shows the opposition team colour you have lost control, from a poor pass or successful tackle. The other team now choose the direction to make their pass, moving from the last square played to an unopened connecting square 16. Passing can be made in any direction, one square at a time, from the last square played to any connecting square. Longer passes may be made if the square opened connects to other squares which already show your team colours. It is possible to pass across or forward as many of your team colours that link up as you choose before attempting a pass to a hidden linked square. However, you cannot pass back to a square you have just come through nor pass across any connected square which is still blank without first opening it, nor pass through a square which already shows the other team colour.

When possession moves from one team, the team which has just won possession must always open a connected hidden box on the next move. If the team cannot open a hidden square on their next move the other team takes a throw-in from the nearest side line 24, by choosing the closest hidden square in line with the location where play was stopped.

You can only shoot at the opposition goal when you open one of your team squares inside the other team's penalty area 14. A team's square used to shoot at goal cannot be used to shoot again, but you can still pass through this square to another square. When you shoot at goal you can choose any single hidden box in the appropriate net area 20: if a football is shown in your choice of box you have scored a goal, the other team then kicking-off by choosing a blank hidden square in their half nearest the centre line; however, if the hidden square you have chosen in the net area 20 discloses a blank box your shot at goal has been saved, and the other team then clears the ball to the nearest hidden square in your half.

On opening one of the other team's squares inside their penalty area, the defending team can clear to any hidden square of their choice closest to your half of the centre line 22. Alternatively, the defending team's squares may include numbers, indicating the length of clearance, a six indicating that the defending team can clear in any direction to a hidden square six spaces away.

In further embodiments of the game, the length of clearance may be determined by the throw of a die, or by selecting a numbered card from a selection of cards provided to each player at the start of the game. The player may thus decide, for example, whether to opt for a long or a short clearance, the range of options diminishing as the game continues and cards are used.

The game continues until: (a) an agreed time limit is reached; or (b) until one team achieves an agreed number of goals to win the game (this second choice (b) will not give realistic results for a league table as there will be no drawn games).

Testing has indicated that the game as described above is easily learned, engages the interest of most players and after they have played once most people are keen to play again. A single game card will provide about one hours play, and blank league table may be provided to record multiple game results.

It will be clear to those of skill in the art that the above-described embodiment of the present invention is merely exemplary of one of many games that may be played using apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

Claims (12)

1. An apparatus for use in playing a game in which two sides compete to attain a higher score, the apparatus comprising a game board carrying a representation of a playing field divided into a plurality of playing areas, including a scoring area, each playing area being further sub-divided into a plurality of playing spaces, each playing space including an initially hidden symbol representing one of the sides and which may be revealed by a player.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is for use in playing a ball game, as played by individuals or teams.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the ball game is soccer.

4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the board consists of a printed card bearing the playing field, the playing areas and the playing spaces.

5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the symbol in each playing space is hidden beneath an opaque easily removable covering.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the opaque easily removable covering is a rubber spot printed on the surface of the board.

7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the playing spaces of the scoring area each comprise an initially hidden symbol which when revealed indicates a score or a save/miss.

8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the hidden symbol in each playing space is associated with a well know team.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the symbol is selected from a team colour, a team crest, a team strip, a team figure or a combination thereof.

10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein certain of the playing spaces comprise a number indicating the number of playing spaces that may be traversed by a player, so as to indicate a defensive clearance or an attacking cross.

11. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

12. A game comprising a set of apparatus as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the apparatus represents a different fixture so that the set corresponds to a known league structure.