Patent Application
20180093168
The present invention relates generally to the field of games. More specifically, the present invention relates to a game board and methods of playing which emulates the building, development and maintenance of rental properties in accordance with residential zoning laws in which building permits are required and third-party renters are required to produce an income.
Games are important not just for entertainment but also for developing various abilities and life-skills. For example, outdoor games, such as, football, help in developing physical strength and agility of the body. Similarly, board games such as Chess, Checkers, Life, Clue, Scrabble, etc., help in developing mental abilities of the players. Further, games not only develop physical strength but also develop essential mental skills, such as, confidence, will power, determination etc. Games therefore play an impactful role in developing an overall personality of players.
Nowadays, there are many board games available in the market. Further, many of these board games have a combination of entertainment and educational value. For example, in an entertainment based game called Super Mario, the objective of the game is to race through the Mushroom Kingdom, survive the main antagonist Bowser's forces, and finally save Princess Toadstool. Further, educational games, such as, for example, Monopoly, attempt to emulate real world scenarios. Accordingly, education based games focus on teaching valuable lessons to players.
Board games such as, for example, Ludo, Snake and ladder and so on, do not always emulate a real-life scenario. Further, these board games become boring after a certain period of time, as the gameplay remains same every time the player plays the game. Further, in most board games, all the players have the same agenda and/or the objective. For example, in a board game called “Ludo”, all the four players compete by racing their four tokens and/or pawns from start to finish according to the rolls of a single die. Furthermore, most such board games are enjoyable for children but not for adults.
Further, the available board games place a limitation on the number of players that can play the game. In other words, there is a rigid and/or a fixed number corresponding to the number of players allowed to play the game. Accordingly, the number of players cannot vary based upon the requirement.
Moreover, currently, there is no board game available for teaching laws and regulations related to real-estate sector. In other words, no such board game is available which has the ability to emulate the building, development and maintenance of rental properties in accordance with residential zoning laws.
Therefore, there is a need for improved methods and system for developing a game board based on real estate management that may overcome one or more of the abovementioned problems and/or limitations.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.
According to some embodiments, a game board based on real estate management may be provided. The game board may include a plurality of pawns corresponding to a plurality of players. Further, at least one visual characteristic of the plurality of pawns may be unique. Further, the game board may include a board.
Further, the board may include a plurality of zones. Further, the plurality of zones may be associated with at least one real estate restriction. In some embodiments, the game board may further include a plurality of zone restriction cards. Further, placement of a zone restriction card within a zone of the plurality of zones imposes the at least one real-estate restriction associated with the zone restriction card within the zone. In some embodiments, the at least one real-estate restriction may include a building type restriction and a building cost restriction.
Further, the game board may include at least one track including a plurality of spaces. In some embodiments, the at least one track may include at least two tracks. Further, a first direction of traversal associated with a first track of the at least two tracks may be opposite to a second direction of traversal associated with the second track of the at least two tracks. In some embodiments, the at least two tracks comprise a plurality of action arrows. Further, an action arrow associated with a track indicates a direction of traversal of a pawn on the track. In some embodiments, the board further may include at least one pass-through connecting the first track to the second track. Further, the at least one pass-through enables the plurality of pawns to traverse between the first track and the second track. Further, each space of the plurality of spaces may be associated with at least one zone of the plurality of zones. In some embodiments, the plurality of zones may include eight zones.
Further, the plurality of pawns traverses along the at least one tracks. Further, a traversal of a pawn corresponding to a player along a track of the at least one track may be based on a random outcome associated with the player. In some embodiments, the game board may further include at least one dice configured to generate the random outcome. Further, a count of the plurality of spaces advanced by a player may be equal to the random outcome.
Further, the plurality of spaces may include a plurality of real-estate property spaces. Further, upon landing of the pawn corresponding to the player on a real-estate space, the player performs one of purchasing the real-estate space, receiving a rent associated with the real-estate space and paying a rent associated with the real-estate space. In some embodiments, a real-estate property space of the plurality of real-estate property spaces may include indication of one or more of a purchase price and a rent price associated with the real-estate property space.
Further, the game board may include a plurality of action spaces. Further, upon landing of a pawn corresponding to a player on an action space, the player performs an action corresponding to at least one action card associated with the player.
Further, the game board may include a plurality of foundation pieces corresponding to the plurality of players. Further, placement of a foundation piece corresponding to a player on a real-estate property space indicates the player's ownership of the real-estate property space. Further, at least one visual characteristic of the plurality of foundation pieces may be unique. Further, the at least one visual characteristic of the plurality of foundation pieces corresponds to the at least one visual characteristic of the plurality of pawns. In some embodiments, the at least one visual characteristic corresponding to each of the plurality of pawns and the plurality of foundation pieces may include a unique color.
Further, the game board may include a plurality of house pieces corresponding to a plurality of building types. Further, the plurality of house pieces may be configured to be detachably coupled with the plurality of foundation pieces. In some embodiments, the plurality of building types may include a single house, a duplex house, a town house and an apartment. In some embodiments, a first house piece of the plurality of house pieces may be configured to be detachably coupled with at least one second house piece of the plurality of house pieces to form the plurality of building types.
Further, the game board may include a plurality of action cards corresponding to the plurality of players. Further, at least one action card may be associated with each player. In some embodiments, the game objective may be based on one or more of a type of building, number of buildings, placement of buildings and amount of money earned.
Further, the game board may include a plurality of renter pegs configured to be detachably coupled with the plurality of foundation pieces. Further, a renter peg attached to a foundation piece placed on a space indicates collectability of rent for a real estate property associated with the space.
In some embodiments, the game board may further include a plurality of agenda cards corresponding to the plurality of players. Further, each agenda card may include a game objective. Further, a player achieving a corresponding game objective prior to any other player may be declared a winner.
In some embodiments, the board further may include a plurality of event spaces. Further, upon landing of a pawn corresponding to a player on an event space, an event corresponding to at least one event card associated with the player may be determined to occur. Further, the game board further may include a plurality of event cards corresponding to the plurality of players. Further, at least one event card may be associated with each player. In some embodiments, the at least one event may include advancement to a specified place, incurring of an expense, receiving of a reward and an adversity.
In some embodiments, the game board may further include one or more of a plurality of paychecks a plurality of game money corresponding to the plurality of players.
In some embodiments, the game board may further include a rental record sheet configured to record at least one rent corresponding to each zone of the plurality of zones.
In some embodiments, the plurality of spaces may include an unemployment space and a bank space. Further, upon landing of a pawn of a player on the unemployment space, the player may be issued a paycheck of the plurality of paychecks. Further, upon landing of the pawn on the bank space, the player receives money indicated in the paycheck.
In some embodiments, the plurality of spaces may include a city hall space. Further, upon landing of a pawn of a player on the city hall space, the player may be allowed to purchase a building permit.
In some embodiments, the plurality of spaces may include a realty space. Further, upon landing of a pawn of a player on the realty space, the player may be allowed to purchase a renter.
In some embodiments, the at least two tracks further may include a plurality of streets. Further, each street may include a contiguous set of spaces of the plurality of spaces. Further, each street may be indicated by a corresponding street name.
According to some embodiments, a game board based on real estate management is provided. The game board may include a plurality of pawns corresponding to a plurality of players. Further, at least one visual characteristic of the plurality of pawns may be unique.
Further, the board may include a plurality of zones. Further, the plurality of zones may be associated with at least one building restriction.
Further, the board may include at least two tracks. Further, each track may include a plurality of spaces. Further, each space of the plurality of spaces may be associated with at least one zone of the plurality of zones. Further, the plurality of pawns traverses along the at least two tracks. Further, a first direction of traversal associated with a first track of the at least two tracks may be opposite to a second direction of traversal associated with the second track of the at least two tracks. Further, a traversal of a pawn corresponding to a player along a track of the at least two tracks may be based on a dice roll outcome associated with the player.
Further, the plurality of spaces may include a plurality of real-estate property spaces. Further, upon landing of a pawn corresponding to a player on a real-estate space, the player performs one of purchasing the real-estate space, receiving a rent associated with the real-estate space and paying a rent associated with the real-estate space. Further, a real-estate property space may include indication of a price associated with the real-estate property space.
Further, the plurality of spaces may include a plurality of action spaces. Further, upon landing of a pawn corresponding to a player on an action space, the player performs an action corresponding to at least one action card associated with the player.
Further, the plurality of spaces may include a plurality of event spaces. Further, upon landing of a pawn corresponding to a player on an event space, an event corresponding to at least one event card associated with the player may be determined to occur.
Further, the plurality of spaces may include at least one pass-through connecting the first track to the second track. Further, the at least one pass-through enables the plurality of pawns to traverse between the first track and the second track.
Further, the game board may include a plurality of foundation pieces corresponding to the plurality of players. Further, the plurality of foundation pieces indicates property ownership. Further, at least one visual characteristic of the plurality of foundation pieces may be unique. Further, the at least one visual characteristic of the plurality of foundation pieces corresponds to the at least one visual characteristic of the plurality of pawns.
Further, the game board may include a plurality of house pieces. Further, a first house piece of the plurality of house pieces may be configured to be detachably coupled with at least one second house piece of the plurality of house pieces to form a plurality of building types. Further, the plurality of house pieces may be configured to be detachably coupled with the plurality of foundation pieces.
Further, the game board may include a plurality of agenda cards corresponding to the plurality of players. Further, each agenda card may include a game objective. Further, a player achieving a corresponding game objective prior to any other player may be declared a winner.
Further, the game board may include a plurality of zone restriction cards. Further, placement of a zone restriction card within a zone of the plurality of zones imposes the at least one building restriction associated with the zone restriction card within the zone.
Further, the game board may include a plurality of action cards corresponding to the plurality of players. Further, at least one action card may be associated with each player.
Further, the game board may include a plurality of event cards corresponding to the plurality of players. Further, at least one event card may be associated with each player.
Further, the game board may include a plurality of paychecks corresponding to the plurality of players.
Further, the game board may include a plurality of game money.
Further, the game board may include a plurality of renter pegs configured to be detachably coupled with the plurality of foundation pieces. Further, a renter peg attached to a foundation piece placed on a space indicates collectability of rent for a real estate property associated with the space.
Further, the game board may include at least one dice configured to generate a random outcome.
Both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing summary and the following detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed description.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings contain representations of various trademarks and copyrights owned by the Applicants. In addition, the drawings may contain other marks owned by third parties and are being used for illustrative purposes only. All rights to various trademarks and copyrights represented herein, except those belonging to their respective owners, are vested in and the property of the applicants. The applicants retain and reserve all rights in their trademarks and copyrights included herein, and grant permission to reproduce the material only in connection with reproduction of the granted patent and for no other purpose.
Furthermore, the drawings may contain text or captions that may explain certain embodiments of the present disclosure. This text is included for illustrative, non-limiting, explanatory purposes of certain embodiments detailed in the present disclosure.
As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure, and are made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.
Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.
Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”
The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosed under the header.
The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of developing a game board based on real estate management, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context. For example, the disclosed techniques may be used to teach students studying law about the laws and regulations associated with the real-estate sector.
In an embodiment, the agenda card 100 may include a first side and a second side. The first side may include an indication such as “Agenda Card”, a unique pattern and/or a unique color (e.g. gray), while the second side may include an indication (one or more of text, image etc.) corresponding to an agenda. For example, the second side may include an instruction (i.e. the game objective) for winning the game. Further, the player may read the game objective written on the agenda card 100 and then place it face-down not revealing the agenda to the other players. Further, in some instances, the player may reveal the game objective only at the end of the game. Further, in some instances, after each player draws an agenda card, the agenda card 100 may not be exchanged and the remaining agenda cards 100 may be returned back into a pile.
In an exemplary embodiment, the agenda cards 100 may include agendas and/or game objectives, such as, but not limited to, collect one million dollars, develop two buildings per zone, develop three corner properties in three zones, two sets of four in a row, develop fifteen properties, and build twelve town houses etc.
In some embodiments, the game objective may be based on one or more of a type of building, number of buildings, placement of buildings and amount of money earned. In an instance, at the beginning of the game, each player may draw an agenda card 100, which represents the game objective for the respective player. Further, in an exemplary scenario, if the player receives an agenda card 100 including indicia “in a row”, the buildings owned by the player must be contiguous across a track but may cross multiple zones. Further, if the player receives an agenda card 100 including indicia “Million Dollars”, then the agenda and/or the game objective associated with the player is that the player must accumulate $1,250,000 from earnings in the game. Further, an initial money (e.g. $250,000) given to each player may not considered as a part of the earned income. Further, in an embodiment, when a player is at the point of reaching the agenda, the player may need to announce and show the agenda to the other players, as this may give the chance to the other player to counter. Further, in an instance, each of the plurality of players may have the same agenda and/or the game objective (e.g. own a specified number of properties totaling a specified value).
Further, the game board 200 may include a plurality of pawns 222 corresponding to a plurality of players. In an instance, the plurality of pawns 222 associated with the plurality of players may refer to a physical model of a game object, such as, for example, a puppet, or a token that is associated with an identity of a player that may be playing the game. Accordingly, the pawn may uniquely identify each player. Further, the plurality of pawns 222 associated with the plurality of players may have different visual characteristics such as, color, form, and shape, etc. Further, the plurality of pawns 222 may move along one or more tracks 214 and 216 associated with the game board 200 in a specific direction as designated by the laws rules and laws of the game. Accordingly, movement of the pawns 222 may be determined by a number associated with a random number generated by an action, such as, for example, rolling of one or more die, drawing a card from a shuffled deck of cards and so on.
Further, at least one visual characteristic of the plurality of pawns 222 may be unique. Accordingly, each pawn associated with the plurality of players may have different visual characteristics such as, color, form, and shape, etc. For example, the plurality of pawns 222 may relate to shapes of one or more animals, such as, for example, a horse, an elephant, and a tiger etc. In an embodiment, the plurality of pawns 222 may be differentiated on the basis of their color. Accordingly, the plurality of pawns 222 may be red, yellow, green and/or blue in color. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the plurality of pawns 222 may intend to be (non-gender specific) business persons and represent each player as they work their way around the game board 200.
Further, the game board 200 may include a hoard 258. Further, the board 258 may be of any shape, size, and form. For example, the board 258 may have a circular shape, a hexagonal shape, an octagonal shape and/or any arbitrary shape.
Further, the board 258 may include a plurality of zones 252. In an instance, the board 258 may be divided into eight sections and/or zones. Further, each zone may include indicia, such as, for example, a zone number 210. Further, the plurality of zones 252 may be associated with at least one real estate restriction. In some embodiments, the game board 200 may further include a plurality of zone restriction cards. In an instance, there may be eight zone restriction cards each corresponding to one zone out of the plurality of zones. Further, the plurality of zone restriction cards may be placed on the board 258 at a location called “Zone Card Space 212”. Further, placement of a zone restriction card within a zone of the plurality of zones 252 imposes the at least one real-estate restriction associated with the zone restriction card within the zone. In some embodiments, the at least one real-estate restriction may include a building type restriction and a building cost restriction. For example, the zone restriction cards placed at the zone card space 212 may include the real-estate restriction associated with the type of buildings that can be constructed in the zone. Further, the plurality of zone restriction cards (placed at the zone card space 212) may also include the at least one real-estate restriction, such as, for example, cost of construction, income tax, maintenance tax, and electricity bill, etc. associated with the plurality of zones. Further, in an instance, a building permit must be acquired in order to build on a property 202 and is limited by the at least one real estate restriction associated with the one zone out of the plurality of zones. Further, a rent may be collected by a first player each time the pawn 222 associated with the first player passes through or lands in the zone which corresponds to a space on which the first player may have built the property 202. Further, in some embodiments, the rent may be collected from the Bank and/or third-party renters. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a rent may be collected by a first player from a second player each time the pawn 222 associated with a second player passes through or lands in the zone which corresponds to a space on which a first player may have built the property 202.
Further, the board 258 may include at least one track (e.g. 214 and 216) including a plurality of spaces 260. In some embodiments, the at least one track 214 and 216 may include at least two tracks. Further, a first direction of traversal associated with a first track 214 (i.e. outer track) of the at least two tracks 214 and 216 may be opposite to a second direction of traversal associated with the second track 216 (i.e. inner track) of the at least two tracks 214 and 216. In some embodiments, the at least two tracks 214 and 216 may include a plurality of action arrows 206. Further, an action arrow 206 associated with a track 214 or 216 may indicate a direction of traversal of a pawn 222 on the track 214 or 216.
In some embodiments, the board 200 further may include at least one pass-through 218 (e.g. U-turn 220) connecting the first track 214 to the second track 216. Further, the at least one pass-through 218 enables the plurality of pawns 222 to traverse between the first track 214 and the second track 216. Further, each space 260 of the plurality of spaces 260 may be associated with at least one zone of the plurality of zone s 252.
In an instance, the plurality of pawns 222 may move along the outer track 214 in a clockwise direction as indicated by the action arrows 206 in accordance with a dice roll. Accordingly, the plurality of pawns 222 may follow along the outer track 214 until an event space 226, pass through business 218 or U-turn 220 allowing the marker to proceed to the inner track 216. Further, the pawn 222 may change the track 214 or 216 and move in the counter clockwise direction as indicated by the action arrows 206. Accordingly, the pawn 222 may return to the outer track 214 in the same manner. Further, cards (e.g. Action Cards and Event Cards) acquired by landing on card spaces may be used in different ways. For example, if the pawn 222 lands on an event card space 228, the player may pick up an event card 236 form a pile of event cards 236. Accordingly, the player may follow the instructions written on the back-side of the event card 236, which may instruct the player to for example, advance, incur expenses, or receive rewards.
In some embodiments, a traversal of a pawn 222 corresponding to a player along a track of the at least one track 214 or 216 may be based on a random outcome associated with the player. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the game board 200 may further include at least one dice (not shown in figure) configured to generate the random outcome. Further, a count of the plurality of spaces 260 advanced by a player may be equal to the random outcome. For example, if the random outcome (number) generated by the rolling of a die is five, the pawn 222 associated with the player may advance on the board 258 in a specific direction by the count of five.
Further, the plurality of spaces 260 may include a plurality of real-estate properly spaces 202 (also referred to herein as the property 202). Further, upon landing of the pawn 222 corresponding to the player on a real-estate space and/or property 202, the player performs one of purchasing the real-estate space, receiving a rent associated with the real-estate space and paying a rent associated with the real-estate space (i.e. property 202). In some embodiments, a real-estate property space 202 of the plurality of real-estate property spaces 202 may include indication of one or more of a purchase price and a rent price associated with the real-estate property space 202. In an instance, if the pawn 222 associated with a player lands on an available property 202, the player may purchase the property 202 at a price marked in a grass area. Accordingly, the grass area may be indicated using a white arrow and/or the property arrow 204. Further, when a property 202 is purchased and/or acquired, the property owner may place a foundation 232 (corresponding with a color of their pawn 222) on the grass area of the property 202.
Further, the board 258 may include a plurality of action spaces 230. Further, upon landing of a pawn 222 corresponding to a player on an action space 230, the player may perform an action corresponding to at least one action card 234 associated with the player. As an example, the action card 234 may instruct the player to receive a renter for the property 202 that the player has developed but may be unoccupied.
Further, the board 258 may include a plurality of action cards 234 corresponding to the plurality of players. Further, at least one action card 234 may be associated with each player. In an instance, the player may select the action card 234 from a pile of actions cards 234 placed at the action card space 208. Further, in an embodiment, there may be a total of forty action cards 234. Further, in an instance, the players may draw the action card 234 at the start of the game and then place it face down after looking at the drawn action card 234. In an embodiment, the action card 234 may be blue in color. Alternatively, and/or additionally, a side of the action card 234 may include indicia such as “Action card”. Further, the action cards 234 may be used at any time during a player's turn. Further, in an instance, the player may receive an action card 234 each time the pawn 222 associated with the player lands on the action arrow 206 (e.g. the Bank, Unemployment, City Hall and Realty). Further, the action cards 234 may be held and be used during a player's turn or when countering another's action. Further, in an embodiment, each player may collect up to three action cards 234. If the player has more than three action cards 234, the additional action card 234 may need to be played, discarded, sold or bartered. After use or when discarded, the action card 234 may be placed face-up at the bottom of the deck. When the pile of action cards 234 is used up the, the action cards 234 may be shuffled and returned to the action card space 208 at the center of the board 258 face down. Further, the action cards 234 may relate to actions such as, but not limited to, advance to the bank, advance to the city hall, move ahead five spaces, inherit property, and receive a renter, etc.
Further, the board 258 may include a plurality of foundation pieces 232 corresponding to the plurality of players. Further, placement of a foundation piece. 232 corresponding to a player on a real-estate property space 202 indicates the player's ownership of the real-estate property space 202. Further, at least one visual characteristic of the plurality of foundation pieces 232 may be unique. Further, the at least one visual characteristic of the plurality of foundation pieces 232 corresponds to the at least one visual characteristic of the plurality of pawns 222. In some embodiments, the at least one visual characteristic corresponding to each of the plurality of pawns 222 and the plurality of foundation pieces 232 may include a unique color. Further, in an instance, when a property 202 is purchased or acquired by a player, the property owner and/or the player may place a foundation 232 (corresponding to the color of the pawn 222) on the grass area of that property 202 covering the purchase amount. For example, when the property 202 is purchased, the player may place a foundation 232 over the dollar amount mentioned in the grass area. Further, each foundation 232 may have a peg hole in which the renter peg 238 may be placed. The renter peg 238 may be used to indicate that rent may be collected for the property 202 that is acquired by the renter.
Further, the board 258 may include a plurality of house pieces 240 corresponding to a plurality of building types. Further, the plurality of house pieces may be configured to be detachably coupled with the plurality of foundation pieces 232. In some embodiments, the plurality of building types may include a single house 240a, a duplex house 240b, a town house 240c and an apartment 240d. In some embodiments, a first house piece 240 of the plurality of house pieces 240 may be configured to be detachably coupled with at least one second house piece 240 of the plurality of house pieces 240 to form the plurality of building types. In an instance, a building permit may be required to build a house (i.e. place a house piece 240 on the foundation piece 232). Further, in an embodiment, a single house piece 240 (such as 240a) may be used to represent the four building types (i.e. 240a, 240b, 240c, and 240d). Accordingly, the house pieces 240 may be stacked in order to represent the four building types. Further, the house pieces 240 may be placed inside the foundation.
Further, the game board 200 may include a plurality of renter pegs 238 configured to be detachably coupled with the plurality of foundation pieces 232. Further, a renter peg 238 attached to a foundation piece 232 placed on a space 260 indicates collectability of rent for a real estate property 202 associated with the space 260. In an instance, each foundation piece 232 may include a peg hole configured to receive the renter peg 238. Further, the renter peg 238 may be used to indicate that rent may be collected for that property 202.
In some embodiments, the game board 200 may further include a plurality of agenda cards 248 corresponding to the plurality of players. Further, each agenda card 248 may include a game objective. Further, a player achieving a corresponding game objective prior to any other player may be declared a winner.
In some embodiments, the at least one track 214 and/or 216 may include a plurality of event spaces 226. Further, upon landing of a pawn 222 corresponding to a player on an event space 226, an event corresponding to at least one event card 236 associated with the player may be determined to occur. Accordingly, the game board 200 may include a plurality of event cards 236 corresponding to the plurality of players. Further, at least one event card 236 may be associated with each player. In some embodiments, the at least one event may include advancement to a specified place, incurring of an expense, receiving of a reward and an adversity (e.g. a flood, a fire accident, etc.). In an instance, there may be a total of forty event cards 236. Further, the event cards 236 may be collected when landing on an event space 226. In an instance, the event space 226 may be green in color. Further, an event card 236 may be used in the order in which the event card 236 is drawn. Subsequent to using, the event card 236 may be returned to the bottom of the deck faced up. Furthermore, when the pile of event cards 236 is used up, the event cards 236 may be shuffled and returned to the event card space 228 at the center of the board 258 with face down. Further, using the event card 236, a player may advance, incur expenses, or receive rewards. For example, in the event that a renter is offered and the player has a building permit and the funds to build, the player may purchase the building for the renter at the time the event card 236 is received. Further, in an exemplary scenario, if the player has an event card 236, and the event associated with the event card 236 says “flood”, then the player may an amount listed on the event card 236 against a repair. Further, in an instance, if there is no property available on a track of the at least one track 214 or 216 at which a player is currently situated, the player may take a U-turn 220 to enter into another track of the at least one track 214 or 216. Further, in an instance, a renter may be received through an action card 234, the event card 236 and/or by landing at the realty.
In some embodiments, the game board 200 may further include one or more of a plurality of paychecks and a plurality of game money corresponding to the plurality of players. In an instance, the paycheck may be associated with paycheck cards. Further, the paycheck cards may be placed at the paycheck card space 250 associated with the board 258. Further, in an instance, at the beginning of the game, each player of the plurality of players may be given a default amount of money each time they pass the Bank. In an embodiment, the amount of money given may be $40,000. Further, upon landing on Unemployment, the player may draw a paycheck. Further, if the player already has a Paycheck, then the player may place the paycheck face up at the bottom of the pile. Further, the paychecks may indicate the amount of money the player receives upon landing on or passing the Bank. Furthermore, when the pile of paycheck cards is used up, the paychecks are shuffled and returned to the paycheck space 250 face down. In an instance, the paychecks vary in amounts from $25,000 to $50,000. Further, in an embodiment, the paycheck may represent the income amounts that the player receives for when passing and/or landing on the bank.
In some embodiments, the game board 200 may further include a rental record sheet configured to record at least one rent corresponding to each zone of the plurality of zones. In an instance, the plurality of players may get a rental record sheet when renters are acquired. Further, the rental record sheet may have places for the rent totals for each zone. Accordingly, when the player enters and/or passes through the zone, the amount of money that the player receives from the bank may be recorded. Accordingly, the total rent associated with a zone may be determined and maintained. Further, the total zone rent may increase or decrease as the renters are added or removed respectively. Further, a land owner may be responsible for keeping records in the rental record sheet accurately. In an instance, the rental record sheet may be audited at any time by any player.
In some embodiments, the plurality of spaces 260 may include an unemployment space and a bank space. Further, upon landing of a pawn 222 of a player on the unemployment space, the player may be issued a paycheck of the plurality of paychecks. Further, upon landing of the pawn 222 on the bank space, the player receives money indicated in the paycheck. In an instance, the money may be received from the bank. Further, in an embodiment, the money and/or play money may be available in stacks and in denominations of 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 dollars. Further, one player out of the plurality of players playing the game may be designated to monitor the money and make sure payments are distributed fairly and fees are collected. Further, in an embodiment, the Bank may be the starting point of the game and also the point at which the amount of the paycheck is collected when either landed upon or passing. Accordingly, in an instance, the Bank may be located in the middle of the zone marked in Yellow. Further, the bank may be accessed by either the outer track 214 or the inner track 216. When starting the game, the player may exit on the lower track in a counter clockwise direction as indicated by the action arrow 206 marked in red. Further, after the initial start of the game, the player may exit the bank on the upper track 214 and/or the inner track 216. Further, the player must move in the direction of the action arrow. To change directions, the player may need to land at the bank space. Further, upon landing at the Bank, an action card 234 may be drawn. Further, in an instance, the Unemployment space may be located opposite to the bank space. When the pawn 222 lands on the unemployment space, the player must draw a new paycheck. Further, the player may also receive the action card 234 and may exit on either the outer track 214 and/or the inner track 216. To change directions, the player must actually land at the unemployment space.
In some embodiments, the plurality of spaces may include a city hall space. Further, upon landing of a pawn 222 of a player on the city hall space, the player may be allowed to purchase a building permit. In an instance, the city hall space may only be accessed from the inner track 216 and/or by an action card 234 indicating advancing. Furthermore, the building permits may be purchased at $5,000 per permit and must be used immediately. Further, the player must have the amount that is required to build an available property 202. Further, the only limitation for building a property 202 may be determined by the amount of money the player may be willing to spend. Upon landing at City Hall space, the player may receive an action card 234 and may only exit at the inner track 216.
In some embodiments, the plurality of spaces 260 may include a realty space. Further, upon landing of a pawn 222 of a player on the realty space, the player may be allowed to purchase a renter. Further, in an instance, the realty space may only be from the inner track 216 and/or by an action card 234 indicating advancing. Furthermore, the renters may be acquired for an amount equal to $5,000 per renter. Accordingly, the only limitation to the number of renters acquired may be the cost and the amount of developed unoccupied properties the player may have. If the player has an undeveloped property and building permit, then the player may build the property 202 in that turn to accommodate a renter (all expense limitations may apply). Upon landing at the realty space, the player may receive an action card 234 and may only exit at the inner track 216.
In some embodiments, the at least two tracks (e.g. outer track 214 and inner track 216) may further include a plurality of streets. Further, each street may include a contiguous set of spaces of the plurality of spaces 260. Further, each street may be indicated by a corresponding street name 254. For example, the outer track 214 may include a street named “Bourbon Street”. Further, “Bourbon Street” may include a road on which the contiguous set of spaces of the plurality of spaces 260 may be present. Further, each space of the plurality of spaces 260 may include property 202, such as, for instance, an occupied property, an unoccupied property, a developed property, and/or an undeveloped property.
Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the streets may be gray marked areas on the board 258. Further, there may be upper and lower streets running in opposite directions. The lower streets run clockwise and the upper streets counterclockwise (as indicated by the action arrows). Further, there may be 56 lower spaces (in the upper street) and 40 upper spaces (in the lower street). Each space is outlined on black and is associated with a property indicated by a driveway, connected to a business, or an event square. The pawns 222 move around the board 258 in the gray marked areas (i.e. streets). Each property 202 may be identified by a grass patch in the center with a purchase price written in white and rental amounts written in black and represented by the building shapes. These are the amounts to be collected when a renter is present. The properties are marked by a driveway with an arrow indicating its location on the board. Each zone may contain 9 or 10 properties and are labeled and numbered.
According to exemplary embodiments, when a player has built on a property they may obtain a renter. A building without a renter does not collect rent. A renter can be received through an action or event card or by landing at the realty (see realty for details). The player collects rent from all of the properties in which the player has renters in that zone when they land in or pass through the zone. The rental amount for each zone is recorded on the player's rental record sheet.
Further, in an exemplary embodiment, when doubles are rolled the player gets to roll again. This can be repeated once a third set of doubles will result in the player going to Unemployment (see Unemployment under spaces for details). At that time, the player's turn is completed unless they possess an action card that may counter the move. Remember a turn is complete when the dice are handed to the next player.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the board game may have alternate game playing options, such as, for example, equal opportunity, wipe out, and multiple players. In the equal opportunity game option, every player gets the same agenda (27 properties excluded). This way everyone knows what the other is trying to accomplish and is not recommended for “in a row” Agendas. Further, in the wipe out game option, there are no 3rd party renters (renter cards can be discarded). The players pay each other for landing in a zone but not if the zone is passed. Each player owning property and has a building in that zone collects from the player who lands there starting with the most expensive. If a player cannot pay they must sell a property of their choice for half of the amount in the grass patch to supplement payment. This is a foreclosure, so the building has no sale value and is forfeit to the player collecting/purchasing or removed from the game board along with the foundation if sold to the bank. When a player has obtained an entire zone, the rents are multiplied by 10. Players continue until there is only one player left. The key to this game is zone changing. To upgrade the player must demolish the current building incurring a $5,000 fee and pay the full cost of a new building. Further, in the multiple players game option, 6 and 8 players must be done in teams. Two team players have separate Agendas but, both team members know each other's Agenda and only 1 has to be met to win. (Buildings and properties are shared but, both players have their own money and pawn). Team players must be on opposite sides so that each team plays once before a team plays their next turn.
In an instance, there may be eight zone restriction cards 902 each corresponding to one zone of the plurality of zones 252. Further, the plurality of zone restriction cards 902 may be placed on the game board at a location called “Zone Card Space”.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/402,683 filed on Sep. 30, 2016. The current application is filed on Oct. 2, 2017 while Sep. 30, 2016 was on a weekend.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62402683 | Sep 2016 | US |
