DEMOCRACY BASED POLITICAL BOARD GAME

Abstract

A board game for at least two players that permits players to garner political support from the voting public, create political parties and vie for control of a democratic government, wherein play of the board game includes generating a random number using the random number generator, moving a token a number of spaces around the board corresponding with the random number and acquiring control of a political base space, and to win, a player either forms a political party having a leader which progresses in the leadership race area to lead the government, or is the only player having member currency.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to board games, and more particularly to an educational and entertaining board game that describes general principles of democracy and politics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Political strategy games and presidential election games are known in the art. Many of the prior art political strategy games are directed to specific countries and particular aspects of the political process in specific countries or contexts. For example, some prior art political strategy games are directed to the United States race for the presidency. Others are based on specific government structures having established party systems and set political parties.

One difficulty encountered in using the prior art games as teaching tools is that they are not universally applicable to all democratic processes because they are tailored to a specific country or political process. For example, particular names, such as Liberal or Democrat have different meanings in different countries, and so a game that relies on such labels may inadvertently be biased towards certain political institutions in some regions. Similarly, the choice of colours or icons to represent political parties varies greatly from democracy to democracy, and so the placement of particular colours on the game board may bias the game board towards a particular political institution in some regions. Thus these specifically tailored prior art games are not useful in teaching general and universal principles of democracy outside the country to which they are directed.

Another difficulty encountered in using the prior art games as teaching tools is that they do not describe as part of the game mechanics the formation of political parties. Most prior art games start with the number and nature of the political parties firmly established. For example, in those prior art games tailored for the US, only the two main political parties, the Democrats and the Republicans, are depicted. However, in many forms of democracy employed around the world, the formation, merger and dissolution of political parties is a regular occurrence. The prior art board games do not discuss this important aspect of democracy, and so cannot provide a useful basis for teaching such events in the context of a democracy.

There is a need to provide a political board game that teaches the principles of democracy and the formation of political parties in a democratic system in a generally accessible manner, to remove or minimize the disadvantages mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide for a board game that permits players to establish political parties as part of the mechanics of the game.

The invention relates to a board game for at least two players that permits the players to garner political support from the voting public, create political parties and vie for control of a democratic government, comprising:

• • sets of different player pieces, each player piece of the set for a player being marked or colored the same, each set of player pieces comprising a token and a set of space markers,
  • sets of political party pieces, each piece of the set marked or colored the same, each set of political party pieces comprising a leader,
  • a member currency representing a number of members,
  • a random number generator, and
  • a playing board comprising:
    • a plurality of spaces defining a circuit around the board, the spaces comprising a plurality of political base spaces which are divided into groups, each of the political base spaces having a cost in member currency for a player to acquire control over it, such control indicated by the placement of a player's space marker upon the political base space, and
    • a leadership race area to indicate the political office of each leader relative to other leaders in play,wherein the control of a group permits the creation of a political party and the placement of a leader on the leadership race area; andwherein play of the board game includes generating a random number using the random number generator, moving the token a number of spaces around the board corresponding with the random number, and to win, a player either forms a political party having a leader which progresses in the leadership race area to lead the government, or is the only player having member currency.

Other features of the invention will be evident from the disclosure of several embodiments that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a game board in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A-2D are plan views of exemplary playing cards of a type used for the set of cards that includes the following subsets: Branches of Powers spaces, Civil Society, The Media, and Economy;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an exemplary card of a type used for Judicial Process outcome;

FIGS. 4A-4C are plan views of exemplary space markers of a type used in relation to political base spaces forming numbered group divided into three areas: Platform, Registration and Convention.

FIGS. 5A-5E are plan views of Member Currency for different quantities;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an exemplary game piece of the sets of political party pieces used to signify a particular political party;

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B represent exemplary game pieces of the type used to denote the establishment of leadership candidates, and party leaders respectively; and

FIG. 8-9 is a plan view of an exemplary player token and six sided dice including one die with special symbols.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, during play, players create political parties and compete for control of a democratic government and winning by advancing a party leader along a leadership race section of the board to lead the government. Players may also win by being the only player left with member currency, thereby leaving the opposing player “politically bankrupt”. A key object of this invention is increasing the knowledge of each player with regard to democracy and its inner-workings.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a game-board based apparatus for at least two players that permits the players to garner political support from the public, create political parties and vie for control of a democratic government.

The Game Board and Game Pieces

The board game of this invention may be a flat, square or rectangular board used in conjunction with defined spaces defining a circuit around the board. Preferably, this circuit is along the outer periphery of the board. The board may also have an inner leadership area that players advance through or along towards a space representing control of the government. A set of three six sided dice may be used in conjunction with the playing pieces to enable each player move around the board

An embodiment of the present invention uses sets of different player pieces, each player piece of the set for a player being marked or colored the same, each set of player pieces comprising a token and a set of space markers.

The game may also have sets of political party pieces, each piece of the set marked or colored the same, each set of political party pieces comprising candidates and a leader.

The game may have a member currency representing a number of members.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the game board apparatus includes a game board 1 with a plurality of spaces defining a circuit around the board, this path of movement 2 on said game board 1 displaying a plurality of political based spaces divided into numbered groups 3 each one representing three steps related to the creation of a political party (1. platform, 2. registration, 3. convention).

The game board 1 may also include democracy pillar spaces 4 (rule of law & human right protection, free press and free elections, economic freedom, and civic capital & social support networks); spaces for a subset of cards 5 that includes: civic society, the media, the economy, branches of power, and judicial process outcome; and spaces related to the judicial system (enter judicial process, judicial process, prison term), and additional spaces 6 that include: nonviolent protest, volunteer, reward for the defense of democratic principles, and new ideas.

In addition to the path of movement 2 defined by a circuit around the board, the board 1 includes a leadership race area 7. Said leadership race area 7 comprises four series of sequential office spaces 8 arranged linearly in tracks, the tracks extending inwardly from the edge of the playing board towards the center of the playing board.

Referring now to FIG. 2A-2D and FIG. 3, the game apparatus also includes one set comprising several subsets of cards for corresponding piles on the board center related to a number of spaces on the path of movement identified as: civic society, the media, the economy, branches of power, and judicial process outcome. Each subset includes cards with specific instructions corresponding to each one of said groups. More than one set of cards with instruction may be provided for use according to player's preference.

The game apparatus also include a set of player pieces comprising a token (FIG. 8) and a set of space markers (FIG. 4A-4C), sets of political party pieces (FIG. 6), each piece of the set marked or colored the same, each set of political party pieces comprising three leadership candidates (FIG. 7A) and a party leader (FIG. 7B), a member currency representing a number of members (FIG. 5A-5E), a set of three six sided dice (FIG. 9), and instructions.

The Public

“The public” controls the elements required for the game. One of the players may be elected as Public Representative. The Public Representative may keep his own member currency (FIG. 5A-5E) and space markers (FIG. 4A-4C) separate from those of “the public”.

“The public” may be the source of member currency (FIG. 5A-5E), space markers (FIG. 4A-4C), leadership candidates (FIG. 7A), and leaders (FIG. 7B), which remain in control of “the public” when not used by the players.

“The public” regulates the different “transactions” that take place during the game. At any time a player may give up control of candidates, leaders, and spaces. “The public” will at any time receive back leaders (FIG. 7B), candidates (FIG. 7A), and space markers (FIG. 4A-4C) and return to the player half the amount in member currency (FIG. 5A-5E) that the player had originally committed to those elements. “The public” may be entitled to receive member currency (FIG. 5A-5E) from the players as a result of commitments and penalties. “The public” holds enough member currency (FIG. 5A-5E) for all necessary actions that take place during the course of the game.

Establishing a Political Party

Players form political parties based on establishing control over platform, registration and convention spaces and support institutions represented as democracy pillars (rule of law & human right protection, free press and free elections, economic freedom, and civic capital & social support networks). In order to form political parties players commit members to establish control over the platform, registration and convention spaces all three areas of a particular group 3.

Once a player has established control of a group 3, the player selects a set of political party pieces (FIG. 6); each piece of the set marked or coloured the same, identifying said group as a particular party, according to player preference and availability of particular sets.

Establishing Candidates

Once control of a group is established, the player may establish a candidate (FIG. 7A) on each controlled political base space in that group.

Establishing a candidate on each controlled political base space in a group permits the placement of a leader (FIG. 7B) on the leadership race area 7 by committing a number of members. The leader may then advance along the leadership race section 7 of the board.

An additional benefit of controlling spaces and developing political parties may be gaining members from opponents landing on said spaces. The number of members gained may be increased by establishing candidates (FIG. 7A), and subsequently, a leader (FIG. 7B).

Appointing a Leader

The creation of a political party permits the placement of leadership candidates (FIG. 7A) on each space. Establishing leadership candidates on each space permits the placement of a leader (FIG. 7B) on the leadership race area 7.

Leadership candidates (FIG. 7A) and party leaders (FIG. 7B) may not be traded between players.

Pillars of Democracy Specialty Spaces

Civil Society, The Media, Economy, and Branches of Powers spaces 6 give the opportunity to draw a corresponding card. Player then enacts instructions on the card.

Players may enter a “Judicial Process” when landing on “Enter Judicial Process”, as instructed by a card, or as a result of throwing doubles three times in a row. When necessary, a player may increase the number of members by giving up control of spaces back to the public. Likewise, players may also return candidates or the party leader to the Public receiving in return a number of members. Spaces under their control may be traded between players.

Judicial Process

A player enters a judicial process by: (a) landing on space designated as “enter judicial process”; (b) drawing a specific card; or (c) throwing doubles three times in a row.

If a player does not fulfill the criteria set out above, and in the course of the play reaches the “judicial process” space, the player is just visiting and the player continues the game normally.

A player that enters a judicial process takes a card from the “judicial process outcome” pile and follows instructions. While going through a judicial process a player may establish party candidates and a leader, and receive member currency from other players, and from the public.

When sent to serve “prison term”, a player misses the next turn. After missing a turn, the player then throws the dice and continues the game but loses an amount of currency members. This penalty does not apply if throwing doubles.

A player may not establish candidates (FIG. 7A) and leaders (FIG. 7B) or gain new members while serving prison term. A player may only go to serve “prison term” as a result of a judicial process.

The primary goal of controlling political based spaces 3 is placing and advancing a party leader (FIG. 7B) on the leadership race area 7. An additional goal is gaining members from opponents landing on said spaces. The number of members gained increases with the election of leadership candidates (FIG. 7A), and party leaders (FIG. 7B).

Method of Play

A method of playing a game in accordance with the present invention involves: creating political parties and vying for control of a democratic government and winning by advancing a party leader along a leadership race section 7 of the board 1 to lead the government, based on game events. In order to stay in the game players need enough members to fulfill obligations and achieve the strategic goals of the game.

Movement around the Board

An object of the game is creating political parties and vying for control of a democratic government and winning by advancing a party leader (FIG. 7B) along the leadership race section 7 of the board to lead the government. Another important aspect of the game may be that players form political parties based on establishing control over political base spaces 3 representing creating a platform, establishing a registration process and holding a convention. The political base spaces may be called “Platform”, “Convention” and “Registration”.

In order to form political parties, players commit members to establish control over all three areas, or political base spaces, of a particular group 3. Control of the group may be indicated by the placement of a player's space marker (FIG. 4A-4C) upon a political base space.

The control of a group permits the creation of a political party. A player may select a set of political party pieces (FIG. 6), each piece of the set marked or colored the same, identifying said group as a particular party, according to player preference and availability of particular sets.

The creation of a political party permits the placement of leadership candidates (FIG. 7A) on each space. Establishing leadership candidates (FIG. 7A) on each space permits the placement of a leader (FIG. 7B) on the leadership race area 7.

If a player does not have enough members, represented by member currency (FIG. 5A-5E), to fulfill obligations entailed by the game the player becomes politically “bankrupt” and retires from the game. In addition to advancing a party leader (FIG. 7B) along the leadership race section 7 of the board 1 to lead the government, a player may also win the game when said player is the only one having member currency (FIG. 5A-5E).

Commencing the Game

Beginning from a start space, which may be marked “Go”, players move tokens (FIG. 8) around the board 1 according to throw of dice (FIG. 9) or another random number generator and specific instructions.

Players may roll a set of three six sided dice (FIG. 9): two regular dice plus a special die with special symbols plus numbers. Players may execute different plays based on the total count on the dice numbers and the contextual meaning of the special symbols on one die, as specified in the rules.

Prior to starting the game, players may place civil society, the media, economy, branches of powers, and judicial process outcome cards (FIG. 2A-2D and FIG. 3), face down, on their specified spaces on the board. Each player may also receive a hand of member currency (FIG. 5A-5E) from “the Public”.

“The Public” controls the rest of the elements required for the game. One of the players may be elected as Public Representative. The Public Representative keeps his own member currency (FIG. 5A-5E) and space markers (FIG. 4A-4C) separate from those of “the public”.

When necessary, a player may increase the number of members by returning back to “the public” controlled spaces represented by specific space markers (FIG. 4A-4C). However, the player receives in return from “the public” half the amount of members that were initially committed. When a player does not have enough members to fulfill commitments provided by the game, the player becomes politically “bankrupt”. When this happens, the player yields all resources to “the public” according to the rules, and retires from the game.

Players landing on civil society, the media, economy, and branches of powers spaces 5 draw a card from the corresponding subset of cards (FIG. 2A-2D, FIG. 3). Players then enact instructions on the card. Players may enter a judicial process when they land on “enter judicial process”, as instructed by a card, or as a result of throwing doubles three times in a row. The content on the cards represent a variety of events, news, and statements with significant social and political implications imitating life in a democratic society. These events may affect the outcome of which player will win the leadership race.

A player landing on both “nonviolent protest” and “new ideas” spaces 6 throws the dice and gain or lose member currency (FIG. 5A-5E) as specified in the rules. When a player has an established leader (FIG. 7B), whenever landing on “nonviolent Protest” or “new Ideas” the player advances his leader one step along the leadership track 8. Advancement of the leadership race assists a player in completing the game ahead of its competitor. “Volunteer” space represents a neutral space 6 that does not require any action. A player who lands on “promotion of democratic values” gains a certain amount of member currency from “the Public”.

Garnering Political Support

Following the rules of the game, a player may be entitled to take control of any given particular space where that player's token (FIG. 8) lands. However, in case another player already controls the space, the visiting player's member currency (FIG. 5A-5E) is lost to the controlling player as specified indicated on the space markers (FIG. 4A-4C) for the political base and democracy pillar spaces 4.

Each time a token lands on or passes over “go” the player receives member currency (FIG. 5A-5E) as described in the rules unless otherwise specified.

When a player lands on a space that is not controlled by another player; the player has the option of controlling said space by tendering member currency (FIG. 5A-5E) to “the public” as indicated on the board 1. “The public” provides a space marker (FIG. 4A-4C) as exchange for member currency (FIG. 5A-5E). This space marker contains information regarding the amount of member currency to be gained when another player lands on said space. The space markers (FIG. 4A-4C) also indicate the amount of member currency (FIG. 5A-5E) required for the placement of leadership candidates (FIG. 7A) and a party leader (FIG. 7B). The player must display the space marker (FIG. 4A-4C) face-up, visible to all players.

When a player declines taking control of a space, a vote takes places and “the public” presents offers to all players the opportunity to tender member currency (FIG. 5A-5E) in order to obtain control of the space.

The player who bids the highest obtains control of said space. All votes are completed by players writing down a specified number of member currencies and then showing them in unison. Any player, including the one who initially declined the option of taking control may participate in the vote. Players may offer any amount of member currency.

The more democracy pillar spaces 4 a player controls the more members currency (FIG. 5A-5E) the player receives when other players land on said spaces under his control. Controlling democracy pillar spaces 4 permits advancement of the leader on the leadership racetrack 7 provided a leader has been established.

Space markers (FIG. 4A-4C) and members may be exchanged between players without mediation of “the public”. Space markers (FIG. 4A-4C) may be exchanged for member or for members and other space markers. Leadership candidates (FIG. 7A), and leaders (FIG. 7B) may not be exchanged between players. Space markers (FIG. 4A-4C) from a given group may not be exchanged with existing leadership candidates or a leader. Said elements would have to be retuned to “the public” before space markers may be exchanged.

Party candidates (FIG. 7A) and leaders (FIG. 7B) may be returned to “the public” at any time. Players receive half the number of members that were initially committed to establish said party candidates and leader.

Multiple Parties and Coalitions

A party may only have one representation on the board 1, in one of the groups 3. However, a player may found more than one party. The group of two or more parties controlled by a player has the potential of becoming a coalition. A player may only establish one leader (FIG. 7B) on the leadership race area 7. A coalition may be represented on the leadership race by the first leader established by one of the parties within the coalition.

A coalition may only be established when participating parties have previously gone through the process of dedicating member currency (FIG. 5A-5E) as required in order to establish leadership candidates (FIG. 7A) and a leader (FIG. 7B). When a coalition is established, all parties within the coalition contribute to the advancement of the common leader along the leadership racetracks 7, when other players land on their corresponding spaces and as indicated by game events.

Winning the Game

When a player does not have enough members, represented by member currency (FIG. 5A-5E), to fulfill obligations entailed by the game the player becomes politically “bankrupt”. When this happens, the player yields all resources to “the public” according to the rules, and retires from the game. In addition to advancing a party leader (FIG. 7B) along the leadership race section 7 of the board to lead the government, a player may also win the game when said player is the only one having member currency (FIG. 5A-5E).

A player who does not have enough member currency (FIG. 5A-5E) to fulfill the game requirements becomes politically “bankrupt”. As a result, the player yields all assets to “the public” and to any “creditors”, and retires from the game. If the player has a party with candidates (FIG. 7A) or a leader (FIG. 7B), said candidates or leader are returned to “the public” in exchange for members to the extent of half the amount previously committed. When a player does not have enough member currency (FIG. 5A-5E) to offer as required by a player “creditor”, the player may give up a combination of member currency plus space markers (FIG. 4A-4C). When a player has no way to fulfill obligations, “the public” takes over all his political assets and the player retires from the game.

In addition to advancing a party leader along the leadership race section 7 of the board 1 to lead the government, a player may also win the game when said player is the only one having member currency (FIG. 5A-5E) while the opposing player(s) are/is politically “bankrupt”.

Another embodiment of the present invention may allow for variations in the rules of play.

The game is specially configured to help players learn and perceive the unity and interconnection of the fundamental general principles and institutions necessary for the function of a democratic society. It reflects general aspects of democracy and politics and provides an overview of the main factors that interact in a democratic society, presenting concepts related to civil society, economy, the media, the branches of power, and typical outcomes of judicial processes in democratic societies. The game may be suitable for inclusion in teaching students in classroom environments. The game may be used as a teaching tool or played as entertainment by individuals with various levels of knowledge and skills. It encourages players to further inquire about political, economic, and societal concepts.

The game rewards attitudes compatible with democratic principles and values and penalizes those amply perceived as anti-democratic. It promotes concepts related to civic and political participation in the democratic process and promotes principles of tolerance, solidarity, creativity, justice, and public good interests among others.

A workbook comprising concepts and questions for stimulating thought and furthering learning about civic participation in the political democratic process of modern societies may also be provided.

Further, it will be noted that the game play of the present invention may be implemented as a computer game. Said computer game may be played on a general-purpose computer. As an example, the computer programming code may be embodied in computer readable media capable of configuring a computer to implement some of all of the game play methodology described above. In one embodiment, a human may play against a computer, which will play the game in substitute for one or more other human players, as generally known in the art.

The computer game software may include executable code stored in a memory for execution by a processor. A memory may include any static, transient or dynamic memory or storage medium, including without limitation read-only memory (ROM) or programmable ROM, random access registers memory (RAM), transient storage in registers or electrical, magnetic, quantum, optical or electronic storage media. A process includes any device or set of devices, howsoever embodied, whether distributed or operating in a single location, that is designed to or has the effect of carrying out a set of instructions, but excludes an individual or person.

The computer game may also be configured to be played by multiple human players. Said players may use computers communicating via a computerized communications network, as generally known in the art.

The board game may be implemented as a system. A system implemented in accordance with the present invention may comprise a computer system having memory and a processor to execute the code. The system may also comprise a server and client structure, where the players are directing play of the game from one or more client terminals, including a wireless handheld device or cell phone, and the method is performed on a server.

While there have been described herein the principles of the invention, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this depiction is made only by way of example and not as a limitation to the scope of the invention. Consequently, it is intended by the appended claims, to cover all modifications of the invention, which fall within the true spirit, and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A board game for at least two players that permits players to garner political support from the voting public, create political parties and vie for control of a democratic government, comprising: a. sets of different player pieces, each player piece of the set for a player being marked or colored the same, each set of player pieces comprising a token and a set of space markers,b. sets of political party pieces, each piece of the set marked or colored the same, each set of political party pieces comprising a leader,c. a member currency representing a number of members,d. a random number generator, ande. a playing board comprising: i. a plurality of spaces defining a circuit around the board, the spaces comprising a plurality of political base spaces which are divided into groups, each of the political base spaces having a cost in member currency for a player to acquire control over it, such control indicated by the placement of a player's space marker upon the political base space, andii. a leadership race area to indicate the political office of each leader relative to other leaders in play,wherein the control of a group permits the creation of a political party and the placement of a leader on the leadership race area; andwherein play of the board game includes generating a random number using the random number generator, moving a token a number of spaces around the board corresponding with the random number and acquiring control of a political base space, and to win, a player either forms a political party having a leader which progresses in the leadership race area to lead the government, or is the only player having member currency.

2. The board game of claim 1, wherein the leadership race area comprises at least two series of sequential office spaces meeting at a single space connoting control of the government.

3. The board game of claim 2, wherein the leadership race comprises four series of sequential office spaces arranged linearly in tracks, the tracks extending inwardly from the edge of the playing board towards the center of the playing board.

4. The board game of claim 1, wherein the sets of political party pieces further comprise a plurality of party control markers, and the formation of a political party comprises the placement of a party control marker on each of the political base spaces in a group controlled by a player.

5. The board game of claim, wherein the sets of political party pieces further comprise plurality of candidate pieces, and formation of a political party further comprises the placement of a candidate piece on each of the political base spaces having party control markers thereon in the group controlled by the player.

6. The board game of claim 1, wherein the random number generator comprises a set of three six sided dice, and one of the six sided dice comprises at least one non-numeric side.

7. A method for playing a game that permits players to garner political support from the voting public, create political parties and vie for control of a democratic government, comprising: a. providing sets of different player pieces, each player piece of the set for a player being marked or colored the same, each set of player pieces comprising a token and a set of space markers,b. providing sets of political party pieces, each piece of the set marked or colored the same, each set of political party pieces comprising a leader,c. providing a member currency representing a number of members,d. providing a playing area comprising: i. a plurality of spaces defining a circuit around the playing area, the spaces comprising a plurality of political base spaces which are divided into groups, each of the political base spaces having a cost in member currency for a player to acquire control over it, such control indicated by the placement of a player's space marker upon the political base space, andii. a leadership race area to indicate the political office of each leader relative to other leaders in play,e. generating a random number using a random number generator,f. moving a token a number of spaces along the circuit of spaces corresponding with the random number,g. acquiring control of a political base space as indicated by the marking of the political base space with a space marker,wherein the control of a group by a player permits the creation of a political party and the placement of a leader on the leadership race area; andwherein to win, the player either forms a political party having a leader which progresses in the leadership race area to lead the government, or is the only player having member currency.

8. The method of claim, wherein the leadership race area comprises at least two series of sequential office spaces meeting at a single space connoting control of the government.

9. The method of claim, wherein the leadership race comprises four series of sequential office spaces arranged linearly in tracks, the tracks extending inwardly from the edge of the playing area towards the center of the playing area.

10. The method of claim, wherein the sets of political party pieces further comprise a plurality of party control markers, and the formation of a political party comprises the placement of a party control marker on each of the political base spaces in a group controlled by a player.

11. The board game of claim, wherein the sets of political party pieces further comprise plurality of candidate pieces, and formation of a political party further comprises the placement of a candidate piece on each of the political base spaces having party control markers thereon in the group controlled by the player.

12. The method of claim, wherein the playing area comprises a game board.

13. The method of claim, wherein the playing area, sets of different player pieces, sets of political party pieces, and the member currency are encoded comprises a game board.

14. The method of claim, further comprising a computer player that acts as a player in opposition to the players.

15. A memory having recorded thereon statements and instructions for execution by a computer to carry out the method of claim.

16. A method comprising transmitting over a communications medium computer-executable instructions for causing a computer system programmed thereby to perform the method of claim.

17. A method comprising storing on a memory computer-executable instructions for causing a computer system programmed thereby to perform the method of claim.