Patent Application
20240091630
The present invention relates generally to the field of dice game devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dice game device that provides users with a new and unique dice game played by people of all ages. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in dice game devices. Generally, people may enjoy playing dice games and board games with their friends and family. However, constantly playing the same games each time people get together can get boring and uninspiring. People may be looking for new games to play, to reinvigorate their love for dice-based games.
Furthermore, dice games for multiple players have been in existence for many years and are well known and much enjoyed by many individuals. Although there are many games that are played with dice and game boards or scoresheets, a need exists for a new dice game that is easy to play for almost all age levels from youngsters to senior citizens and which is enjoyable and stimulating.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a dice game device that provides users with a new unique and more competitive and strategic dice game, to be played by people of all ages. There is also a long felt need in the art for a dice game device includes a custom scoresheet available in pencil and paper style. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a dice game device that includes a custom scoresheet available in a digital format for a smartphone. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that enables players to make different combinations or multiples of the same numbers scored under the rules of the present invention of dice to enter into different areas on their scoresheet to earn points. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a dice game device that offers an improved dice game for friends and family at game night, senior centers, school, etc. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a dice game device that uses a set of five dice to play the game.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a dice game device. The device is a modified dice game in which players can roll different combinations of dice or multiples of the same number acquired under the rules of the present invention of dice to enter into different areas of a scoresheet. Players earn points based on number combinations, i.e., 66624=24 points under rules of the present invention or same number, multiples i.e., 6666=24 points to try and win the game. The game introduces the concept that five of-a-kind numbers, (i.e., 2 through 5), are an average of five-of-a-kind, i.e., 23334=5 threes and therefore, a player has a Split the Difference five-of-a-kind. The dice game device comprises a plurality of dice wherein each of said plurality of dice includes numerical indicia/dots on each of its sides and a plurality of scoresheets for keeping score. The scoresheets can be paper and pencil style or can be a digital format on a smartphone. Players roll the dice to achieve different point values on the scoresheet under the present invention. For example, players try to achieve five-of-a-kind or four-of-a-kind by rolling the dice and using present invention rules. If a player has three 3's, a 2, and a 4, the player has a Split the Difference five 3's. Further, if a player has three 4's, a 1, and a 3, the player scores four 4's; based on having three of the same number and by adding the remaining two numbers together to equal the three-of-a-kind already scored. Other rules can also be applied to achieve different points on the scoresheet. The goal of the game is to accumulate the most points.
In this manner, the dice game device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a new and unique competitive and strategic dice game played by people of all ages. The device uses different combinations of dice to enter into different areas of a scoresheet. Players earn points based on the dice combinations to try and win the game.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a dice game device. The device is a modified dice game in which players roll different combinations of dice to enter into different areas of a scoresheet. Players earn points based on the combinations they roll, and/or multiples of the same number they roll to try and win the game. The present invention introduces the concept that five-of-a-kind numbers, (i.e., 2 through 5), is three of the same number with the other two dice having a beginning and end point for that number, i.e., 3-444-5 is an average of five fours- and the player has a Split the Difference five-of-a-kind. The dice game introduces four-of-a-kind concept when a player rolls three of the same number and the remaining two dice when added together equal the same number as the three of a kind, i.e., 333-12. The dice game introduces the Wild Card concept where after the first five-of-a-kind is scored and entered in the five-of-a-kind score box on the scoresheet, all other five-of-a-kind scores; if any, can be used in any open score box area on the scoresheet. The device comprises a plurality of dice wherein each of said plurality of dice includes numerical indicia/dots on each of its sides and a plurality of scoresheets for keeping score. The scoresheets can be paper and pencil style or can be a digital format on a smartphone. Players roll the dice to achieve different point values on the scoresheet. The goal of the game is to accumulate the most points.
A game consists of each player having thirteen turns to roll the dice up to three times per turn to achieve the player's maximum number of points. The number of turns equal to the number of score box areas on the scoresheet. The Upper Section of the scoresheet has six score box areas for numbers one thru six plus a box for the added total of the six score box areas and a bonus box, for player whose total points are 63 or higher. If a player scores 63 points or more, the player receives a bonus of 35 points. The Lower Section has seven score box areas for a total of 13 total scorebox areas per game in both the Upper and Lower Sections. In addition, on the Lower Section under the scorebox area of Chance, there are three small check mark boxes to keep track of the number of Wild Cards the player has scored during his/her turn, if any. The game may be played by 2 or more players, with 8 players being a reasonable maximum number of players although not a limitation of the invention, i.e., a tournament of 10 tables each with four players competing against each other for the highest cumulative table score winner and a highest individual score winner.
The equipment used to play the game embodying the present invention includes five dice, each including the usual markings, such as one or more indicia/dots, on each side thereof. The five dice of the present invention are shown generally in the figures and may be standard dice. The equipment further includes a dice cup for tossing the dice and a scoresheet for keeping score. The equipment can be stored in a container, such as a box, if desired. A board is not required, so the game can be played anywhere.
More specifically, the method of playing the game embodying the present invention comprises initiating the game by choosing a first player. Once designated, the first player has up to three rolls of the dice to complete his/her turn. The first player rolls all five dice at once, using their hands or a dice cup if included with the dice game device to begin his/her turn. After the first player's roll, He/she decides which dice to keep, if any. If the first player decides to keep all the dice, the first player's turn is over. If, the first player keeps back any dice, the first player will roll the remaining dice the second time and decide on which dice to keep back if any. If the first player keeps all the dice, then his/her turn is over. If the first player keeps back dice after the second roll, the first player will make his/her final roll and enter his/her points scored on the scoresheet. This sequence will be repeated by all the other players in the game for thirteen turns. When all players have completed thirteen turns, players will add their scores and the player with most points wins the game.
Points are awarded according to the indicia/dots that are turned up on the dice after they have been tossed.
Once a player completes their turn and is awarded a certain number of points for their turn, that player's turn is over, and he/she must stop rolling the dice.
An example of the present invention rules used during the game to score points, include a player trying to accumulate four-of-a-kind or five-of-a-kind of a specific number from 1 through 6. Players achieve these goals by Split the Difference with number combinations rules or by naturally collecting four or five of a specific number. A player scores a Split the Difference five-of-a-kind with three of one kind and the other dice having a beginning and end point for the number. For example, if a player rolls three 3's, a 2, and a 4, the player scores Split-the Difference five-of-a-kind for five 3's. Players who roll three of the same number score four-of-a-kind by adding the remaining two dice scores together to equal the three-of-a-kind already scored. For example, if a player rolls three 4's, a 1, and a 3, the player has a score of four 4's.
Further, the first of five of the same number from 1 through 6, or a Split the Difference five-of-the same kind number combination are valued at 50 points and entered into the five-of-a kind scorebox area on the scoresheet. Subsequent five-of-a-kind, either natural or Split the Difference are then Wild Cards and their point values are determined by where they are entered into the scoresheet scorebox. Additionally, other rules can be applied to achieve different points on the scoresheet as well. Thus, other similar modifications and additions to these rules may be developed or decided upon by the players, all within the scope of the present invention. Further, after each turn, which can be four or five-of-a-kind or other point value rule scoring, the player receives points that are determined according to a hierarchy of points. The point total is cumulative.
The points for each turn are recorded on a scoresheet or other score keeping device. The scoresheet can be a conventional paper and pencil scoresheet or a digital scoresheet accessed through a smartphone or other smart device.
In yet another embodiment, the dice game device comprises a plurality of indicia/dots.
Another embodiment, a method of playing a dice game using a plurality of dice is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a dice game device comprising a plurality of dice and a plurality of scoresheets. The method also comprises selecting a first player to start the game. Further, the method comprises applying the Split the Difference rules to the dice rolled, such that the player tries to accumulate points to include the use of Wild Cards, and Split the Difference five-of-a-kind or under present invention rules four-of-a-kind. The method also comprises adding up the player's points from the dice and entering them on the scoresheet.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a dice game device that provides a new more competitive and strategic dice game that can be played by people of all ages. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a dice game device that includes a custom scoresheet available in paper and pencil style. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a dice game device that includes a custom scoresheet available in a digital format on a smartphone. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that enables users to make different combinations of dice to enter scores into different areas on their scoresheet to earn points. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a dice game device that offers an improved dice game for friends and family at game night, senior centers, school, etc. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a dice game device that uses a set of five dice to play the game.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel dice game device. The device is a modified dice game in which players roll different combinations/and or multiples of the same kind of dice to score in different areas of a scoresheet. Players earn points based on the combinations they roll to try and win the game. The game introduces the concept that five-of-a-kind numbers, (i.e., 2 through 5), is an average of five-of-a-kind, (i.e., 2-333-4) and scores a Split the Difference five-of-a-kind. The dice game device comprises a plurality of dice wherein each of said plurality of dice includes numerical indicia/dots on each of its sides and a plurality of scoresheets for keeping score. The scoresheets can be paper and pencil style or can be a digital format on a smartphone. Players roll the dice to achieve different point values on the scoresheet. The present invention also includes a novel method of playing a dice game using a plurality of dice. The method includes the steps of providing a dice game device comprising a plurality of dice and a plurality of scoresheets. As noted above, the method also comprises selecting a first player to start a game. Further, the method comprises applying the rules to the dice rolled, such that the player tries to accumulate four or five of the same number. The method also provides that the player's first five-of-a-kind is recorded in the five-of-a kind scorebox on the scoresheet and is valued at 50 points. However, a player's subsequent five-of-a-kind scores; if any, are Wild Cards and can be placed in any open score area of the scoresheet and receive the maximum points for the scorebox in which it is placed. The method also comprises adding up the player's points from the dice and entering them on the scoresheet. Finally, the method comprises accumulating of points based on rolling the plurality of dice to win the game.
Referring initially to the drawings,
Further, the dice game device 100 comprises a plurality of dice 102 and a scoresheet 104. Specifically, the dice game device 100 comprises a plurality of dice 102 wherein each of said plurality of dice 102 includes numerical indicia/dot 106 on each of its sides 108 and a plurality of scoresheets 104 for keeping score. The scoresheets 104 can be paper and pencil style 200 or can be a digital format 202 on a smartphone 204. Players 300 roll the dice 102 to achieve different point values on the scoresheet 104. The goal of the game is to accumulate the most points.
The rules of the game of the present invention will now be explained in detail with reference being made to the accompanying figures.
The game is over when all players have completed 13 turns and the player 300 with the highest score wins the game, unless two or more players 300 score the same highest number of points, and in this case all players 300 with the same highest score are winners. The game may be played by 2 or more players 300, with 8 players 300 being a reasonable maximum number of players 300, although not a limitation of the invention. For example, a tournament could have ten tables of four players 300 each playing at the same time with the tournament's highest cumulative table score winner, and the highest individual player 300 with the highest cumulative score winner.
The equipment used to play the dice game device 100 embodying the present invention includes five dice 102, each including the usual markings, such as one or more indica/dots, on each side 108 thereof. The five dice 102 of the present invention are shown generally in the figures and may be standard dice 102. The equipment further includes a dice cup 206 for tossing the dice 102 and a scoresheet 104 for keeping score. The equipment can be stored in a container 208, such as a box or other suitable container, if desired. A game board is not required, so the game can be played anywhere.
Furthermore, the points for each game or turn are recorded on a scoresheet/104 or other suitable score keeping device as is known in the art. The scoresheet 104 can be a conventional paper and pencil scoresheet 200 that a player 300 writes on to add the scores each turn or the scoresheet 104 can be a digital scorecard 202 accessed through a smartphone 204 or other suitable smart device as is known in the art, such as a tablet, a smart watch, etc.
As shown in
Play continues until all players 300 complete 13 turns. Positive points are awarded according to the indicia/dots 106 that are turned up on the dice 102 after they have been rolled. Specifically, the points are awarded based upon specific game rules used in the game.
As noted above, each player can roll the dice up to three times in his/her turn. After the first player 300 begins his/her turn by rolling the dice 102 and is awarded a certain number of points for the turn. Once a player 300 completes his/her turn and is awarded a certain number of points for their turn, that player's turn is over, and he/she must stop rolling the dice 102. Each player 300 then continues to complete their turn by rolling up to three times 102 and be awarded a certain number of points for their turn, based on a rule from the dice game device 100. A player's 300 turn begins by rolling all five dice and keeps the dice he/she wants to keep, if any. If the player 300 keeps all five dice, the player's 300 turn is over. If the player 300 keeps dice and rolls the remaining dice, and then keeps all the dice after the second roll, the player's 300 turn is over, and if the player 300 keeps dice after the second roll, the player 300 rolls the third time and enters his/her score on the scoresheet 104. After thirteen turns the player 300 with the most points wins the game. If more than one player has the same high score, then all players with the same high score are winners. Further, the score of each turn is kept on the scoresheet 104.
As shown in
Furthermore, the dice game device 100 also comprises a plurality of indicia/dots 400. The dice 102, the scoresheet 104 and/or the dice cup 206 of the device 100 may include advertising, trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the dice 102, the scoresheet 104 and/or the dice cup 206, or any other indicia/dots 400 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 400 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be dice, game, or brand related.
Further, as shown in
Additionally, the first five of the same number from 1 through 6, or a Split the Difference five-of a-kind number combination of a 1, three 2's, and a 3 equal five 2's; a 2, three 3's, and a 4 equal five 3's; a 3, three 4's, and a 5 equal five 4's; and a 4, three 5's, and a 6 equal five 5's, are entered in the five-of-a-kind score box on the scoresheet for 50 points. All subsequent five-of-a-kind either natural or Split the Difference are Wild Cards and their point values determined by the scorebox put into. For example, if a Wild Card is placed in the large straight box in the Lower Section, it is worth 40 points. If, it is placed in the three-score box in the Upper Section it is worth 15 points. This is an important part of the game strategy. If the player is not scoring well in the Upper Section and not going to make the 35-point bonus awarded for scoring 63 or more points, but the player has a Wild Card and can make the bonus with the 15 points in the three-box, not only does the player gain 15 points in the three box he/she gains 35 points for the making the bonus on the Upper Section by using the Wild Card in the three-score box. Wild Cards become an important strategy in as does four-of-a-kind and five-of-a-kind combinations and significantly contribute to the uniqueness, the strategy and the competitiveness of the game and how a player plays the rest of the game if the player obtains one or more Wild Cards. The present invention's use of Wild Cards will lower the present invention game scores overall, but increases both the strategy and competitiveness of the dice game.
Thus, if a player 300 rolls three 2's, a 1, and a 1, they enter into the two-score box as four 2's and score 8 points. Additionally, other rules can be applied to achieve different points on the scoresheet. For example, a player 300 can roll a full house, a straight, etc., or the combinations of numbers rolled on the dice 102 can be used in either the Upper or Lower Section of the scoresheet 104, depending on where the player 300 needs to score points. An example of using 22211 either as a full house and score 25 points in the Lower Section or eight points in the Upper Section. Where this combination is placed depends on game circumstances. Thus, other similar modifications and additions to these rules may be developed or decided upon by the players 300, all within the scope of the present invention. Further, after turn the player 300 receives points that are determined according to a hierarchy of points and is able enter points in different areas on their scoresheet 104. The point total is cumulative after each turn.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “dice game device”, “game device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the dice game device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the dice game device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the dice game device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/406,336, which was filed on Sep. 14, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63406336 | Sep 2022 | US |
