Patent Application
20240238667
The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to an interactive board game with a theme that includes investing and buying real estate. Specifically, the board layout and the steps involved in playing the game teach players and observers about investing and purchasing real estate, as well as provide entertainment to players.
Board games have existed for thousands of years. For example, the royal game of Ur (which bears some resemblance to backgammon) originated in ancient Mesopotamia around 3000 BC and continues to be played today. In modern times, games such as Monopoly® have been consistently popular over a long period of time. In Monopoly® and other conventional real estate themed games, playing pieces are moved around a game board using dice and cards in an effort to amass the most money and win the game. Players compete by capturing property and building homes and/or hotels on the captured property. However, the noted prior art games typically take hours to win because players attempt to erect structures on captured property using earned money. Due to the long playing periods and monotony of prior real estate games, it would be beneficial to provide a real estate themed board game that offers a unique method of play. It would be further beneficial if the board game offered educational information in the area of real estate and was entertaining to play.
In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a board game. More specifically, the disclosed board game educates players on the basics of buying and selling real estate.
In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a game for one or more players. Specifically, the game comprises a playing board with a top playing surface defined by a plurality of tracks, each track including a plurality of spaces numbered in a serpentine pattern. The game further includes a plurality of game pieces and a random number generator (e.g., one or more dice) configured to delineate where each game piece is to be moved along the spaces of a corresponding track. The game includes a plurality of cards, each card labeled as S, INV, C, B or labeled with an action, and optionally including a fact about real estate investing. Each track includes a plurality of spaces depicting a house, a begin space where a player begins movement along the track, and end space where a player ends movement along the track, a plurality of spaces awarding money to a player, a plurality of spaces taking money from a player, a plurality of spaces labeled SELLER, a plurality of spaces labeled BUYER, a plurality of spaces labeled CONTRACT, and a plurality of spaces labeled INVESTOR. A player is imposed to pay a game currency when the piece of the player is located on space taking money from the player. A player is awarded a game currency when the piece of the player is located on a space awarding money to the player.
In some embodiments, the playing board is substantially rectangular or square shaped.
In some embodiments, the playing board is foldable.
In some embodiments, a house is accumulated when one player obtains an S, C, B card combination or obtains an S, C, INV card combination.
In some embodiments, the game further includes game currency.
In some embodiments, each player has an individual track.
In some embodiments, the playing board includes 4 tracks.
In some embodiments, each track includes 70 spaces.
In some embodiments, the playing board has a length and width of about 5-50 inches and a thickness of about 0.1-1 inch.
In some embodiments, about 5-20% of the spaces of each track comprise the word BUYER, about 5-20% of the spaces of each track comprise the word SELLER, about 5-20% of the spaces of each track comprise the word CONTRACT, about 5-20% of the spaces of each track comprise the word INVESTOR, about 5-20% of the spaces of each track comprise an image of real estate, and about 5-20% of the spaces of each track comprise an action direction.
In some embodiments, one of the action cards comprises a card that negates a card combination of S-C-B or S-C-I of a competitor player.
In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of playing the disclosed game. The method comprises assigning two game pieces to each player, assigning one track to each player, dealing six cards to each player, and determining a playing order, wherein the first player rolls the dice to advance one of the assigned game pieces of that player a rolled number of spaces along the track. When a player lands on a SELLER space, the player is on a free space, when a player lands on a CONTRACT space, that player can play a C card (if that player holds a C card), when a player lands on an INVESTOR space, that player can play an INV card (if that player holds an INV card), and when a player lands on a BUYER space, that player can play a B card (if that player holds a B card), and wherein a player that successfully lands on a house image space can play an S card (if that player holds an S card). If a player lands on a space and does not have the proper card (e.g., a player lands on a C space and does not hold a C card, that player cannot lay down a C card and must then only discard on the discard pile). A player can create a first spread by playing a S-C-INV combination or S-C-B combination. When a player lands on a space taking money from the player, that player must pay an amount of money noted on the space or that player loses. When a player lands on a space awarding money, that player is given an amount of money noted on the space. Each player draws one card when they roll the dice and discard one card after they move a playing piece along the track. A player that achieves two spreads wins the game. When a player receives a lost contract card, that player cancels one spread card of another player. The method includes repeating the rolling with successive players until one player wins.
In some embodiments, the lost contract card negates one spread of another player.
In some embodiments, when one player rolls two dice with the same number, that player rolls one die again as a bonus roll.
In some embodiments, the playing board is foldable.
In some embodiments, a house is accumulated when one player obtains an S, C, B card combination or obtains an S, C, INV card combination.
In some embodiments, the game further includes game currency.
In some embodiments, each player has an individual track.
In some embodiments, the playing board includes 4 tracks.
In some embodiments, each track includes 70 spaces.
In some embodiments, the playing board has a length and width of about 5-50 inches and a thickness of about 0.1-1 inch.
In some embodiments, about 5-20% of the spaces of each track comprise the word BUYER, about 5-20% of the spaces of each track comprise the word SELLER, about 5-20% of the spaces of each track comprise the word CONTRACT, about 5-20% of the spaces of each track comprise the word INVESTOR, about 5-20% of the spaces of each track comprise an image of real estate, and about 5-20% of the spaces of each track comprise an action direction.
In some embodiments, one of the action cards comprises a card that negates a card in a combination of S-C-B or S-C-I of a competitor player.
In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of playing the disclosed game. The method includes assigning two game pieces to each player, assigning one track to each player, dealing six cards to each player, awarding money to each player, and determining a playing order, wherein the first player rolls the dice to advance one of the assigned game pieces of that player a rolled number of spaces along the track. When a player lands on a SELLER space, the player is on a free space, when a player lands on a CONTRACT space, that player can play a C card, when a player lands on an INVESTOR space, that player can play an INV card, and when a player lands on a BUYER space, that player can play a B card, and wherein a player that successfully lands on a house image space can play an S card. When a player lands on a space taking money from the player, that player must pay an amount of money noted on the space or that player loses the game. When a player lands on a space awarding money, that player is given an amount of money noted on the space. Each player draws one card when they roll the dice and discard one card after they move a playing piece along the track. A player that achieves two spreads wins the game. When a player receives a lost contract card, that player cancels one played S, C, INV, or B card of another player. The method includes repeating the rolling with successive players until one player wins by successfully playing 2 spreads, each spread consisting of a combination of played S-C-INV or S-C-B cards.
In some embodiments, when one player rolls two dice with the same number, that player rolls one die again as a bonus roll.
In some embodiments, each game piece must exit the track at the end of the game.
In some embodiments, each game piece must exit the track by rolling the exact number of spaces left to exit the track.
The previous summary and the following detailed descriptions are to be read in view of the drawings, which illustrate some (but not all) embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.
The presently disclosed subject matter is introduced with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. The descriptions expound upon and exemplify features of those embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.
Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in the subject specification, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a device” can include a plurality of such devices, and so forth.
Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of components, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.
As used herein, the term “about”, when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and/or percentage can encompass variations of, in some embodiments +/−0.1-20% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate in the disclosed packages and methods.
The presently disclosed subject matter can be implemented in several different forms. However, the present disclosure of such embodiments is to be considered an example of the principles and are not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. Like reference numerals are used to describe the same, similar, or corresponding part in the several views of the drawings. The detailed description defines terms used herein and specifically describes embodiments for those skilled in the art to practice the presently disclosed subject matter.
The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to an interactive real-estate themed board game. As shown in
The goal of playing the disclosed game is for individual or team players to advance their game pieces 20 around the track of playing board 10, compete by progressively attempting to create spreads that indicate the sale of an item of real estate. The spreads are created by advancing along the playing board and by collecting cards 16 are combined to create the spreads.
As noted above, game 5 includes playing board 10 that provides a surface upon which to play the game.
Playing board 10 can be constructed from any suitable materials, such as (but not limited to) cardboard, plastic, metal, wood, or combinations thereof. Top playing surface 25 can be printed or otherwise include graphical representations, such as numbers, images, words, and the like. The top playing surface can be printed on the playing board by a printing process or may be formed as a part of the playing board itself.
The playing board is not limited and can be configured in any desired size. For example, the playing board can be configured with length 45, width 50, and thickness 55, as shown in
For example, the game board can include length 45 and/or width 50 of about 5-50 inches (e.g., at least/no more than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 inches). For example, the game board can have a length and width of about 22 inches×22 inches in some embodiments. It should be appreciated that the dimensions of the playing board are not limited and can be configured larger or smaller than the length and width ranges given above.
The term “thickness” refers to the distance between the board top and bottom surfaces 25, 30, as shown in
Although depicted as square or rectangular in shape in the Figures, the playing board can have any suitable shape, such as (but not limited to) oval, round, triangular, cross-shaped, pentagonal, octagonal, and the like, as shown in
In some embodiments, the playing board can be foldable along crease 60 to be be easily stored and/or shipped, as illustrated in
It is also envisioned that the playing board can be electronic, and the game played electronically as well.
Top playing surface 25 of the game board can be marked or printed in any desired way. For example, the top playing surface can include a series of tracks 65, each track assigned to a particular player or team. In some embodiments, the playing board can include 4 tracks 65, as shown in
In some embodiments, each player advances along spaces 70 of each track in an “S” or serpentine pattern, as illustrated in
Each individual space 70 also includes a direction or image that has some significance in the real estate buying and investing field. As an example, a plurality of spaces in each track 65 can indicate the target words “BUYER,” “CONTRACT,” “SELLER,” or “INVESTOR” as illustrated in
Spaces that do not include the words SELLER, BUYER, CONTRACT, or INVESTOR can include images 75 of different types of houses or real estate. For example, the images can represent single-family houses, condominiums, townhouses, small houses, duplexes, mansions, beach houses, vacation homes, modern style houses, cabins, farmhouses, ranches, and the like. In some embodiments, about 10-20 percent (e.g., at least/no more than about 5, 10, 15, or 20%) of the spaces include images of real estate properties.
Each of the plurality of spaces may include different words corresponding to different rules or actions to be taken by at least one player.
Spaces that do not include images of houses or real estate and do not include the words BUYER, SELLER, CONTRACT, or INVESTOR include words corresponding to different rules or actions to be taken by at least one player. For example, the spaces can include a direction to pay or receive real-estate related funds (e.g., pay a fee for lawn care, pay a fee to record a contract, win $50, pay HOA fee, water bill payment, property tax payment, tree removal fee, repave driveway cost, new roof bill, property tax refund, pay accountant, cable bill, new fence, hail storm damage, repaint house, replace refrigerator, etc.). Thus, each track can include penalty or reward spaces that address examples of economic loss or gain suffered in different ways associated with real estate ownership.
An important educational and sometimes amusing aspect of the game are the cards 16 that can include educational facts associated with real estate ownership. Representative examples are shown in
The game is played with two or more players (or two or more teams of players) and the setup includes placing the cards 16 (face down) on playing board 10. In some embodiments, the playing board can include representative rectangle 80 configured to house cards 16, as shown in
Each player or team then selects game pieces 20. The game pieces are not limited and can be configured in any desired shape. For example, the game pieces can be each a different color, size, and/or shape to distinguish the game piece of player 1 from the game piece of player 2. Each player can select two or more game pieces (e.g., about 2-10).
As noted above, game 5 includes playing board 10 that acts as a base. The playing board can be positioned such that the top surface 25 is visible and accessible by the players. The game pieces for each player (or team) are placed on start space 71 for that team's track 65 as shown in
Each player is also given a set number of cards 16 (e.g., 6 cards) before game play begins. Each card is labeled with an identifier selected from the letters S, C, B, or INV, as noted above (representing Seller, Contract, Buyer, and Investor, respectively). In some embodiments, a card can include a real estate fact alone or in combination with the letters S, C, B, or INV.
To begin the game, the playing order is selected. In some embodiments, each player rolls a set of two or more dice 15. The player with the highest total number from the rolled dice is the first player to move. If two players have the same number after the dice are rolled, those two players then re-roll until one player has a higher number rolled. If a player rolls the same number on both dice during selection of playing order (or at any time during game play), that player receives one extra roll. The player with the highest number on the rolled dice will initiate game play as Player 1.
Each player will roll the dice with the player having rolled the highest number starting first, and with the remaining players taking their turns in a clockwise rotation from the first player's left. If players combine to form teams in lieu of individual play, team members will alternate in their turn taking. Each player's roll of dice will indicate the number of spaces that a player may advance his or her game piece 20 along spaces of that player's track.
The first player will move their game piece 20 from the start space 71 along the pathway of track 70 the rolled number of spaces. For example, if Player 1 rolls a total of 5, game piece 20 will advance from space numbered “1” to space number “6” (5 spaces along the track). In some embodiments, if a player rolls the same number on all dice in a single turn (e.g., all ones), they receive one extra roll.
The player advances the number of squares equal to the number rolled on the dice to the corresponding spot on the board. Movement of the playing piece along the tracks between the goals is controlled by the number rolled on the one or more dice. Once that player has rolled, the next successive rolls the dice and so forth until all players have rolled and moved their playing pieces. The first player then rolls again and the process repeats.
If a player lands on a space labeled with an S, that space is deemed a free space. That player will draw a card 16 from the stack of cards. The player will also discard any card (e.g., an S, C, B, or INV card) as desired. For example, a player may decide to discard a C card if that player already holds 2 C cards.
If a player lands on a space labeled I, the player will draw a card from the stack of cards. That player can also play an INV card, with the goal to make a spread of S-C-B or S-C-INV along the track. Regardless of whether the player plays an INV card, that player will also discard a card into a discard pile. If the player does not hold an INV card to play, that player will simply discard a card.
If a player lands on a space labeled B, that player will draw a card from the stack of cards. If the player holds a B card, that player can also play the B card (again with the goal to play a combination of S-C-B or S-C-INV to create a spread). The player will also discard a card into the discard pile. If the player does not hold a B card to play, that player will simply discard a card.
If a player lands on a space labeled C, that player will draw a card from the stack of cards. If the player holds a C card, the player can play the C card with the goal to create a S-C-B or S-C-INV combination to create a spread). The player will also discard a card into the discard pile. If the player does not hold a C card to play, that player will simply discard a card.
If a player lands on a space labeled with the image of a house or other property, that player will draw a card. If the player holds an S card, that player can play the S card with the goal of creating a spread (S-C-B or S-C-INV). If the player does not hold a S card to play, that player will simply discard a card.
As a player moves along the track, if a combination of S-C-INV or S-C-B cards are played, that constitutes a spread. The player will then turn the S-C-INV or S-C-B cards over to close the deal. The goal is to create two spreads before reaching the end of the track.
If the player gets to the top of the board without making two spreads the player has lost the game.
Thus, the object of the game is to find a house with a motivated Seller, land a Contract, find an Investor or a Buyer to buy. Along the way (as the player advances along the track) that player can win or lose money (e.g., $50 lawn care fees, recording fees, pay $50.00 when you win or pay money. If a player does not have enough money to pay a fee, that player automatically loses the game.
If a player draws a “Lost Contract” card any time during game play, that player can set an opponent back or stop them from closing by placing the “Lost Contract” card on another player's spread. Playing the Lost Contract card will result in the opponent's spread card to be lost. For example, if Player 1 draws a Lost Contract card and Player 2 has played an S, B or INV, C spread, Player one can play the Lost Contract card on a landed space to knock out the opponent's S, B/INV, or C card.
When a player reaches the end of the track and the dice roll is higher than the spots left on the board, that player must lose that turn and wait until their next turn. To finish the game both playing pieces of a player must to be on the board.
The object of the game is to find a house with a motivated seller (S card), land a contract (C card), and either (a) find an investor (INV card) or a buyer (B card) to buy. Thus, the goal is to create two “spreads.” A spread includes a combination of one S card, one C card, and one B card or one INV card.
While some embodiments, of the invention have been depicted in detail, it will be understood that modifications, adaptions, additions, or omissions may be made, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as delineated in the claims. For example, additional spaces, such as Insurance, balloon payment, short sale, appraisal fees, pre-approval letter, lease options, inspection, attorney fees, repairs can all be added to award or deduct money from a player that lands on that space. In addition, the shape and path of the tracks can also be modified to make the game more difficult.
Game 5 offers many advantages over prior art games. For example, the game teaches players the principles of selling real estate (e.g., finding a real estate seller, signing a contract, and either acquiring a buyer or an investor). The game therefore can teach players to distinguish between investors and buyers.
It is therefore an object of game 5 to provide a playing environment in which players learn about buying and investing in real estate.
Another object of the disclosed game is to provide a playing environment in which players learn about pitfalls and risks associated with real estate purchasing and investing, the steps involved in buying and investing in real estate, elements needed in a real estate contract, the parties involved in a real estate transaction, etc.
Still another object of the invention is to stimulate discussion about the real estate investing, including encourage and advice on how to begin the journey.
It is a further object of the game to provide enjoyment for the players.
A further object of game 5 is to teach the realities of chance, preparation, diligence, education, and mistakes educate players of the steps necessary to avoid problems in selling.
Game 5 can be played by any of a wide variety of players, such as seasoned real estate investors, adults, children, and the like.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/439,317, filed Jan. 17, 2023, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63439317 | Jan 2023 | US |
