CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
N/A
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present inventive concept relates generally to a baseball board game, and more particularly to a system and method to simulate a baseball game on a game board wherein conventional six-sided game dice are rolled to achieve a sum value that corresponds to a particular baseball event, namely a batting outcome.
BACKGROUND
The concept of simulating a baseball game using a playing surface and dice has been provided in the art according to various arrangements, configurations, and rules. For instance, various baseball board games utilize a game board and specialized dice to simulate baseball events. Other games utilize random number generators and one or more sets of special event cards to simulate baseball events. Indeed, known prior art baseball board games may require specialized dice or additional components beyond baseball player cards, conventional game dice, and a game board. Prior art baseball board games may also include opportunities for participating players to strategize or make choices to affect the game play. Some individuals may find these prior art baseball board games to be undesirable due to, for example, the required components, the complexity of the strategy involved in the game play, or both.
In light of the above, there exists a need in the art for a baseball board game that can be played using a game board, conventional game dice, optional collectible baseball player cards, and one or more optional score sheets. The present general inventive concept is particularly applicable to children and adults who wish to play a baseball board game without having to engage in complicated strategy and without having to use and/or keep track of specialized dice.
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present general inventive concept provides a system and method of playing a baseball board game wherein game dice and optional baseball player cards are used on a playing surface to simulate baseball events, namely batting outcomes, which may be kept track of using a score sheet.
In accordance with various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, a baseball board game may include a game board having a baseball diamond provided thereon; one or more six-sided game dice having indicia to represent a value of one through six on each side, the one or more dice adapted to be rolled to achieve a sum value of three through eighteen; and rules including batting outcomes that correspond with the sum values to determine events that occur during a simulated baseball game that includes two participants taking turns rolling the three dice, each turn including three or more dice rolls and representing three outs of the simulated baseball game, each out being determined according to the batting outcomes.
In some embodiments, the baseball board game further includes at least two sets of nine or more baseball cards.
In some embodiments, the baseball diamond includes four bases and locations for baseball cards to be positioned at each of the four bases.
In some embodiments, the game board includes a nine-inning scoreboard.
In some embodiments, the rules include the following sum values and corresponding batting outcomes: 3=HOME RUN: advances each card to score; 4=TRIPLE: advances each card three bases; 5=DOUBLE: advances each card two bases; 6=BASE ON BALLS: advances each card one base; 7=SACRIFICE FLY: (i) if a card is on third base, advances that card to score and records one out for the card at bat, unless the sacrifice fly is the third out of the inning, or (ii) if no card is on third base, records one out; 8=DOUBLE PLAY: (i) if a card is on first base, records two outs for the card on first base and the card at bat and advances cards on second base and/or third base one base if there were no outs prior to the at bat, or (ii) if no card is on first base, records one out for the card at bat and advances cards on second base and/or third base one base if there was one out or less prior to the at bat; 9=FLY OUT: records one out for the card at bat; 10=GROUND OUT: records one out for the card at bat; 11=FLY OUT: records one out for the card at bat; 12=DOUBLE PLAY: same as 8; 13=STRIKE OUT: records one out for the card at bat; 14=SINGLE: Advances each card one base, and if a card is on second base it advances to home for a run scored; 15=SINGLE: same as 14; 16=DOUBLE: same as 5; 17=TRIPLE: same as 4; 18=HOME RUN: same as 3.
In accordance with various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, a method for playing a baseball board game may include providing a game board and one or more six-sided game dice having indicia to represent a value of one through six on each side to two players; rolling the one or more game dice to achieve a sum value of three through eighteen; matching the achieved sum value with a corresponding batting outcome; and repeating the rolling and matching operations until three outs have resulted according to the batting outcomes; whereby two players take turns performing the rolling, matching, and repeating operations, each turn including three or more rolling and matching operations and representing three outs of the game, each out being determined according to the batting outcomes.
In some embodiments, the method further includes the operations of providing a set of nine or more baseball cards to each player; selectively ordering each set of nine or more baseball cards according to a preferred batting order; positioning a card on the game board; and modifying the position of the card relative the game board based on a batting outcome.
In some embodiments, the method further includes the operation of recording the corresponding batting outcome for the achieved sum value on one or more score sheets.
Additional aspects and advantages of the present general inventive concept will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present general inventive concept.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The following example embodiments are representative of example techniques and structures designed to carry out the objects of the present general inventive concept, but the present general inventive concept is not limited to these example embodiments. In the accompanying drawings and illustrations, the sizes and relative sizes, shapes, and qualities of lines, entities, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. A wide variety of additional embodiments will be more readily understood and appreciated through the following detailed description of the example embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment game board including a baseball diamond and scoreboard imprinted thereon, two sets of nine baseball cards, and three game dice;
FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment score sheet that includes a home/visitor table having a plurality of rows intersecting a line up column, ten inning columns, and a total stats column;
FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept wherein a baseball game kit includes a foldable game board, two sets of baseball cards, and game dice;
FIG. 4A illustrates an example embodiment rules sheet including game play instructions and corresponding sum values and batting outcomes;
FIG. 4B illustrates an example embodiment rules sheet including corresponding abbreviations and definitions for terminology commonly associated with various batting outcomes; and
FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart depicting operations that may be performed in accordance with an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference will now be made to various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and illustrations. The example embodiments are described herein in order to explain the present general inventive concept by referring to the figures. The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and/or systems described herein. Accordingly, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and/or systems described herein will be suggested to those of ordinary skill in the art.
In accordance with various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, a baseball board game enables two players to simulate a baseball game using a playing surface, optional collectible baseball player cards, and conventional game dice. In some embodiments, the players may keep track of the simulated events occurring throughout the game, as well as the score of the game, using a score sheet.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment game board 101 including a baseball diamond 105 and scoreboard 103 imprinted thereon, two sets of nine baseball cards 117A-I and 119A-I, and three game dice 115A-C. In the illustrated embodiment, the game board 101 has been placed on a flat surface with the playing surface facing upward. Optional axes 111A and 111B may be provided to facilitate folding and unfolding the game board 101. Imprinted on the illustrated embodiment game board 101 is the baseball diamond 105, which includes a home base 106 (commonly referred to as “home plate”), a first base 107, a second base 108, and a third base 109. Proximal each base are optional locations for baseball cards, with 106′ indicating the location for a baseball card at home plate 106, 107′ indicating the position for a baseball card at first base 107, 108′ indicating the position for a baseball card at second base 108, and 109′ indicating the position for a baseball card at third base 109. The baseball diamond 105 also includes a pitcher's mound 110.
The playing surface or game board 101 may be any suitable material to lay flat on a surface and depict a baseball diamond 105 thereon. In various example embodiments, the playing surface 101 may be a dry wipe or markerboard material to accommodate erasing and/or repeated use. The board 101 may be decorated to resemble an existing baseball stadium, and may also include indicia and/or decoration directed to one or more amateur or professional baseball teams.
Still referring to FIG. 1, the scoreboard 103 is provided on the game board 101 for recording the score for each of a plurality of innings. In the illustrated embodiment, a nine-inning scoreboard 103 is provided. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the upward facing surface of the game board 101 is provided with an erasable means covering at least the portion of the game board 101 on which the scoreboard 103 is provided. More specifically, the upward facing surface of the game board 101, or at least the scoreboard portion, in the illustrated example embodiment is a material that facilitates dry wipe or markerboard erasing. In the illustrated embodiment, the game board 101 also includes locations 113A and 113B for corresponding sum values and batting outcomes (discussed further herein) to be provided. Further in some embodiments, the game board also includes locations for other game rules to be provided, such as how to start a simulated baseball game.
The illustrated example embodiment also includes the three six-sided game dice 115A-C. Each of the three game dice 115A-C are provided with indicia on each of their six sides to represent a value of one through six. It will be noted that the game dice 115A-C included in the present embodiment may be conventional game dice that have not been modified or altered in any way for any specific type of game. Hereinafter, game dice refers to six-sided cubes wherein each face has indicia representing a value of one through six thereon. Players may roll all three game dice 115A-C at a time to achieve a value corresponding to one of sixteen particular outcomes or events, as determined by the rules. Stated differently, a sum ranging from three to eighteen is possible each time a player rolls the three dice 115A-C, with each sum value corresponding to a particular event in the rules. In other embodiments, the present general inventive concept includes only one conventional game dye that may be rolled three consecutive times to achieve a sum value of three through eighteen. For the sake of reference in this application, “three dice” will refer to three individual game dice that may be rolled substantially simultaneously, and/or to one individual game dye that may be rolled three consecutive times. Hereinafter, “dice roll” or “at bat” both refer to the roll of three dice 115A-C (or three consecutive rolls of the same dye), representing a batting occurrence by a player.
As illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 1, two sets of baseball cards 117A-I and 119A-I have been provided and are each positioned adjacent the game board 101. Hereinafter baseball player cards, or “baseball cards,” refer to collectible cards having thereon a player's name, team, baseball statistics, photo, picture, biographic information, or any combination thereof. Baseball cards may be provided as part of the present general inventive concept, or may be provided independently and used in accordance with the present general inventive concept. In some embodiments, the present general inventive concept does not include baseball cards.
Each set of baseball cards 117A-I and 119A-I may include players that are each affiliated with the same team, or may include players that are affiliated with different teams, or no teams at all. In the illustrated embodiment, one baseball card set 117A-I is positioned along a side of the game board 101 labeled “Home,” and another baseball card set 119A-I is positioned along a side of the game board 101 labeled “Visitors.” Stated differently, one baseball card set 117A-I is associated with one competing player participating under the moniker of the ‘home team,’ and the other baseball card set 119A-I is associated with another competing player participating under the moniker of the ‘visiting team.’
Various example embodiments may also include one or more score sheets to record each at bat and corresponding batting outcome throughout the game. FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment score sheet that includes a home/visitor table 200 having a plurality of rows 211A-K intersecting a lineup column 213, ten inning columns 215A-J, and a total stats column 217. The illustrated embodiment score sheet also includes corresponding abbreviations and reference terminology 219 relating to various baseball events that are frequently recorded on the score sheet. As illustrated, rows 211A-K are provided that first intersect a line up column 213 at the left-hand side of the table 200 to record the line up for a player's team. The lineup column 213 in the illustrated embodiment is further divided into sub-columns 213A to record their position in the batting order, 213B to record the player's name, and 213C to record the player's defensive position. Inning columns 215A-J are also provided adjacent the lineup column 213 and intersect with the rows 211A-K. At each inning column 215A-J and row 211A-K intersection, a baseball diamond is provided to record the batting outcome for that player's at bat during the designated inning. Finally, a total stats column 217 is provided adjacent the inning columns 215A-J and intersects with the rows 211A-K. In the illustrated embodiment, the total stats column is further divided into sub-columns 217A to record the number of at bats for a given player during a game, 217B to record the number of runs scored by a given player during a game, 217C to record the number of hits made by a given player during a game, and 217D to record the number of runs batted in (RBI) by a given player during a game.
FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept wherein a baseball game kit 300 includes a foldable game board 301, two sets of nine or more baseball cards 303A and 303B, and three game dice 305A-C. The illustrated embodiment also includes a kit housing 307, within which the aforementioned contents are contained. The kit housing 307 in the illustrated embodiment includes an aperture 308 selectively positioned for store display purposes. In some embodiments, the baseball game kit also includes one or more score sheets. In some embodiments, the baseball game kit includes only a game board 301 and rules (not illustrated) provided either on the game board or on an accompanying medium. Stated differently, in some embodiments, the baseball game kit lacks baseball cards and/or game dice, such that the baseball board game may be played using game dice independently provided to the two participating players, and/or with baseball cards independently provided to the two participating players or with no baseball cards at all.
FIG. 4A illustrates an example embodiment rules sheet 400A including corresponding sum values and batting outcomes. The example embodiment rules sheet 400A also includes general instructions as to how to initiate and play the baseball board game, as well as rules for playing a simulated baseball game. In some example embodiments, rules may be instructions that are printed on the playing surface, or otherwise included with or abided by during performance of the present general inventive concept. FIG. 4A includes the following example embodiment game play instructions:
- Rules of the game—The visiting team will bat first. After you have selected your players or team, you put them in your favorite batting order. You are the manager. The visiting team will begin by rolling the dice for the first batter to determine the results. With three dice, you can roll between 3 and 18. Your total count of the three dice determines your batter's results.
FIG. 4A also includes the following relationships between the sixteen possible sum values and corresponding batting outcomes that are commonly associated with an at bat:
3=HOME RUN: Advances each card to score;
4=TRIPLE: Advances each card three bases;
5=DOUBLE: Advances each card two bases;
6=BASE ON BALLS: Advances each card one base;
7=SACRIFICE FLY:
- (i) If a card is on third base, advances that card to score and records one out for the card at bat, unless the sacrifice fly is the third out of the inning, OR
- (ii) If no card is on third base, records one out;
8=DOUBLE PLAY:
- (i) If a card is on first base, records two outs for the card on first base and the card at bat and advances cards on second base and/or third base one base if there were no outs prior to the at bat, OR
- (ii) If no card is on first base, records one out for the card at bat and advances cards on second base and/or third base one base if there was one out or less prior to the at bat;
9=FLY OUT: Records one out for the card at bat;
10=GROUND OUT: Records one out for the card at bat;
11=FLY OUT: Records one out for the card at bat;
12=DOUBLE PLAY: Same as 8;
13=STRIKE OUT: Records one out for the card at bat;
14=SINGLE: Advances each card one base, and if a card is on second base it advances to home for a run scored;
15=SINGLE: Same as 14;
16=DOUBLE: Same as 5;
17=TRIPLE: Same as 4;
18=HOME RUN: Same as 3.
FIG. 4B illustrates another example embodiment rules sheet 400B including corresponding abbreviations and terminology commonly associated with various batting outcomes. Stated differently, the abbreviations in the illustrated embodiment correspond with baseball events and the provided definitions in the score sheet 400B. The illustrated embodiment also includes a list of items needed to play an example embodiment baseball board game. The illustrated list includes two teams (a team can be comprised of as little as one player), three dice, one scorebook, one game board, and a pencil.
Various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept also include a method for playing a baseball board game. FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart depicting operations that may be performed in accordance with an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept. The method 500 is generally in accordance with the rules and procedures for playing the sport of baseball. A method 500 of playing a baseball board game may include providing a game board and one or more game dice to two players 501. The method 500 may also optionally include providing a set or nine or more baseball cards to each player and selectively ordering each set of nine or more baseball cards according to a preferred batting order 502. In one embodiment, each player's set of nine or more baseball cards includes at least one card for the following defensive positions: pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, right outfielder, center outfielder, and left outfielder. It will be noted that in instances where the set of baseball cards includes more than nine cards, the player will have to select nine baseball cards as their “starting lineup” and designate the remaining cards as “bench cards.” In the illustrated example embodiment, one player is designated as the home team, and the other player is designated as the visiting team.
Still referring to FIG. 5, the method 500 may also include the optional operation of a player positioning a card, preferably the first card in their selected lineup, at home plate (i.e., home plate location 106′ in FIG. 1) on the board, as depicted at 503. It will be understood that the first player performing this operation during a game will preferably be the player designated as “Visitor.” Actual game play officially commences when the first player rolls the game dice to achieve a sum value of three through eighteen, representing an at bat, as depicted at 504 in FIG. 5. Three dice are preferably rolled substantially simultaneously, but one of skill in the art will understand that the dice need not be rolled substantially simultaneously without departing from the scope or spirit of the present general inventive concept. It will also be noted that a single dye may be rolled three consecutive times without departing from the scope or spirit of the present general inventive concept. Upon rolling the three game dice, the player will achieve a sum value inclusively between three through eighteen.
The example embodiment method 500 may also include matching the player's achieved sum value with the corresponding batting outcome (discussed above), as depicted at 505 in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the corresponding batting outcomes and sum values are included on the game board itself, thus allowing players to quickly and conveniently perform the matching operation 505. In other embodiments, the corresponding batting outcomes and sum values are included on a rules card to facilitate the same. It will be understood, however, that the matching operation 505 may be performed with or without a written list of corresponding sum values and batting outcomes. After the matching operation 505, the batting player (i.e., the player who rolled the dice) may optionally record the batting outcome on one or more score sheets 506. Further, in the event that the player performed the operation of positioning a card at home plate 503, prior to their dice roll 504 (i.e., at bat), then that player may optionally modify the position of that card relative to the playing surface based on the batting outcome, as depicted at 507 in FIG. 5.
Following the optional recording 506 and modifying 507 operations, the batting player repeats operations 503-507 until three outs have resulted, according the batting outcomes, as depicted at 508 in FIG. 5. It will be noted that in repeating operation 507, that more than just the card at home plate may be modified in the event that one or more cards have previously reached a base, as determined by the batting outcomes. Upon receiving three outs, as determined by the batting outcomes, that player's turn ends and the opposing player (preferably the “Home player”) begins their turn. As depicted at 509 in FIG. 5, The opposing player's turn may include the operations of optionally positioning a card at home plate 503, rolling the game dice 504, matching the achieved sum value with the corresponding batting outcome 505, optionally recording the batting outcome on one or more score sheets 506, optionally modifying the position of a baseball card relative the player surface based on the batting outcome 507, and repeating operations 503-507 until three outs have resulted 508, as depicted at 509 in FIG. 5. After the “Home player” has received three outs, the first inning is complete. In some embodiments, each player's runs scored from the inning are recorded on the game board's scoreboard (103 in FIG. 1).
Still referring to FIG. 5, the game progresses with the players taking turns, each turn including three or more dice rolls and representing three outs of the simulated baseball game, and each out is determined according to the batting outcomes. Each player's turn will sequentially progress at least three spots in the player's lineup. Stated differently, the players will each perform an at bat with at least three players, as determined by their sequenced batting order or lineup. In instances where players have more than nine baseball cards each, the players may optionally and selectively substitute certain players for other players in their lineup and/or batting order. In one example embodiment, once a player has made an appearance in the lineup or batting order and has been removed from the lineup or batting order, that player may be prohibited from subsequently reentering the lineup. This turn-by-turn rotation may occur until a predetermined score has been attained or a predetermined number of innings has been played. In one example embodiment, the game ends after nine innings have been played, unless the score is tied, in which case the game progresses on a inning-by-inning basis until the score is no longer tied at the end of an inning.
It can be determined from the foregoing discussion that various embodiments of a baseball board game have applicability in entertaining individuals interested in simulating a baseball game without having to engage in complicated strategy or keep track of specialized game components, namely specialized dice.
Numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept. For example, regardless of the content of any portion of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for the inclusion in any claim herein or of any application claiming priority hereto of any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence of such activities, or any particular interrelationship of such elements. Moreover, any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any element can be duplicated.
While the present general inventive concept has been illustrated by description of several example embodiments, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the inventive concept to such descriptions and illustrations. Instead, the descriptions, drawings, and claims herein are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and additional embodiments will readily appear to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description and drawings.
Patent Application
20130313778
