US20040124584A1

US20040124584A1 - Board game

Info

Publication number: US20040124584A1
Application number: US10/744,421
Authority: US
Inventors: Katavatis Ioannis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-12-22
Filing date: 2003-12-22
Publication date: 2004-07-01

Abstract

A strategy board game is disclosed. The board for the game is typically comprised of a grid with a plurality of squares or spaces. The center square or space is called “base zero”. First, second, third, and fourth sets of the squares or spaces can be called first, second, third, and fourth “runways”, respectively. The runways are next to base zero. Fifth, sixth, seventh, and eight sets of the squares or spaces can be called first, second, third, and fourth “areas”. The game typically includes pieces, known as “stars” which after being fixed into a position at a particular space in an area, do not move for the duration of the game. The game also typically includes movable pieces known as “spaceships” which move a number of spaces on the board with a roll of dice. To win the game, typically a player must conquer all the stars, which are located within an area by landing on the stars with one of his or her spaceships.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus concerning board games.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various strategy board games are known in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in one or more embodiments, provides a game, which can be called “Big Bang”. The game is typically a strategy board game. The board for the game is typically comprised of a grid with a plurality of squares or spaces. The center square or space can be called “base zero”. First, second, third, and fourth sets of the squares or spaces can be called first, second, third, and fourth “runways”, respectively. The runways are next to base zero. Fifth, sixth, seventh, and eight sets of the squares or spaces can be called first, second, third, and fourth “areas”. The first area is bordered by the first and second runways. The second area is bordered by the second and third runways. The third area is bordered by the third and fourth runways. And the fourth area is bordered by the fourth and the first runways.

The game typically includes position pieces, known as “stars” which after being fixed into a position at a particular square or space in an area on the board, do not move for the duration of the game. The game also typically includes movable pieces known as “spaceships” which typically move a number of spaces on the board with a roll of a die or dice.

Typically an equal number of stars are fixed for the game in each of the first, second, third, and fourth areas. To win the game, typically a player must conquer all the stars, which are located within an area. A player conquers a star by landing on the star with one of his or her spaceships.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a first board for an embodiment of a game in accordance with the present invention; [0006]
FIG. 2 is a top view of a second board for an embodiment of a game in accordance with the present invention; [0007]
FIG. 3 is a top view of a third board for an embodiment of a game in accordance with the present invention; [0008]
FIG. 4 is a top view of a fourth board for an embodiment of a game in accordance with the present invention; [0009]
FIG. 5A shows a top view of a position piece which can be used in the games of FIGS. [0010] 1-4;
FIG. 5B shows a bottom view of the position piece of FIG. 5A; [0011]
FIG. 5C shows a side view of the position piece of FIG. 5A; [0012]
FIG. 6A shows a top view of a movable piece which can be used in the games of FIGS. [0013] 1-4;
FIG. 6B shows a bottom view of the movable piece of FIG. 5A; and [0014]
FIG. 6C shows a side view of the movable piece of FIG. 5A.[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention, in one or more embodiments, provides a game, which can be called “Big Bang”. The game is typically a strategy board game. The game may include the following components: one game board (which can be called the “universe”), fifty-six position pieces or tokens (which can be called “stars”), sixty-four playing tokens or movable pieces (which can be called “spaceships”), and two regular six-sided dice (each of which or both can be called “energy”). [0016]
Various other combinations of pieces can be played with. For example, the game can also be played also with twenty-four stars instead of fifty-six and with forty-eight spaceships instead of sixty-four. Different types of boards (for the “universe”) may be used. For example boards as shown in FIGS. [0017] 1-4 can be used. Game play can last from just a few minutes up to several hours.
The position pieces and/or the movable pieces may be named something else. For example: the position pieces may be called thieves while the movable pieces may be called policeman or the position pieces may be called rabbits while the movable pieces may be called hunters and their shapes could be different. [0018]
FIG. 1 is a top view of a [0019] first board 100 for an embodiment of a game in accordance with the present invention. The first board 100 has a grid 101, which is comprised of thirteen rows and thirteen columns of spaces 102, such as space 102 a. Each of spaces 102, such as space 102 a, may be square or rectangular shaped. The rows are identified by numbers “1” through “13”, and the columns are identified by the letters “A” through “M”. Each space of the spaces 102 can be identified by a column and row combination. For example “B1” identifies space, square, or location 102 a. In the grid 101 there is a center space or square 120, which can be identified as space “G7”. The center space or square can be called “base zero” of the board 100. The center space or square G7 may have a color, which is different from all the other spaces of grid 101. For example the center space or square G7 may be colored dark brown.
In the [0020] grid 101, there are four sections, or groups of adjacent spaces, which are called “runways”. A north runway 104 includes spaces G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, and G6. An east runway 106 includes spaces H7, 17, J7, K7, L7, and M7. A south runway 108 includes spaces G8, G9, G10, G11, G12, and G13. A west runway 110 includes spaces A7, B7, C7, D7, E7, and F7. The spaces of the runways may have a color, which is different from all other spaces of the grid 101. For example the spaces of the runways may be colored light brown.
In the [0021] grid 101, there are four sections, or groups of adjacent spaces, which are called “areas”. A first area 112 includes spaces A1-A6, B1-B6, C1-C6, D1-D6, E1-E6, and F1-F6. A second area 114 includes spaces H1-H6, I1-16, J1-J6, K1-K6, L1-L6, and M1-M6. A third area 116 includes spaces H8-H13, 18-I13, J8-J13, K8-K13, L8-L13, and M8-M13. A fourth area 118 includes spaces A8-A13, B8-B13, C8-C13, D8-D13, E8-E13, and F8-F13. The spaces of the areas 112, 114, 116, and 118 may all be colored a color, which is different from all other spaces of the grid 101. For example the spaces of the areas 112, 114, 116, and 118 may be colored yellow.
FIG. 2 is a top view of a [0022] second board 200 for an embodiment of a game in accordance with the present invention. The second board 200 has a grid 201, which is comprised of thirteen rows and thirteen columns of spaces 202, such as space 202 a. Each of spaces 202, such as space 202 a, may be square or rectangular shaped. The rows are identified by numbers “1” through “13”, and the columns are identified by the letters “A” through “M”. Each space of the spaces 202 can be identified by a column and row combination. For example “D1” identifies space, square, or location 202 a. In the grid 201 there is a center space or square, which can be identified as space “G7”. The center space or square can be called “base zero” of the board 200. The center space or square G7 may have a color, which is different from all the other spaces of grid 201. For example the center space or square G7 may be colored dark brown.
In the [0023] grid 201, there are four sections, or groups of adjacent spaces, which are called “runways”. A northwest runway 204 includes spaces A1, B2, C3, D4, E5, and F6. A northeast runway 206 includes spaces H6, I5, J4, K3, L2, and M1. A southeast runway 208 includes spaces H8, I9, J10, K11, L12, and M13. A southwest runway 210 includes spaces A13, B12, C11, D10, E9, and F8. The spaces of the runways 204, 206, 208, and 210 may have a color, which is different from all other spaces of the grid 201. For example the spaces of the runways 204, 206, 208, and 210 may be colored light brown.
In the [0024] grid 201, there are four sections, or groups of adjacent spaces, which are called “areas”. A first area 212 includes spaces B1, C1-C2, D1-D3, E1-E4, F1-F5, G1-G6, H1-H5, I1-I4, J1-J3, K-K 2, and L1. A second area 214 includes spaces H7, I6-I8, J5-J9, K4-K10, L3-L11; and M2-M12. A third area 216 includes spaces B13, C12-C13, D11-D13, E10-E13, F9-F13, G8-G13, H9-H13, I10-I13, J11, J13, K12-K13, and L13. A fourth area 218 includes spaces A2-A12, B3-B11, C4-C10, D5-D9, E6-E8, and F7. The spaces of the areas 212, 214, 216, and 218 may all be colored a color, which is different from all other spaces of the grid 201. For example the spaces of the areas 212, 214, 216, and 218 may be colored yellow.
FIG. 3 is a top view of a [0025] third board 300 for an embodiment of a game in accordance with the present invention. The third board 300 has a grid 301, which is comprised of twenty-five rows and twenty-five columns of spaces 302, such as space 302 a. Each of spaces 302, such as space 302 a, may be square or rectangular shaped. The rows are identified by numbers “1” through “25”, and the columns are identified by the letters “A” through “Y”. Each space of the spaces 302 can be identified by a column and row combination. For example “G1” identifies space, square, or location 302 a. In the grid 301 there is a center space or square, which can be identified as space “M13”. The center space or square M13 can be called “base zero” of the board 300. The center space or square M13 may have a color, which is different from all the other spaces of grid 301. For example the center space or square M13 may be colored dark brown.
In the [0026] grid 301, there are four sections, or groups of adjacent spaces, which are called “runways”. A north runway 304 includes spaces M1-M12. An east runway 306 includes spaces N13, O13, P13, Q13, R13, S13, T13, U13, V13, W13, X13, and Y13. A south runway 308 includes spaces M14-M25. A west runway 310 includes spaces A13, B13, C13, D13, E13, F13, G13, H13, I13, J13, K13, and L13. The spaces of the runways 304, 306, 308, and 310 may have a color, which is different from all other spaces of the grid 301. For example the spaces of the runways 304, 306, 308, and 310 may be colored light brown.
In the [0027] grid 301, there are four sections, or groups of adjacent spaces, which are called “areas”. A first area 312 includes spaces A1-A12, B1-B12, C1-C12, D1-D12, E1-E12, F1-F12, G1-G12, H1-H12, I1-I12, J1-J12, K1-K12, and L1-L12. A second area 314 includes spaces N1-N12, O1-O12, P1-P12, Q1-Q12, R1-R12, S1-S12, T1-T12, U1-U12, V1-V12, W1-W12, X1-X12, and Y1-Y12 . A third area 316 includes spaces N14-N25, O14-025, P14-P25, Q14-Q25, R14-R25, S14-S25, T14-T25, U14-U25, V14-V25, W14-W25, X14-X25, and Y14-Y25. A fourth area 318 includes spaces A14-A25, B14-B25, C14-C25, D14-D25, E14-E25, F14-F25, G14-G25, H14-H25, I14-I25, J14-J25, K14-K25, and L14-L25. The spaces of the areas 312, 314, 316, and 318 may all be colored a color, which is different from all other spaces of the grid 301. For example the spaces of the areas 312, 314, 316, and 318 may be colored yellow.
FIG. 4 is a top view of a [0028] fourth board 400 for an embodiment of a game in accordance with the present invention. The fourth board 400 has a grid 401, which is comprised of twenty-five rows and twenty-five columns of spaces 402, such as space 402 a. Each of spaces 402, such as space 402 a, may be square or rectangular shaped. The rows are identified by numbers “1” through “25”, and the columns are identified by the letters “A” through “Y”. Each space of the spaces 402 can be identified by a column and row combination. For example “H1” identifies space, square, or location 402 a. In the grid 401 there is a center space or square, which can be identified as space “M13”. The space M13 can be called “base zero” of the board 400. The center space or square M13 may have a color, which is different from all the other spaces of grid 401. For example the center space or square M13 may be colored dark brown.
In the [0029] grid 401, there are four sections, or groups of adjacent spaces, which are called “runways”. A northwest runway 404 includes spaces A1, B2, C3, D4, E5, F6, G7, H8, I9, J10, K11, and L12. A northeast runway 406 includes spaces N12, O11, P10, Q9, R8, S7,T6, U5, V4, W3, X2, and Y1. A southeast runway 408 includes spaces N14, O15, P16, Q17, R18, S19, T20, U21, V22, W23, X24, Y25. A southwest runway 410 includes spaces A25, B24, C23, D22, E21, F20, G19, H18, I17, J16, K15, and L14. The spaces of the runways 404, 406, 408, and 410 may have a color, which is different from all other spaces of the grid 401. For example the spaces of the runways 404, 406, 408, and 410 may be colored light brown.
In the [0030] grid 401, there are four sections, or groups of adjacent spaces, which are called “areas”. An area 412 includes spaces B1, C1-C2, D1-D3, E1-E4, F1-F5, G1-G6, H1-H7, I1-18, J1-J9, K1-K10, L1-L11, M1-M12, N1-N11, O1-O10, P1-P9, Q1-Q8, R1-R7, S1-S6, T1-T5, U1-U4, V1-V3, W1-W2, and X1. An area 414 includes spaces N13, O12-O14, P1-P15, Q10-Q16, R9-R17, S8-S18, T7-T19, U6-U20, V5-V21, W4-W22, X3-X23, and Y2-Y24 . An area 416 includes spaces B25, C24-C25, D23-D25, E22-E25, F21-F25, G20-G25, H19-H25, I18-I25, J17-J25, K16-K25, L15-L25, M14-M25, N15-N25, O16-O25, P17-P25, Q18-Q25, R19-R25, S20-S25, T21-T25, U22-U25, V23-V25, W24-W25, and X25. An area 418 includes spaces A2-A24, B3-B23, C4-C22, D5-D21, E6-E20, F7-F19, G8-G18, H9-H17,I10-I16, J11-J15, K12-K14, and L13. The spaces of the areas 412, 414, 416, and 418 may all be colored a color, which is different from all other spaces of the grid 401. For example the spaces of the areas 412, 414, 416, and 418 may be colored yellow.
FIG. 5A shows a top view of a position piece [0031] 500 (which can be called a “star” for game purposes), which can be used in the games of FIGS. 1-4. The position piece 500 is shown as circular but may be square or any other shape. FIG. 5B shows a bottom view of the position piece 500 of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C shows a side view of the position piece 500 of FIG. 5A. The position piece 500 includes a top surface 502, which includes a section 504 and a section 506. The section 504 may have a black color. The section 506 may be a white colored star. The position piece 500 also includes a bottom surface 508 shown in FIG. 5B. The bottom surface 508 includes sections 510, 512, and 514. The section 510 may have a black color. The section 512 may be a circle, which is typically colored differently from the black section 510. The circle section 512 typically would be colored one of the following four colors: red, yellow, blue, or green. The colored circle section 512 may be thought of as an “element” for game purposes. For game purposes the red color represents fire, the green color represents earth, the blue color represents water, and the yellow color represents air. The four different colors represent the four elements which some believe formed the universe or the zodiac colors.
The [0032] section 514 may be a number within the circle section 512. The number may represent the number of “planets” the particular “star” or position piece, such as position piece 500 in this example, has in its “solar system”. For example, section 514 of the position piece 500 has the number “7” meaning there are 7 planets in the position piece's (or star's) solar system. The position piece or star 500 may have a thickness of T1, which may be six to eight millimeters and a diameter of D1, which may be 3.7 centimeters. The star 500, may be somewhat similar in shape to the game pieces used in the game of Backgammon.
Typically a plurality of stars (like star [0033] 500) is provided. For example, fifty-six stars may be provided with fourteen having a red circle section color (for section like section 512), fourteen having a green circle section color, fourteen having a blue circle section color, and fourteen having a yellow circle section color. Stars of the same color (also called stars of the same “element”) can be called a star cluster. Stars with a red, green, blue, and yellow circle, can be called the star clusters of fire, earth, water, and air, respectively.
When played with fifty-six position pieces or stars, each Star Cluster of the same color (common element) has fourteen Stars which are numbered from “0” to “13” on the bottom side (in sections like [0034] 514 with number). When played with twenty-four position tokens or stars, each Star Cluster of the same color (common element) has six stars numbered from one “1” to “6” on the bottom side (in sections like 514 with number).
FIG. 6A shows a top view of a [0035] movable piece 600, which can be used in the games of FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 6B shows a side view of the movable piece 600 of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C shows a bottom view of a plurality of different movable pieces. The movable piece 600 may be called a playing token or spaceship for game purposes. The movable piece 600 may include a top surface 602 which may include a section 604 and a section 606. The section 604 is typically colored one of the following four colors: red, yellow, blue, or green. The section 606 is typically colored white. The movable piece or spaceship 600 may have the diameter D1 and thickness T1 as the position piece 500 of FIGS. 5A-5C.
All movable pieces, such as [0036] movable pieces 600 a, 600 b, 600 c, 600 d, 600 e, and 600 f shown in FIG. 6C typically have the top surface shown in FIG. 6A, with differences in color. FIG. 6C shows a plurality of different bottom surfaces for different movable pieces. Movable piece 600 aincludes bottom surface 608 a, which includes sections 610 a, 612 a, and 614 a. Section 610 a may be colored the same color as the section 604 in FIG. 6A. Section 612 a is typically colored white. Section 614 a typically includes a symbol, such as “⊥” shown in FIG. 6C. The symbol identifies the type of spaceship for movable piece 600 a.
Similarly, [0037] movable pieces 600 b-600 f include bottom surfaces 608 b-608 f, which include sections 610 b-610 f, sections 612 b-612 f, and sections 614 b-614 f, respectively. Sections 610 b-610 f are each typically colored one of the four colors: red, green, blue, and yellow, corresponding to the top surface for the particular movable piece. Sections 612 b-612 f are typically colored white. Each of sections 614 b-614 f provides a symbol identifying the particular movable piece. For example, section 614 b has a two lined symbol “┌”, section 614 c has a “□” symbol, section 614 d has a “+” symbol, section 614 e has another symbol, and section 614 f has a star symbol. Each symbol stands for the type of spaceship, which the particular movable piece represents.
There may be sixty-four spaceships, similar to [0038] spaceship 600. There may be sixteen with a red section (like section 604), sixteen with a green section (like section 604), sixteen with a blue section (like section 604), and sixteen with a yellow section (like section 604). The colors of the spaceships correspond to the colors of the circle sections 512 of the stars (such as star 500). For example, if there are red, green, yellow, and blue spaceships then there are red, green, yellow, and blue circle sections 512 on stars.
Spaceships of the same color form a spaceship “fleet” and are owned or controlled by the same player. Spaceship fleets may have the following names: red (section like [0039] 604) spaceships—fleet of fire, green (section like 604) spaceships—fleet of earth, blue (section like 604) spaceships—fleet of water, and yellow (section like 604) spaceships—fleet of air.
On the top surface of each spaceship, such as [0040] top surface 602, the section 606 typically white circle, represents a fifth element called quintessence, which was believed to have formed the universe. A game can be played using only the top side (like surface 602) or side A.
On the bottom surface or side B of the spaceship, such as one of [0041] 608 a-608 f in FIG. 6C, there typically is one of six different figures (one of sections or FIGS. 614a-f) found within a white circle section, such as one of section 612 a-f. The name of each figure are as follows (1) “master” (piece or spaceship 600 d) (2) “queen” (piece or spaceship 600 f (3) “platform” (piece or spaceship 600 c) (4) “pilot” (piece or spaceship 600 b) (5) “scout” (piece or spaceship 600 e) and (6) “astronaut” (piece or spaceship 600 a). A game can be played using only the bottom side (like surface 608 a) or side B.
In a game sixty-four spaceships total and four players each having sixteen spaceships, each player may have the following spaceships: one master, one queen, two platforms, two pilots, two scouts, and eight astronauts. Typically the particular figure determines the way each spaceship is permitted to move. [0042]
The following are possible movements of Side B spaceships on [0043] Board 1 and Board 3:
The “Master” [0044] piece 614 d typically can only be moved with one die. The initial movement of the master piece 614 d from base zero is made by first selecting a runway, such as west runway 110 on board 100. The master piece 614 d may be able to be moved horizontally, vertically, or diagonally even if it ends up on base zero after starting on a space or square in for example an Area or a runway. The master piece 614 d can have as its final destination of movement any of the small squares or spaces on the board that are free, or those spaces that it is permitted to strike.
When the [0045] master piece 614 d is found in a small square on the board, such as board 100, that does not have a star, the master piece 614 d can be struck by any opponent spaceship. If the master piece 614 d is struck by an opponent spaceship then the master piece 614 d must return to base zero. The master piece 614 d is typically allowed to re-enter the universe on the player's next roll of the dice, constituting a new initial movement of that spaceship.
When the [0046] master piece 614 d is found in a small square with a star, the master piece 614 d can be struck only by an opponent master piece or by an opponent queen piece provided that the opponent master piece of the same color as the opponent queen piece, is found on a star. Again, when the master piece 614 d is struck, the master piece 614 d must return to base zero. The mater piece 614 d is then allowed to re-enter the universe on the player's next roll of the dice, constituting a new initial movement of that spaceship.
The game or a round of a game typically ends when the spaceships (of one color or fleet) have landed or are placed on all the stars of the conquered area. The players may further agree that the master should be found on one of the stars of the conquered area in order to end the round or game. [0047]
The queen piece, such as [0048] queen piece 614 f, typically can move with one die or two dice. The queen piece 614 f initially moves out from base zero, on one of the runways, such as runway 110. The queen piece 614 f can move along a runway for both the first and second die of a rolled two dice, or can move along a runway with the first die and then into an area with the second die. With either roll of the die, the queen piece 614 f can move in one direction, such as horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. For example the queen piece may move four spaces in the easterly horizontal direction for a first die of “four” and three spaces in a northerly vertical direction for a second die of “three”.
The final destination of movement of the [0049] queen piece 614 f may be any of the spaces on the board, such as board 100, that are empty or that are capable of being struck by the queen piece 614 f. The queen piece 614 f may strike, when it is otherwise appropriate, with either the first movement for the first die, of the second movement, for the second die. The queen piece 614 f can be struck when it is found in a space without a star by any opponent spaceship. The queen piece 614 f must return to base zero upon being struck. The queen piece 614 f is then allowed to re-enter the universe on the player's next roll of the dice, constituting a new initial movement of that spaceship.
When the [0050] queen piece 614 f is found in a small space with a star, it can typically be struck only from an opponent master piece or from an opponent queen. When struck, the queen piece 614 f must return to base zero and thereafter is allowed to re-enter the universe on the player's next roll of the dice, constituting a new initial movement of that spaceship.
The [0051] platform piece 614 c typically uses both dice. Typically the platform piece 614 c is not allowed to move only with one die. When a player moves a piece that can be moved only with one die then he must move another piece that is allowed to move by one die in his or her turn. When he/she moves pieces that must move only with two dice i.e. the platform piece 614 c or the pilot piece 614 b and/or the scout piece 614 e, the player typically must do two movements with the same piece using both dice. The difference between the movements of these three pieces is that platform 614 c typically moves using a combination of horizontal and vertical directions straight like the rook chess piece in a chess game or by doing a “┌”, whereas the pilot piece 614 b moves using a combination of horizontal and vertical directions only by doing a “┌” and the scout piece 614 e moves using a combination of horizontal and diagonal directions and/or, vertical and diagonal directions. The scout piece 614 e's first movement may be horizontal and the second movement diagonal and/or the first movement may be diagonal and the second movement vertical. The platform piece 614 c moves out from base zero onto a runway with the first die. The platform piece 614 c may move again on the runway with the second die, or into an area. The final destination of movement for the platform piece 614 c may be to any space that is free or to any space that it is permitted to strike. The platform piece 614 c, in some embodiments, may only strike in its second movement (with second die).
The [0052] platform piece 614 c can be struck by any opponent spaceship when the platform piece 614 c is found on a space without a star. When struck, the platform piece 614 c returns to base zero. The platform piece 614 c may re-enter the universe on the player's next roll of the dice, constituting a new initial movement of that spaceship. The platform piece 614 c can be struck only by an opponent platform piece, when the platform piece 614 c is found on a space or small square with a star:
The [0053] pilot piece 614 b can move twice with the roll of two dice. The pilot piece 614 b may move out from base zero onto a runway with the first die and further on the runway or into an area with the second die. The pilot piece 614 b may move horizontally and vertically or vice versa, by doing a r“┌”. The final destination of movement of the pilot piece 614 b on a particular turn may be any space or square that is open or a space occupied by an opponent if the pilot piece 614 b is permitted to strike. Typically the pilot piece 614 b would only strike in the final destination of its second die movement.
The pilot piece [0054] 614 bcan be struck by any opponent piece when the pilot piece 614 b is found in a small square without a star. When it is struck, the pilot piece 614 b must return to base zero. Thereafter, the pilot piece 614 b is allowed to re-enter the universe on the player's next roll of the dice, constituting a new initial movement of that spaceship. When the pilot piece 614 b is on a space with a star typically it can be struck only from an opponent pilot piece.
The [0055] scout piece 614 e typically can move twice with the roll of two dice. The scout piece 614 e can initially move out from base zero onto a runway with its first die movement and further on the runway or into an area with its second die movement. The scout piece 614 e's first movement may be horizontal and the second movement diagonal or vice versa and/or the first movement may be diagonal and the second movement vertical or vice versa. The final destination of movement of the scout piece 614 e may be any space that is empty or free or a space that is occupied by an opponent if the scout piece 614 e can strike. Typically the scout piece 614 e may strike only in the space where it ends its second die movement.
The [0056] scout piece 614 e typically can be struck by any opponent when the scout 614 e is on a space without a star. When the scout piece 614 e is struck, it must return to base zero. The scout piece 614 e is then allowed to re-enter the universe on the player's next roll of the dice, constituting a new initial movement of that spaceship. When the scout piece 614 e is found in a small square or space with a star, the scout piece 614 e typically can be struck only from an opponent pilot piece.
The [0057] astronaut piece 614 a can typically move only one die movement of two rolled dice. For example, if “two” and “four” are rolled, the astronaut piece 614 a can only move either “two” or “four” spaces. The astronaut piece 614 a typically initially moves out onto a runway from base zero. The astronaut piece 614 a can move horizontally or vertically, and it can also move diagonally typically only when it is allowed to strike opponent spaceships.
The [0058] astronaut piece 614 a is typically the only piece that can not move onto base zero from another adjacent small square or space of an area. The astronaut piece 614 a can typically be found on base zero only if it is moving on runways after its initial move.
The [0059] astronaut piece 614 a may have a final destination of movement, when moving horizontally or vertically, to any space in an area, which is free of opponents' spaceships. The astronaut piece 614 a may have a final destination of movement, when moving diagonally, to any opponent occupied space that the astronaut piece 614 a is permitted to strike.
The [0060] astronaut piece 614 a may strike any opponent occupied space that it can move to diagonally. The astronaut piece 614 a can be struck from any opponent spaceship. Thereafter the astronaut piece 614 a must return to base zero. The astronaut piece 614 a is then allowed to re-enter the universe on the player's next roll of the dice, constituting a new initial movement of that spaceship.
The [0061] astronaut piece 614 a can move on the runways until the astronaut piece 614 a enters an area. If the astronaut piece 614 a moves into an area, thereafter, the astronaut piece 614 a is not allowed to move out of the area or to move again on a runway or to pass through a runway from an area to another area. It is allowed to move into any other area only if it is struck and enters again in the game with initial movement from base zero.
A game can also be played using combinations of top side (like surface [0062] 602) or side A and bottom side (like surface 608 a) or side B spaceships. In that case all the spaceships move in the same manner as movements with side A; and side B determines which spaceships must conquer the stars to win the game and they are all moved like the platform piece in some games or like the queen piece in other games.
The stars (position pieces) may be thought of as cards and the spaceships (movable pieces) may be thought of as chess pieces. Cards have two sides. On side A there are all the same. On side B there are four different “designs”: hearts, clubs, spades, and diamonds. Similarly the stars on side A are all the same, but on side B the stars have four “designs”: red, blue, green, and yellow. Cards also have numbers ([0063] 1-10) and figures (J-Q-K) total 13. The stars in an embodiment of the present invention have numbers from 1-13.
In some games of cards, the cards are dealt so that they all face side A so that nobody can see the side B. Before cards are dealt they are typically mixed. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, similarly, the stars are mixed when placed on the particular board with side A facing upward. Nobody knows the particular number or color of a particular star when the stars have side B facing downwards so that side B cannot be seen. How many and which stars will be placed and where is a matter of the game we choose to play. [0064]
The following is an example of game play in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Suppose a first player has red spaceships and a second player has blue spaceships. In this example, the following combinations can be used and it can be determined which stars will be placed on the particular board with side A to mix them: [0065]
a) red and blue stars will only be placed on the particular board for the game (28 pieces) (that means we use 2 Star clusters only) [0066]
b) red, blue and a third color stars (for example yellow) will be placed on the particular board, (as one example, there may be forty-two stars total—fourteen for each color) [0067]
c) Al the colors—red, blue, yellow, and red stars (for example a total of fifty-six stars, fourteen stars for each color, may be placed on the particular board) Suppose the first a) combination—i.e. two colors only, is chosen. The minimum number of a rolled die that will determine the number of the stars that will be placed in each of the four areas may be a “1”. In this case four “bright stars” will be formed, one in each area. The maximum number of a rolled die that will determine the number of the stars to form the four constellations may settle “6” and if the players play a side A spaceships game, typically each player will use at least twelve spaceships (two times the number of stars that formed a constellation). So twenty-four stars (twelve red and twelve blue in this example, called game stars) will be placed on the particular board with side A up after these stars will be mixed by the players while side A is up and side B is down Player one may roll a die, which for example may settle, so that the number “3” is shown face up. The players may then agree to use (3×4=) 12 stars to form the four constellations. That means from the twenty-four game stars, twelve will be “birth” stars (birth stars are the stars that form the four constellations) and the other twelve will be left to the side. They will not use them at all. [0068]
To determine the twelve birth stars player one may chose six from the total twenty-four lying with side A up (stars) mixed on the particular board and player two may also choose six stars. The players will place each star on a space of an area so that three stars are in each area, will all stars lying with side A face up. [0069]
If the players play a side A spaceships game, typically each player will use at least six spaceships (two times the number of stars that formed a constellation). The spaceships included in a fleet (i.e. of the same color) are typically sixteen so that if six are used for each player ten spaceships will be left to the side for each player. [0070]
When the game is finished the players will each collect points. The game or the round of a game ends when one player has conquered all of the stars in an area (i.e. of a constellation) Each player will typically collect points.if the player has a spaceship landed or located on a star. If the color of the spaceship is the same as the element color of the star that the spaceship is located on then the points on side B of the star may be double. If a player has landed and is located on a star with an element color different from the spaceship's color (or fleet color) then the points may be simply the points on side B of the star. [0071]
For example if player one won a round of a game played with twenty-four movable pieces or spaceships and wherein a constellation was formed with three stars in “Area-A”. The stars that formed the constellation may be the “2-red” (on side B) star, the “1-blue” (on side B) star and the “4-blue” (on side B) star. In that example, player one would collect the following points from (a) the “2-red” star: four points (two times two=four) (two times because player one is playing with red spaceships) (b) “1-blue” star: one point, and (c) “4-blue” star: four points. Player one may also collect three points for winning, because three stars form a constellation in this game round. It may be agreed that player who wins the round (i.e. first to conquer a constellation) will collect some other number of points such as fifty or one hundred points. So the total player one would collect in this example is twelve points (where three points are collected for winning the round). [0072]
If the players had agreed that not only the winner of the round is allowed to collect points but also the other player, then assume player two had spaceships on four stars in three different areas at the time player one won, for example one star in “Area-B”, two stars in “Area-C” and one star in “Area-D”. Assume further that the stars were “10-blue” (on side B), “11-blue” (on side B), “12-blue” (on side B), and “13-blue” (on side B). The spaceship on (a) “10-blue” would give twenty points (two times ten=twenty, spaceship also blue), (b) “11-blue” would give twenty-two points (two times eleven =twenty-two), (c) “12-blue” would give twenty-four points (two times twelve=twenty-four, (d)) “13-blue” would give twenty-six points (two times thirteen =twenty-six). The total for player two is ninety-two points. [0073]
The above example happened, (the large difference between player one and player two's points) because the players did not know where the “good” stars were lying. If the players had agreed to place the stars with side B up before the players started moving their spaceships then the players could see which are the good stars to collect points and which are too good for the opponent. In this case the players would use different strategy. For example, player one would not go ahead and “win” or end the round. It may be agreed the player who wins an overall game after a number of rounds is the first to collect 50 or 100 points. Alternatively it may be agreed that a number of rounds (or games) will be played after which the players will sum their points and the player with the highest total will be the overall winner. Alternatively it may be agreed that the player with the most “wins” of rounds after a number of rounds would be the overall winner. If player two is going to get more points, player one may instead of conquering a constellation, strike player two's spaceships lying on certain stars. [0074]
If the players had agreed that one of their spaceships must land with side B up (for example the Queen—Of course the queen was not left to the spaceships left out of the game) on a conquered constellation star, for the game or round to finish, then the player may not have been able to win the overall game or a round of a game because the Queen was lying on a square of “Area-C” at the moment the third of player one's spaceships landed on the third star of “Area-A” and the rolled dice did not give the “energy” needed to land on the third star of “Area-A”. In this way the game could be more difficult and may last more or in this case player one may be able to strike stars where player two's spaceships are. [0075]
If the players had played with side B only facing up (now think of the spaceships like chess pieces) the players could play with all the sixteen spaceships no matter how many stars form the constellation (in this example three stars). In this example, the “master” movable piece or spaceship must always be on a star of the conquered constellation. The spaceship chess-pieces would move each in a special way each. [0076]
Each player would typically have twelve spaceships each in a forty-eight-spaceship game or the round of a game with four players. Each player has a different color (for section corresponding to section [0077] 604). The first player may have twelve red (corresponding to section 604) spaceships, the second player may have twelve blue (corresponding to section 604) spaceships, the third player may have twelve green (corresponding to section 604) spaceships, and the fourth player may have twelve yellow (corresponding to section 604) spaceships. Each player would typically have sixteen spaceships in a sixty-four spaceship, four-player game or the round of a game. For example, the first player may have sixteen red, the second player sixteen blue, the third player sixteen green, and the fourth player sixteen yellow (referring to color of section corresponding to section 604).
From the spaceships found in the game pieces, players may use only some of them. Spaceships used in this game or the round of a game are called combat spaceships. The other spaceships are completely out of the game. [0078]
From the combat spaceships, the spaceships that are allowed to win the game are called conquering spaceships. The spaceships that aren't allowed to win the game can be used to try to stop the opponent from winning the game or round or to stop the opponent from collecting points. The landing side (side A up or Side B up) helps Players to determine the conquering spaceships. The conquering spaceships are determined by agreement of the Players in advance of their being moved. [0079]
To win the game, typically a player must conquer all the stars (position pieces), which are located within an area (Constellation). A player conquers a star by landing on the star with one of his or her spaceships (movable pieces). [0080]
On of the distinguishing features of the board game of one or more embodiments of the present invention is that players determine in each game the number and the positions of the stars (position pieces) such as position piece or [0081] star 500 in interstellar space of the Universe (board, such as one of boards 100, 200, 300, or 400 in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4); the number of squadron spaceships (movable pieces), such as one or more of movable pieces 600 or 600 a-600 f) they will play with. The players can use the movable pieces to gain points or win a game). Using the above combinations, different games can be played. Even new ones can be created.
A method, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention for proceeding with game play is as follows. All spaceships (i.e. movable pieces such as [0082] pieces 600, 600 a-f) start out on Base zero. For example, if board 100 is being used, all spaceships would start out at the center space or square G7, which is base zero on board 100. Each spaceship (such as 600) takes off from base zero, such as base zero on board 100.
Typically there may be anywhere from two to four players playing the game. Each player has a plurality of stars (position pieces like piece [0083] 500) and a plurality of spaceships (movable pieces like piece 600). Each player's stars will have a colored circular section on one side, like section 512, which will be the same color. For example, each star of the first player's stars may have a blue colored circular section on its bottom side or side B. Similarly, each star of a second player's stars may have a red colored circular section on its bottom side or side B. Similarly, each star of a third player's stars may have a green colored circular section on its bottom side or side B. Similarly, each star of a fourth player's stars may have a yellow colored circular section on its bottom side or side B. The stars' colored circular sections on one side, like section 512, determine in combination with section 514 (the number) the kind of points that the players will collect.
Each player starts out with the same number of stars having the same numbers in [0084] section 514 in order for each player to have the same possibilities when collecting points. For example, in a four-player game with twenty-four stars, each player would get six stars. The first player would get six blue bottomed stars having (or with) the numbers: “1”,“2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, and “6”, the second player would get six red bottomed stars having (or with) the numbers: “1”,“2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, and “6”, the third player would get six green bottomed stars having (or with) the numbers: “1”,“2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, and “6”, and the fourth player would get six yellow bottomed stars having (or with) the numbers: “1”,“2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, and “6”. I.e. each player has the same number type of stars (i.e. “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, and “6”).
Each of the players may use any one of the four runways (for the [0085] boards 100, 200, 300, and 400) and calculate the best manner to conquer a star within a particular area. Each player may create bases and defenses on the stars.
Each player may strike any of the three other opposing players (in a four player game). One player strikes another by landing on the other's spaceship while the spaceship is on a star or in a square without a star. The struck player must then return to base zero in order to effect repairs. Even when a particular player is on the verge of conquering a constellation the particular player might suddenly be attacked at the last minute. An opponent player may displace the particular player (send the player back to base zero) or may block the constellation. [0086]
The runways, such as [0087] runways 104, 106, 108, and 110 of board 100 act like coordinates that help players to place the stars on the board, such as board 100 and to move their spaceships. For example, if a first player rolls a total of five with the dice, then the player can move a star (like piece 500) from base zero, five places horizontally, vertically or diagonally on the board 100. For example, the first player could move the star from G7 (Base zero) five places to B7 along the runway 110. If for example, the first player next rolls a total of four with the dice (usually two dice are rolled), then the first player can again move the particular star four places horizontally, or vertically (or diagonally in special game cases) on the board 100. For example, the first player could move the star from B7 to B3 into the area 112. Once the star is located in an area, such as area 112, the star is fixed and cannot be moved for the rest of the game.
One after the other each of the players places a “birth” star in one of the areas, such as [0088] areas 112, 114, 116, or 118 on board 100. After all of the stars (the birth stars) have been fixed into position in an area on the board 100, then “constellations” have been formed in each area. I.e. a constellation for a particular area, corresponds to all of the stars in that area.
All of the stars placed within an area, such as [0089] area 112, form a constellation. Stars are typically placed in all areas of the board, during a first phase of the game, such as in areas 112, 114, 116, and 118 of board 100. Consequently there are typically four constellations in each game. The game, in one or more embodiments is played by placing an equal number of stars in each area so that each constellation will have an equal number of stars. For example, if twenty-four stars are being placed as birth stars, then only six stars can be placed in area 112, for board 100. Six stars will also be placed in each of areas 114, 116, and 118. The stars of a constellation form different shapes when placed in the thirty-six squares, such as in board 100, of an area, such as one of areas 112, 114, 116, and 118. Thus each constellation on the board, such as board 100 (in the “universe”) could have a different formation while having the same number of stars.
The number of Stars of a Constellation may vary from game to game, in accordance with the number pre-selected by the players (or alternatively determined by a dice roll). [0090]
Runways allow the spaceships to travel within the universe in stellar years, and to land on stars. In the real outer space, stars are typically far apart, for example, light years apart. The game, in one or more embodiments, provides the concept that the runways are magical and allow the spaceships to travel great distances. [0091]
The boards, such as [0092] boards 100, 200, 300, and 400, may be named based on the column letter and row number that designates the center smaller square (base zero), as well as from the shape of the Runways (+ or ×). For example, board 100 may be named G7 +, board 200 may be named G7 ×, board 300 may be named M13 +, and board 400 may be named M13 ×.
Spaceship (such as piece [0093] 600) movements on the boards may be horizontal and vertical only in some embodiments, or may be horizontal, vertical and diagonal.
Each square, such as square [0094] 102 a of board 100 or square 202 a of board 200 may have a length and width of four centimeters. Each of the squares of all of the boards may be termed part of outer space in the universe.
Typically spaceships move horizontally and vertically only on [0095] boards 100 and 300. However, in some embodiments using boards 100 or 300, spaceships may move horizontally, vertically and diagonally. Typically spaceships move horizontally, vertically, and diagonally on boards 200 and 400.
In a second phase of the game, the players start play of the game with a number of combat spaceships after they designate those specific conquering spaceships that will determine the winner of the game. The players may also decide in advance if the game spaceships are all to move in the same manner, or instead each figure to move in a different manner. The two sided Spaceships, the number of the game spaceships, the conquering spaceships, and the simple or special ways that the game spaceships can be moved—all give the players more elective variations of play. [0096]
The game is typically played with two regular six-sided dice. The sides of the dice are numbered from one to six. The two dice can be called “energy”. The two dice are typically rolled by a player simultaneously on the particular board, such as [0097] board 100. Typically if either of the two dice falls outside the particular board, the dice roll is cancelled, and the player rolls again. “Doubles” occurs when both dice are the same number, e.g. six and six. Each doubles roll typically allows four movements of the player during his or her turn. However, when players place stars on the first board 100 and on the second board 200, each doubles roll typically allows only two movements of the player during his or her turn. Players may decide to play games (move their spaceships) with one die instead of two dice.
To start the game one of the playing [0098] boards 100, 200, 300, or 400 is chosen and placed on a table, for example. The players can sit around the particular board chosen, such as 100, and decide the following for each game session: (a) which stars will be used in the play of the game (game stars), (b) whether Side A (top surface corresponding to 502 in FIG. 5A) or Side B (bottom surface corresponding to 508 in FIG. 5B) of the stars will be used in the play of the game, (c) whether Side A (corresponding to surface 602 in FIG. 6A) or Side B (corresponding to any of surfaces 608 a-f) of the spaceships will be used in the play of the game, (d) with which particular spaceships they can win the game (conquering spaceships). Thereafter, each player chooses a fleet of spaceships, and they place their spaceships in front of them.
Typically the players each roll a die. The player rolling the highest number typically starts the game. [0099]
The first player rolls one (1) die again in order to determine the number of stars to be placed in each of the four areas (such as [0100] areas 112, 114, 116, and 118 on board 100) to form a constellation. The total number of stars (birth stars) to be placed on the particular board is always quadruple the number showing on the rolled die, because there will be four total constellations formed one in each area. For example, If a three is rolled, three stars will be placed in each one of the four areas. Thus the total number of birth stars that will participate in the game is twelve.
Next (a) players place the stars to be used in the game (game Stars) on the particular board, such as [0101] 100, with side A (star shape) facing up. (b) They mix up the Stars, (c) They choose at random as many stars as has been previously determined to form the four constellations (they choose the birth Stars).
The birth stars may be placed in at least the following ways to form the constellations: (1) By rolling the dice; or (2) The players may freely choose the smaller squares of the areas, such as [0102] areas 112, 114, 116, and 118 of board 100. on which the placement of the stars is carried out.
Typically players must place the birth stars in accordance with the following rules: (a) stars are placed only on the smaller squares that make up the areas, (b) only one star can be placed on each small square, (c) each of the four constellations always has the same number of Stars, (d) stars are placed initially with side A up (star shape), and (e) when stars are placed into position to form constellations, they are fixed into those positions; i.e., they are not subsequently moved. [0103]
In games, however, where the players have decided to play with side B up, the players must turn the Stars on side B only after they have initially placed all of them with the side A up. In this manner, the colored circles of the stars with the numbers on them are placed at random in the four areas. [0104]
In order to place the stars determined by dice roll, the stars that players have chosen to form the constellations are placed with side A up on base zero, one above the other. The first player rolls the dice and then places a star in an area that he selects by moving the star as follows. A star's first move is always first onto a runway, such as one of [0105] runways 104, 106, 108, or 110, of the player's choice. The star advances onto as many smaller squares on the Runway, as the number shown on one die; then after having stopped on a square, it proceeds into an area of the player's choice as many smaller squares as the number shown on the other rolled die. The square where the star ends up in the particular area is the final landing position for that Star.
The second player then rolls the dice and places a star in the same manner, and so on until all players have placed all stars in the four Areas, and the four constellations have been formed. [0106]
A player may not place a star where another star already exists; he must choose another direction in order to find an unoccupied smaller square to place the Star. [0107]
If a constellation of an area has already been formed by a number of stars previously determined by the players, then the next star to be placed must follow another direction in order to find an unoccupied smaller square of another area having an unformed constellation. [0108]
If the dice roll does not allow the player to find an unoccupied smaller square of another area having an unformed constellation, the player rolls the dice again, until a permitted move appears. [0109]
The first player to land his or her conquering spaceships on all the stars of a constellation of an area, such as for example all the stars in [0110] area 112 on board 100 of FIG. 1, (conquered constellation) wins the game.
In games played with side A of the spaceships (such as one of [0111] 602), the number of the combat side A spaceships is double the number of stars that form a constellation. For example, if the number of Stars that have formed a constellation are three, the combat spaceships that will participate will be six. Each player will have six combat spaceships, and no other spaceships will play in the game.
In games played using a combination of side A and side B of the spaceships, the number of combat spaceships is all equal to double the number of stars that form a constellation. [0112]
In games played with side B of spaceships. All spaceships typically participate. In a sixty-four spaceship, four-player game, there would be sixteen combat spaceships per player. [0113]
In games played with side A of the spaceships or in games played using a combination of side A and side B of the spaceships, the players may agree among themselves that the number of combat spaceships be larger or even smaller than the number of stars in a constellation but the number must be at least equivalent to the number of stars in a constellation in order for a player to be able to conquer a constellation. [0114]
Typically, each player chooses a color of spaceships (for section corresponding to section [0115] 604). Then the player chooses combat spaceships of his or her color and puts the other spaceships aside off the particular board and out of play. After choosing the combat spaceships, each player places his or her combat spaceships in front of them with the agreed upon side facing up.
The specific combat spaceships required to be found on top of the conquered constellation (in order for the player to be declared the winner of the game) are chosen by the players before the combat spaceships start taking off, i.e., before they start their moves. These are called conquering spaceships. For example the player's master (or a different figure or figures) should be found on top of one of the stars of the conquered constellation. Or, as another example, the player's master and the player's queen should be found on top of two of the stars of the conquered constellation. [0116]
When the players choose to play combat spaceships with (a) side A only, then any spaceship can be placed on a star of a conquered constellation, (b) Side A and Side B, then the conquering spaceship or spaceships only should be found on top of the star or stars of the conquered “bright” star or constellation, (c) Side B only, the player's “Master” spaceship should be always found on top of one of the stars of the conquered constellation. [0117]
Players can play games by collecting points from stars found with landed spaceships on them at the finish of the game. The players can agree in advance that either all of the players can collect points, or just the winners of a particular game. They can also agree that the winner collects as many extra points as there are stars of a conquered constellation or any agreed points. Stars can be placed with side A of the star or the top surface facing up or with side B, the bottom surface, facing up. When stars are placed with side A up, the players can calculate their points following a win by one of the players. They first turn the stars over onto side B. After they collect points from the stars (based on the number on the bottom surface such as number “7” in FIG. 5B, which would be worth seven points or which would be worth fourteen points if the same color spaceship lands on that star) onto which spaceships have landed. When stars are placed with side B up, the sum of the numbers of each star of a constellation gives a total that makes each constellation more attractive or less attractive for a player, because he will collect greater or fewer points if he wins the game. [0118]
A player may collect more points than another player who has won the game or the round of the game. Points collected from stars in which their circle, such as [0119] section 512 of FIG. 5B, has the same color as the color of the player's spaceships, gives double value when counting points. Combinations such as consecutive numbers, or consecutive numbers of the same color (as in a “Poker” version of this current “Big Bang” game), can acquire extra value gaining additional points for the player. Players can follow the above rules to collect points. Or they can also create new rules for collecting points.
Spaceships, such as [0120] piece 600 or one of 600 a-f, begin their travel from Base zero (theoretically, they are placed on Base zero) with the side up previously determined by the players. The players can keep their spaceships in their hands or set the spaceships in front of them. The first player rolls the dice, and places one or more spaceships on the board, such as board 100 on a smaller square (or on smaller squares) that he will select, according to the combination of the dice that he rolled.
A spaceship is always moved first onto a runway. The player moves forward along the runway as many smaller squares as the number indicated on one die. Thereafter the particular spaceship can either be left on the runway, or it can proceed to a space in an area as many smaller squares as the number indicated by the other die. For example, if the dice show a “two” and a “five” a spaceship can move from the center square G[0121] 7 on the board 100 to E7 on the runway 110. The player can then move the spaceship five spaces to E2 in the area 112.
Alternatively, if the player moves one spaceship with its initial move and places it on a runway, then he may move another spaceship from base zero and place it on the same or a different runway. In case the player rolls doubles, he can move four spaceships. Generally spaceships are moved as many squares as indicated by the number of each rolled die. Except for the initial movement that typically should be on a runway, in one embodiment, the spaceship can move in any direction (horizontally or vertically) on all of [0122] boards 100, 200, 300, and 400. Diagonal movements (in addition to the horizontal and vertical ones) are allowed on boards 200 and 400 and in some embodiments may be allowed on boards 100 and 300 also.
Side A spaceships are permitted to be moved as follows. The choice of movement can be determined by a number appearing on one rolled die or the numbers appearing on two rolled dice. The initial movement of the side A spaceships start from base zero, proceed onto a runway, such as one of [0123] runways 104, 106, 108 or 110, for the number of spaces indicated by the first rolled die. The subsequent movement (for the second rolled die) can be (a) either on a runway in straight line forwards or backwards, or (b) into an area, such as one of areas 112, 114,116, and 118.
If one rolled die is being used, subsequent movements for spaceships can be horizontal or vertical or diagonal in appropriate game versions. If two rolled dice are being used, subsequent movements for spaceships can be horizontal, vertical, or in some cases diagonal for the first die, and then horizontal, vertical, or in some cases diagonal for the second die. A player may land his or her spaceship on any smaller square (a) which is not occupied by another player's spaceship or (b) which are occupied by another player's spaceships, provided the landing, striking or attacking player is allowed to strike (i.e., is “armed”). “Arming” will be discussed later. [0124]
A spaceship may be moved to all areas and runways (assuming that the particular space or square can be occupied. A spaceship may cross a runway, such as [0125] runway 110 when it is moved from one area, such as area 112 in FIG. 1 to another area, such as area 118 on the board, such as board 100.
A “blocked square” or blocked space is a square on which a spaceship has landed. Another player's unarmed spaceship is not permitted to land on a “blocked square”. A “locked square” or locked space is a square on which two or more spaceships of the same fleet (same color in section corresponding to section [0126] 604) have landed (one on top of the other). Another player's unarmed spaceships are not permitted to land on a “locked square”. Other players' spaceships may move to (and land on) blocked or locked squares, only when these spaceships have the right to strike as will be described later.
A “blocked star” is a star on which a spaceship has landed. Another player's spaceship is not permitted to land on a “blocked star”, unless: (a) his or her spaceship are armed and (b) his or her fleet is armed as will be described later. A “locked star” is a star on which two or more spaceships of the same fleet (one on top of the other) have landed. Another player's spaceship is not permitted to land on a “locked star” unless: (a) his or her spaceship are armed, and (b) his or her fleet is armed. Other players' spaceships may land on a blocked or locked star, only when those spaceships have the right to strike. [0127]
When a player lands at least one spaceship on a star, all of his or her spaceships become armed. Armed spaceships have the right to strike another player's spaceships found on smaller squares without stars. A player's armed spaceships lose this right when his or her spaceship no longer occupies a star. Consequently, if a player no longer has at least one spaceship occupying a star, his or her spaceships are not armed, and therefore are not permitted to strike. [0128]
When a player lands one of his or her spaceships on a star and all of his or her armed spaceships are flying (i.e., they are not on Base zero), then his or her fleet is armed. Armed fleets have the right to strike another player's spaceships found on stars. If a player's spaceship is struck by another player and thereby forced to return to Base zero, the player no longer has an armed fleet; he therefore loses the right to strike another player's spaceships found on stars. [0129]
Any spaceship can strike another player's spaceship either on its first or second move (i.e. first or second die), or on both moves during a player's turn. [0130]
In order to have the right to strike (and land on) a blocked square, a player must have armed spaceships. If a player does not have the right to strike, his or her spaceships cannot occupy a blocked square. [0131]
If an opponent has two or more spaceships of his or her fleet occupying the same smaller square without a star, one on top of the other (e.g., a “double-locked” or “triple-locked” square) then this multiple-locked square can be struck (and landed on) by another player only if that other player (following a roll of the dice) strikes with an equal number of armed spaceships (e.g. two (2) armed spaceships, in the case of a double-locked square.) [0132]
In order for any player's spaceships to have the right to strike and to land on a blocked star, it is typically a pre-requisite that (a) all of that player's spaceships are in flight (i.e., have all been placed on the particular board in their initial moves, there being no spaceships on base zero); and (b) his or her spaceships are armed. [0133]
If an opponent has two or more spaceships of his or her fleet occupying the same smaller square (one on top of the other) with a star, (e.g., a “double-locked” or “triple-locked” star), then this multiple-locked star can be struck and landed on by another player only if that other player strikes with an equal number of armed spaceships. [0134]
In order for any player's spaceships to have the right to strike and to land on a locked star, it is typically a pre-requisite that (a) all of that player's spaceships that participate in the game are in flight (i.e., not on base zero); and (b) the player has placed at least one spaceship on a star; and (c) the player strikes an opponent's locked star by the same number of the opponent's spaceships occupying the particular locked star, following a roll of the dice. [0135]
Any spaceship struck by another player must return to base zero; it is then allowed to re-enter the universe on the player's next roll of the dice, constituting a new initial movement of that spaceship. [0136]
Although the invention has been described by reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to include within this patent all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of the present invention's contribution to the art. [0137]

Claims

I claim:

1. An apparatus comprising:

a game board;

wherein the game board includes a grid having a plurality of spaces;

wherein the plurality of spaces include a center space at the center of the grid, the center space having a first color;

wherein the plurality of spaces include a first set of spaces, which make up a first runway, the first runway having a second color;

wherein the first set of spaces are adjacent to one another and the first runway is adjacent to the center space;

wherein the plurality of spaces include a second set of spaces, which make up a second runway, the second runway having a third color;

wherein the second set of spaces are adjacent to one another and the second runway is adjacent to the center space;

wherein the plurality of spaces include a third set of spaces which make up a first area, the first area having a fourth color;

wherein the first area is bordered by the first runway and the second runway; and

wherein the second and third colors are the same, and the first, second, and fourth colors are different.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising

a plurality of position pieces, wherein each position piece has a width;

and wherein each space of the plurality of spaces has a width;

and wherein the width of the each position piece is smaller than the width of each space.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein

each position piece has a first side and a second side, and a star symbol is located on the first side of each position piece.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein

the second side of the position piece includes a section having a color, wherein the color is not shown on the first side of the position piece.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein

the second side of the position piece includes a section having a number, wherein the number is not shown on the first side of the position piece.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising

a plurality of movable pieces, wherein each movable piece has a width;

and wherein each space of the plurality of spaces has a width;

and wherein the width of the each movable piece is smaller than the width of each space.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein

each movable piece has a first side and a second side,

wherein a first movable piece of the plurality of movable pieces has a first symbol on the second side;

wherein second movable piece of the plurality of movable pieces has a second symbol on the second side; and

wherein the first and second symbols are different from one another.

8. A method for playing a board game comprising the steps of

fixing for the remaining duration of the game a first set of a plurality of position pieces, which can be called stars, onto a first area of a grid of a plurality of spaces of a game board,

wherein each position piece of the first set is fixed for the remaining duration of the game on a space of the plurality of spaces;

and further comprising fixing for the remaining duration of the game a second set of the plurality of position pieces, which can be called stars, onto a second area of the grid;

wherein each position piece of the second set is fixed for the remaining duration of the game on a space of the plurality of spaces; and

wherein no space of the plurality of spaces has more than one position piece fixed on it.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising

placing a first movable piece, which can be called a spaceship, onto a first position piece of the first set to conquer the first position piece.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising

placing a second movable piece, which can be called a spaceship, onto a second position piece of the first set to conquer the second position piece.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising

ending the game after one or more movable pieces have conquered one or more position pieces located in the first area.