Patent Grant
8540247
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to board games that schematize competitive sports; and more particularly to schematizing professional American football.
2. Background Art
The instant invention has been made in the general realm of games. However, these are board games based on sports (e.g., football, baseball, basketball, boxing, etc.) as opposed to: abstract strategy board games (e.g., chess, checkers, Othello, etc.); theme board games (e.g., Monopoly or Careers); other strategy games such as those utilizing cards (e.g., Gin, Poker or Mille Bornes) or tiles (e.g., Mah Jongg); video action games or games of skill (e.g., Doom or Pacman); physical games (e.g., jacks or Twister) or role playing games (e.g., Pokemon or Dungeons and Dragons).
More particularly, the instant invention is a board game based on sports that employs a novel use of dice, unlike any game currently known to inventor, called On-The-Roll™. One particular preferred embodiment is a game that schematizes professional American NFL football.
A number of sports games, including football games, are already extant and patented. Several bear particular mention in that they share some elements with the instant invention; yet, the instant invention is patentably distinct from each.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,419, Football Board Game, issued Jun. 23, 1998 to Thomas Hill is unlike the instant invention in that it utilizes decks of cards to gain yardage. It also has cards that are irrelevant to football such as Jack, King and Ace that affect the outcome of the game, particularly the ace which provides for an automatic touchdown without possibility of defense. The game also does not require dice for each play and denies the opportunity for the offense to continue gaining yardage on plays. This game further fails to provide for important elements of football such as fumbles on punts and kickoffs and does not provide for returns after a fumble. Penalties are assessed by colored chips visible to the players which allow a player to know in advance how many yards they would be assessed for a penalty. Most importantly Hill does not have the dynamic “On The Roll” element which allows for a play to continue until the offense loses a roll of the dice.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,229, Football Board Game, issued Jun. 8, 1993 to Francisco Jaime is unlike the instant invention in that this game instructs the offense to roll the dice and then show their play selection chip. The defense has a chance to defend on a play, but from a sideline standpoint. The defense does not roll any dice along with the offense but rather resort to guessing the offense's roll and play by means of a play chip placement along with the offense on a chart. There are several plays and rules that present restrictions that otherwise do not exist in professional football. This includes preventing an interception from being returned if it occurs at a certain section or zone on the field, or limiting a sack to a range of 1 to 9 yards only through a special game rule. Further kick-off returns are limited to just two rolls for the receiving team. Again this game does not contain the “On the Roll” element of the instant invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,879, Football Board Game, issued Feb. 5, 1991 to James L. Nigh is unlike the instant invention in that there are no play cards used to illustrate the intent of the opposing teams in respect to their play type selection. A predetermined amount of time is automatically deducted from the clock for many plays removing the very need for precise clock management this is in contrast to the instant invention which uses the clock to simulate the tension and speed of a real football game and makes the clock an integral part of game tactics and strategy. The game includes the use of three degrees of offensive and defensive dice for field movement. The totals rolled by the players are then subtracted from each other for every play to demonstrate the yards gained on that play. Additionally, several plays are formatted so that the offense rolls and then the defense rolls taking away the simultaneous interaction that is football. These are in contrast to the “On the Roll” element of the instant invention which involves dice rolls on each play and continued rolls for additional yardage.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,203,605, Football Game, issued May 20, 1980 to Joe W. Moody is unlike the instant invention in that the players use a rotating selector cup to declare their play intent, with no detail on the play. For instance, the defense has no specific play to match up to the offense play outside of rotating the selector cup to “defense”. Unlike the instant invention which uses charts to increase the complexity and interest of the game, Moody has very simple and limited play action using dice. Further, during play the dice are compared and various dice are eliminated by color. This game also has only limited penalties and fails to cover the possibilities present in real football. Again this patent lacks the “On the Roll” element of the instant invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,173,346, Board-Type Game Simulating Football Game, issued Nov. 6, 1979 to William D. Godwin is unlike the instant invention in that this game is designed to prevent one side from becoming dominant, as occurs in real football. Unlike the instant invention which through the “On the Roll” mechanism allows for breakaway situations the Godwin patent tries, for example, on run plays, to contain the yardage gained on plays through complicated dice calculations. A further distinction is the lack of a clock, with the time of the game being determined by counting possessions of a team. Because of this Godwin lacks the dynamic play found in the instant invention and in real football. This patent also differs in that on pass plays only the offense uses cards and the defense is not involved at all with kick plays and extra points. Some plays also require the offense to roll first and then pick a card. Generally, Godwin lacks a consistent method of play, such as that found in the instant invention.
Generally what can be said of the prior art is that it fails to capture the dynamic nature and complexity of a real football game. The instant invention by having the offense and defense each select plays, using the clock to create pressure to select plays and roll quickly, having both sides roll dice for each play, and most importantly using the “On the Roll” mechanism to continue a play for indeterminate amounts of time, more closely simulates a real football and the elements that make it exciting and interesting to watch and to play.
It is assumed, in the discussion below, that the reader is familiar with the rules of football, and the other games which have been, or can be, adapted to the On-The-Roll model of the instant invention. For those not familiar with, for example, the rules of professional American NFL Football, upon which the primary preferred embodiment is based, the reader is referred to the Official Playing Rules of the National Football League, published by Triumph Books, Chicago.
The intended practitioner of the present invention is someone who is skilled in designing, implementing, building, creating, printing or publishing board games. That is, one skilled in the art required to practice the instant invention is capable of one or more of the following: design, graphics production, printing, publishing and/or construction of game boards, pieces and/or packaging.
Several versions of the games derived from the instant invention are available: low-cost mass-market board games; a roll-up board with sports-type duffel bag to package the various game components; deluxe versions; table-top versions; etc.
The details of accomplishing such standard tasks are well known and within the ken of those skilled in those arts; are not (in and of themselves, except where noted) within the scope of the instant invention; and, if mentioned at all, will be referred to, but not described in detail, in the instant disclosure.
Rather, what will be disclosed are novel configurations of boards and pieces, and move or play algorithms or rules of play.
In summary, the disclosure of the instant invention will focus on what is new and novel and will not repeat the details of what is known in the arts.
The present invention is directed to an approach to realistically schematizing professional team sports embodied as board games, and particularly a preferred embodiment schematizing American football, baseball and basketball, as well as soccer, ice hockey and golf. One key to the realistic play of the game is the On-The-Roll™ (“OTR”) mechanism where, once play begins, real time play continues, generally against a clock, where both teams, generally, continue to roll dice continuing sub-play actions or elements, until a play is completed, as by a touchdown, tackle, or otherwise. Other games employ a one-player OTR mechanism for processes such as putting or hazard escape in golf. An additional essential element is a series of rules and charts, based on statistical compilation of many actual professional games, that map various combinations of offensive and defensive strategy options and dice rolls onto realistic game situations and the progression among them. Further, a mechanism is often employed where both teams: secretly choose a strategy, generally by selecting a card placed face down; roll one or more dice; reveal strategy choices by turning cards face up; determine a situation chart to consult, and further determine which result is selected from within the chart, based on some combination of which cards were played and the results of the dice rolls. An additional element is a variety of play cards that affect the overall game momentum of either team. Additional authenticity is achieved in golf, for example, by constructing a variety of dice roll mechanisms and progress rules that each correspond to the specific performance of an environmental or landscaping element such as wind magnitude and direction, ground slant, grass roll speed, and various hazards of diverse properties and difficulties including water, trees, roughs, and sand traps of various depths.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to
The On-The-Roll approach of the instant invention realistically schematizes professional team or competitive, sports; and, in particular, a primary preferred embodiment schematizes professional American football. These are embodied as strategic board games, and provide the tension and excitement of a real game as actually played, viewed live or via television.
As with a live game, completely unpredictable circumstances are achieved using play selection, field position, possession control and clock management. Key to achieving this realistic feel to the play of the game is the On-The-Roll™ mechanism where, once a play begins, real time play continues, generally against a clock, where both teams, generally, continue to roll dice continuing sub-play actions or elements, until a play is completed, as by a touchdown, expiration of time, or otherwise. This mechanism is shown in the Dice Rules on Rolling for Additional Yards. See
An additional essential element is a series of rules and charts, based on statistics compiled from the play and outcomes of many actual professional games, that map various combinations of offensive and defensive strategy options and dice rolls onto realistic game situations and the progression among and between these situations.
Further, a third inventive element of some On-The-Roll games is a mechanism whereby, for a substantial majority of plays, particularly in the football embodiment, both teams:
Generally, there are two sides which, in sport games, are usually referred to as the Offense and Defense.
Prior to the start of active play, one or both sides (1510, 1520), optionally, select a play strategy, as by choosing a card or other marker. Generally, these selections are made in secret (and declared, for example, after the first roll of the dice), but are, alternatively, declared at selection time, or otherwise. In alternative embodiments, play strategy is assigned, as by the roll of a die, or there are no strategy options, other than the default, available to a player.
Once the strategy option for each side has been determined, play begins (1530) by one or both players rolling dice (or by using some other randomizer such as a spinner, or card pick). In the OTR Pro Football preferred embodiment, the Offense and Defense simultaneously each roll a pair of uniquely colored but otherwise standard dice as the opening of active play.
Outcomes include: Offense Wins (1532); Defense Wins (1533, with ties generally going to the Defense in the preferred embodiment alternative); and, Special Conditions (1531) which include, for example, double sixes.
Depending on which of the three outcome conditions prevail (1531, 1532, 1533) an appropriate chart or other rule memorialization (1540, 1560, 1550) is consulted, which chart (or section of chart) will, optionally, also depend upon which strategy has been declared by one or the other or both sides. The rule is then implemented as directed by the appropriate chart (1540, 1580, 1570) where: Offense Wins results in further OTR play (1571) or a Play Ends condition (1572, e.g., as by a touchdown); Defense Wins (or, generally, ties) results in a Play Ends condition (1581); and, Special Outcomes result in further OTR play (1542) or a Play Ends condition (1541) as specified by the chart as modified by strategy selections.
Thus, the gist of the On-The-Roll algorithm is that play continues for an indeterminate number of rolls, until the Play Ends condition is met.
As with virtually all professional team sports (e.g., baseball, basketball, hockey and soccer) American football is an intensely competitive two-team activity where the level of engagement and emotions run high, for player and fan alike.
American football, in particular, is perhaps, however, the one that most closely resembles or markers with the tribal, feudal or societal elements of human culture which are manifested as warfare. Organized team sports (and the ultimate political/team sport of the Olympics) have evolved, some suggest, as a way to channel these instincts into a socially acceptable and safe outlet. Early analogs, such as jousting and gladiator exhibitions retained, to a great degree, the actual elements and danger of battle. In fact, several modern sports (e.g., la crosse or polo) are actually derived from tribal warrior training exercises.
Basically, football is a schematic of warfare, where two armies (teams) fight for possession of the flag (ball), and try to break through a defensive line with the ‘goal’ of placing the flag onto the home turf (end-zone) of the opposition to claim victory.
However, football has evolved into a highly ritualized activity—from the initial coin toss, to the half-time pageantry, to the end-zone victory dance, to the instant replay—which involves an offense, defense, special teams, officials and, most important, the opposing clans embodied as fans—that is regulated by an official, formal set of rules (See: Official Playing Rules of the National Football League).
American professional NFL football has, thus, become elevated from a relatively small-scale and safe schematic substitute for warfare, into a culturally iconic activity of its own.
The On-The-Roll™ Football Game, in a similar way, now provides a small-scale low-cost schematic substitute for owning your own football franchise and playing your team against an opposing team.
With the realistic On-The-Roll Football game, aficionados can create their own leagues and seasons with opponent teams/players, leading up to playoffs and, eventually, a local or regional Super Bowl. Players can use real game strategies to achieve clock management, ball control, field position, etc. Long-term records can be kept of a player's team's statistics. Players can purchase Team Marker and End Zone, or affixable stickers, representing the logos and colors of real teams (under appropriate license) which are, optionally, removable for use on your own home game, or at friend's away games. There are no batteries or electronics needed (excluding, optionally, an electronic clock) and the game can be played anywhere, anytime. Endless hours of completely unpredictable outcomes are achieved with On-The-Roll, just as with the real game of football, with gripping moments resulting from the confluence of play calling, the luck of the dice, and unexpected penalties.
Updates and enhancements to the game are available, including Beginner (Rookie) and Advanced (Pro) versions of the game, rules for wild card, division championships, college European and pro bowl games, etc. The On-The-Roll Football Game is highly educational about the game of football, and can help players of any level of experience develop insights into, and appreciation of, the strategy and tactics of the game. The book Official Playing Rules of the National Football League is recommended for use with this game as it will answer many questions that arise during play of the game, and is, optionally, supplied with the game.
Components of the Game: The standard edition of the preferred embodiment modeling a two-team professional American NFL football game comprises the following components:
The figures on the last three dice were chosen by statistically compiling kick averages (long and short) of real NFL games over several seasons and then adjusting the numbers to work with the two play dice to achieve these averages. As the performances of real football players improve from year to year, the numbers on the various dice can be adjusted to more accurately simulate the state of real football play current at that particular time.
Each team/player receives or, optionally, both share, a set of cards designating offensive and defensive play options, which are used during play to implement play strategy, as well as some special cards.
During play the two team markers,
The 10 yard down marker (301) is placed to help determine when 10 yards or more have been gained and a new first down is achieved. This is used in conjunction with the hash marker (307) to indicate the loss or gain of each individual play during a four down series.
The cards in the end racks are held there until used in play.
On the side racks, each team places their dice; and, offensive, defensive and other special cards. Generally, due to space restrictions, either the offensive or defensive cards are spread out, with the other group stacked behind each other; which group of cards, depending upon whether the team is playing offense or defense at the time.
Definition of Terms: Regarding the standard edition of the preferred embodiment modeling a two-team professional American NFL Football game, the following of terms, phrases, and abbreviations, particularly when they appear in the charts and rule sheets included in the figures and disclosure, will, generally, be used herein with the meanings indicated in this section.
Difference Between OFF and DEF Roll is a situation where the offensive gain is the difference between the offense roll and the defense roll. This is used, for example, in an Offensive Pass play where Offense wins against a Nickel Defense. If, for example Offense rolls 5 & 4=9, and Defense rolls 3 & 2=5, then the Offense gains 9-5=4 yards. (Note: Defense was thinking PASS, but lost the roll. Proceed to Next Down.)
Game Clock: The On-The-Roll Football game timing is analogous to that of professional football and is an important element of the way that the On-The-Roll invention is applied to realistically simulate or schematize professional American football.
It is the function, and not the construction, of this clock that is important and, optionally, the clock is implemented: with a mechanical or electronic mechanism; as two separate clocks under manual synchronization, two inter-connected clock mechanisms, or a single integrated timing mechanism; with a sweep, digital and/or audible display; or, otherwise. Nevertheless, it is preferred that a single clock unit be provided that controls and displays both Game Clock (701) and Play Clock (702) functions in an integrated manner and is convenient to operate both to: switch from game time to play time during the inter-play period, and back again (also indicating an out of time penalty); and to stop the game time clock during called time-outs.
The ‘clock’ can also be provided as two separately controlled mechanisms. The Game Clock (701) keeps track of game time, generally measured in 15 minute quarters. The other Play Clock (702) is, nominally, set to 40 seconds, regulation time, but, optionally may be set for a different amount by default or agreed upon by the players. When a player stops the game clock the play clock is started immediately and will run (or run out) until the player starts the game clock again. The play clock automatically resets itself, for the next down or play, when the game clock is restarted.
It is essential that each team (player) must recognize and respect the elements of game timing, and recognize the benefits achieved thereby which result in the game having realistic and exciting momentum (i.e., being On-The-Roll). Therefore, timeouts are preferably exercised, with the options available to the requesting team, including:
The length of a timeout is on a negotiated basis between the teams/players of a particular instance or the game. Alternately, a chart of conditions and timeout lengths is, optionally, supplied to reduce the need for ‘negotiation’. Further, clock resets are permitted, if time was lost or forgotten, on a negotiated basis between the teams/players.
Any time disputes that may arise which are difficult to settle warrant a condition and settlement by the rules of a Coaches Challenge Flag.
Note that Offense controls the game clock and Defense controls first down and field markings and the 30 to 40 (as negotiated) second play clock. All other game operations are shared or assigned by prior agreement, or an optional set of published default assignments.
On The Roll simulates the tension and excitement of a real game of Football—a game of strategy with completely unpredictable circumstances using play selection, field position, possession control and clock management. In general, the contents of the play chart outcomes and play rules are actual transcribed events that have been statistically compiled over several seasons.
The main action of the On-The-Roll Football game is organized into a series of Plays, generally analogous to plays or downs in NFL Football. Further, as with NFL Football, On-The-Roll Football is an Offense-driven game.
The object of the game is for the Offense to make their way across the field to the end zone for a touchdown, using clock management. The Defense attempts to stop the Offense, thereby giving them an opportunity to take possession of the ball. At the end of the game, the team that scores the greatest number of points during the entire game is the winner.
Points are scored as follows:
The overall timing guidelines adhere to standard NFL rules. The timing elements of On-The-Roll are negotiable between the players; however, in general, by default:
Game time is 60 minutes, consisting of 4 quarters of 15 minutes each.
Negotiated timeouts between the first & second and third & fourth quarters.
Half time break is 15 minutes, or as deemed appropriate by the players.
Team time-outs are available, 3 time-outs per team per half.
Over-time is implemented as a 15 minute quarter of sudden death (the first team to score any points wins) with 2 team timeouts. If neither team scores, a draw is (generally) called. At the option of the players, alternate conditional rules can be used to break ties to simulate college and European football play or modified rules for professional NFL updated changes.
As stated, the basic unit of On-The-Roll Football is the ‘Play’ and the game is Offense-driven. Plays are of several types:
The Kickoff Play: The kickoff is a special circumstance that occurs at the start of the game, or after a score by one team. Each team rolls one die to determine who wins the toss.
The receiving team (going for a touchdown) and the Kicking team (trying to prevent the touchdown) place their respective strings of players (the team markers) on the field in position for the starting kick-off.
The kicking team is positioned at the 30 yard line, although, other default positions are, optionally, used and are within the scope of the instant invention. The receiving team places their string of players where they think the kick distance will be. Then, simultaneously, the kick team player (or designated player of a team of players) rolls the kick die and two (nominally red defensive) play dice, while the receiving team rolls just the two (nominally green offensive) play dice. At that point, the kicking team's marker is moved to be nose to nose with the receiving team's marker at the kick distance and the clock is started.
The receiving team then returns the kick-off by moving their marker from its initial position (the kick distance) to a new position, determined by the sum of the receiving team's initial roll, and moving that number of yards towards the receiving team's goal.
The kicking team's marker is moved to be nose-to-nose with receiving term's marker at that position.
Then the On-The-Roll inventive mechanism is employed. With the clock still running, each team repeatedly rolls two play dice, nominally red/defense for the kicking team and green/offense for the receiving team. These rolls continue so long as the receiving team rolls a number higher than the kicking team; and, the team markers are moved toward the kicking team's goal by a number of yard markings equal to the roll of the receiving team. If the receiving team rolls enough ‘rushes’ to move the markers into the kicking team's end-zone a ‘touchdown’ has occurred and play ends; if, on a particular roll, the kicking team rolls higher than the receiving team a ‘tackle’ has occurred and play also ends. At either ‘play end’ condition, the game clock is stopped by the offense. The defense then starts the play clock to start. The play clock is nominally set to Count down from 40 seconds—the NFL standard—but any amount of time, negotiated and agreed to by the players, can be used.
The play clock begins at the end of a given play till the snap of the ball (the initial roll of the dice) for the next play. If the offense does not snap the ball before the play clock reaches zero, there is a 5 yard penalty to the Offense for ‘delay of game.’
A ‘Bonus’ condition on Kick-Off exists, if the receiving team is positioned at the exact kick distance, as measured from the kicking team's 30 yard line. In this case, the receiving team may roll two dice for every 10 yards (or portion thereof) to the opponent's end zone, before the kicking team can roll to defend. If the receiving team has not achieved a touchdown, the receiving team, now the Offense, chooses a play for their first down and the kicking team, now the Defense, chooses a defense strategy play. See the Kick-Off Rule Chart,
Additional Kick-Off rules are enumerated in the play book for Double Sixes conditions (See
First Down at the Line of Scrimmage: Each team, anticipating the opposing team's play, selects their play, placing their play cards face down. Offense starts the game clock and each team, simultaneously, rolls two play dice, Red for Defense and Green for Offense. After the roll of the dice they flip their cards face up, at the same time, to reveal their plays and then review the play charts, if that play has a chart outcome (not all combinations do). Each team repositions their string of players on the field, based on the outcome dictated by the appropriate chart entry. They then proceed with the On-The-Roll mechanism, and continue to roll two dice each for additional yards (if eligible) till the Defense beats the Offenses roll. If there is a Run play or completed Pass play, the game clock continues to run into the next play selection. If an incomplete Pass play was executed or a penalty assessed, then the game clock stops. If the players are using the clocks with coordinated mechanisms, stopping the Game clock will trigger the nominally 40 second Play clock. Otherwise, the offense will stop the Game clock and the defense will start the Play clock.
Second, Third and Fourth Downs at the Line of Scrimmage: The Offense proceeds with its Offensive drive across the field for a touchdown through a second, third and fourth non-kick-off play or ‘down’. So long as at least 10 yards are gained by the offense by the end of the fourth down, a first down condition is obtained.
The Offense has 11 regular play cards (Fly, Post, Curl, Cross Pattern, Quick Out, Sweep, Trap, Pitch, Blast, Misdirection and West Coast Offense) and 2 play option cards (Play Option Run and Play Option Pass) (with 3 alternate play selections available if the option is exercised) and an audible play or hurry-up offense strategy in which to obtain a first down.
The Defense has 6 play cards matched up to the Offense play cards in which to defend against the attempted touchdown. For each offensive play there is an optimal defensive play such that even if the defense loses the roll, the offensive will only gain either the sum of their roll, next down, the higher or lower value of one or two dice rolled, next down, or the difference in the dice rolls, next down.
If the Offense does not make a first down in three plays, the Offense, on the fourth down, may attempt to go for the first down by running or passing, therefore running the risk of turning their possession over to the Defense if they do not make a first down. Alternately, the Offense may choose to Kick. If close to the opponent's end zone, a Field Goal or Fake Field Goal is generally used; if far from the opponent's end zone, a Punt or Fake Punt is generally used. In this circumstance the game clock would only stop after a successful Field Goal attempt and after a punt for change of possession.
Change of Possession: The Offense must turn over possession to the Defense if: a first down is not made; on an interception, punt, or safety; after a field goal; or, after a touchdown. In the event of a fumble—either by chart indication or by the Defense rolling Double Sixes—both teams roll one play die to determine possession (in one of the few exceptions to the rule, if a tie is rolled, each team continues to roll simulating the scramble for the football characteristic of fumbles). Once possession is determined, the players then roll two play dice for yards on most pass plays and one die for yards on most run plays unless otherwise stated in a chart directive. Yardage rolls continue (i.e., On-The-Roll) until the current Defense beats the Offense's roll.
If an interception has taken place—either by chart indication or by the Defense rolling Double Sixes, the Defense takes possession at the distance of the offensive roll unless otherwise stated in a chart directive. Then each team rolls two play dice till the current Defense beats the Offenses roll. Note that on a Run play, the presence of Defensive double sixes constitutes a Fumble at the current line of scrimmage; and, on a Pass play the presence of Defensive double sixes constitutes an Interception of the at distance of the offensive roll. Both these conditions are eligible for return or continuing yards till the play ends, or for immediate possession at the line of scrimmage, if there is no return.
General Rules of Play: The On-The-Roll Football Game Play Book contains many charts comprising the procedures, rules and regulations of the game. Examples of the most commonly used elements are shown in
Some of the following rules correspond to official NFL game play rules, others have been modified to enhance play for this particular game.
To see which team will receive the kick-off at the beginning of the game—the ‘Coin Toss’—each team rolls one play die, with the winner electing to kick or receive. If both players roll the same total they must continue to roll until one team wins the roll.
At the end of a quarter, players exchange end zones. This is an official NFL rule.
All dice rolls must be flat. Any leaning dice are not valid and all dice rolling must take place within the boundaries of the field board. If, while rolling, any of the dice leaves the field of play at any time during the game (even if it falls back onto the field of play) the other team places a penalty flag on the field. If the penalty situation occurs at the snap, where the play cards have not yet been revealed, a 5 yards OFFSIDES Penalty is immediately assessed for either Offense or Defense, as appropriate. (If both players mis-roll, there are offsetting penalties.) During the play, Offense or Defense cards are drawn from the appropriate deck of penalty cards: immediately for the Offense at the current line of scrimmage; and, for the Defense at the end of the play. The cards also reveal an official referee's down directive, which allows the players to know if the down remains the same or if it is the next down after a penalty has been assessed. They are:
The second penalty mechanism also applies for any other function which is out of time with the normal game flow such as:
Team markers are repositioned on the field, based on the outcomes of the initial play roll before continuing to roll for additional yardage. The exception is when using The Hurry Up Offense.
At any time during the game, any disagreements involving any situations relevant to the game must be resolved by using a ‘Coach Challenge Flag’ (305) where the challenging team places the flag on the field. Then, each team rolls one play die and the higher roll wins the debate.
All penalties are Official NFL infractions.
The Offense controls the pace of the game, therefore the Defense must be ready when the Offense is within a reasonable amount of time, i.e., within a short time after the Offense is ready. If the Offense feels the Defense is delaying the game they can use a Coach Challenge to try and enforce a 5 yard Delay of Game Penalty. This is done with the Coach Challenge Flag (305).
A Safety is automatic when: any loss of yards puts the Offense on or past the goal line. A Safety is also automatic on a kickoff or punt when the Receiving team is in their end zone, the Kicking team rolls double sixes creating a fumble, and the Receiving team does not gain possession.
A tie when rolling dice generally goes to the Defense, except where otherwise indicated in a particular play rule chart. Several exceptions are: 1. when rolling for possession after a fumble; 2. the ball is tipped at the line of scrimmage and the players roll for possession; and 3. when using the West Coast Offense where the quarterback runs up the middle for yards until the play ends.
Rolling Double Sixes by the Defense, at any time during the game, causes an automatic loss of possession, representing either a Fumble (on a Run Play) or Interception (on a Pass Play). Some of the exceptions are 1. Where the Offense also rolls double sixes (for a Pass: the ball is dropped by the defender, and, for a Run: the Ball goes out of bounds); 2. The offense rolls double ones (the play is out of bounds, next down); and, 3. Sixes are rolled on an “At Snap” play or penalty pending play depending on the type of infraction and ruling.
All Timeouts must be within a reasonable amount of time deemed fair between the players. This can be done as a matter of courtesy, a pre-determined time can be established by the players or a standard can be set, particularly for league play.
Fumbles and Interceptions can be advanced, once possession is gained, unless otherwise stated in the appropriate play charts or play book.
Any function of the game that has not been exercised at its appropriate time in the game cannot be reversed.
Any combination of dice can be rolled by either team any time during the game, unless otherwise stated in the rules. For example, during a punt the Offensive team has the option to roll any combination of dice in an attempt to not kick the ball into the end zone. This will depend largely on the field position at the time of the kick. In a second example, if the Defense mistakenly rolls one die when they would be permitted to roll two under the rules, the play stands and the Offense may capitalize on that mistake.
With regard to Turnovers and dice, players may continue to use the dice in their possession until the play ends. There is no penalty. Then they must switch to either the Offense or Defense dice and optional offensive or defensive string of plays, depending on the position being played at that time.
All plays start from the line of scrimmage.
Out of Bounds Cards are received at any point during the game and under all circumstances whenever a player rolls double ones. Additional rules regarding out of bounds cards are contained in an Out of Bounds Card Use Chart.
Any penalties, extra points or other game functions, which are not exercised at the appropriate time during the game, cannot subsequently be utilized at any other point in the game.
A Two Point Conversion is effected by each player rolling two dice with the best out of three rolls determining the winner.
An extra point can only be prevented by the Defense rolling doubles of any value.
Penalties can be declined by the team in control of the ball. Penalties can be assessed for infractions that take place during Active play or at the Snap.
A kicking team that rolls doubles is not permitted an extra roll.
If the Offense rolls doubles during a play, the Offense is permitted an extra roll without defensive opposition before the Defense is permitted to defend again. This rule continues with the Offense continuing to be able to roll without opposition until the Offense fails to roll doubles. Some chart outcome directions will take away the extra roll from rolling doubles, and others will earn the team an extra roll as a result of the play in addition to the extra roll earned by rolling doubles.
If the Offense puts down a play and the Defense takes too much time to put a card down, forcing the Offense to wait on their clock time, the Offense being ready will roll the dice (snap the ball to begin the play) and the Defense will experience an automatic “5-yard Delay of Game” penalty.
After a touchdown, the players should be lenient regarding the length of the time out, bearing in mind that the average post-touchdown time outs in real football are approximately five to nine minutes.
In the event that the line of scrimmage coincides with the goal line, play is considered to be in the end-zone.
In the event that both teams roll doubles, the Offensive team is not awarded an extra roll. The dice default to the high/low values on the dice.
The PLAY—The Basic Unit of Game Structure: As stated, the basic unit of On-The-Roll Football is the ‘Play’ and the game is Offense-driven. Plays are of several types:
The KICKOFF Play: The kickoff is a special circumstance that occurs at the start of the game, or after a score by one team. It has been described, above, in detail. No card is necessary.
The RUN and PASS Plays: The ‘usual’ offensive choice is to opt for:
Of the six Defensive strategy patterns, some are geared to best respond to a Run Offense (8 Man Box & Zone Defense), and others are geared to best respond to a Pass Offense. (Nickel Defense & Man to Man). The Zone Blitz can work well with any play and the Change-up is best for the Play Option, although it is equally effective for the Audible offense or otherwise has traits of the zone coverage.
The basic strategy, then, is for the Offense to pick its best strategy, and for Defense to try to anticipate that and select the best defensive strategy.
For example, if Offense plays a type of PASS and Defense selects a Nickel Defense this is an appropriate defense against the pass but, due to the dice roll, is not guaranteed to win for Defense; but, it will tend to minimize damage in the event of a loss, because Offense only gets the difference between the two rolls in yardage, and play ends (i.e., the On-The-Roll mechanism is terminated). And, if the Defense wins the roll with the optimal defensive play, the outcome is highly desirable for the Defense and damaging for the Offense, in many cases affording the Defense the advantage of obtaining the highly desirable Sack cards and/or creating a Fumble or Interception on the play by chart directive.
On the other hand, for example, if Offense plays a type of PASS and Defense selects a 8 Man Box Defense (which is more appropriate to defend against an Offensive's type of RUN) in the event that Defense loses the roll, Offense gets its entire roll in yardage, and gets to continue to play On-The-Roll until Defense gets a roll equal to, or higher than, Offense. Ties generally go to the Defense here, except for the West Coast Offense, and some other PASS and RUN plays where a second chance for the offense to beat the defense roll is part of a play design or in the instance of a best of rolling series. The only roll that most consistently presents a tie is matched sums.
In all of cases the PASS and RUN outcomes can be determined from four well-organized charts. The four charts correspond to:
All combinations of dice rolls Defense options are enumerated in these charts.
Other Undeclared Offenses: In addition to the five PASS plays and five RUN plays, there are other Offense selections which are chosen by placing a card face down, with defense placing a card face down as well. Two of these: the Play Option Pass (with options of Q.B. Run, Bootleg and Draw) and Play Option Run (with options of Bomb, Screen Pass and Slant), provide three Offense options each and several conditions that customarily arise when using the Play option plays. Which of the three options occurs is determined as follows: both Offense and Defense place their cards face down; the dice are rolled; the cards are turned over; and, if Offense wins the roll, the Offense must proceed with its original pass or run play which by design will produce minimal gains and no until play ends (TPE) conditions. If Offense loses the roll and the Defense does not have the change-up, then the offense may select from the three option plays. If the offense loses the roll and the defense does have the change-up, each team most roll under the conditions of the change-up defense rules See
The other single-sided Offense option cards that are played face down are: West Coast Offense, The Audible, Kneel Down Play, Spike the Ball, QB Sneak, and Hail Mary. for additional details.
Declared Offense Cards: Rather than playing these cards face down, in secret, these cards are ‘declared’ verbally, and placed face up. In these cases, the Defense's choice of a particular defense strategy card does not affect play. These include the On Side Kick, Extra Point and Two Point Conversion.
Declared Special Team Offenses: These cards are announced verbally, and placed face up. And, again, defense does not choose a particular defense strategy card. These include the on side kick, double sided cards Punt/Fake Punt and Field Goal/Fake Field Goal. The difference is that here, the two sides are related, and which one applies is determined by Offense choice in the event that Offense has rolled doubles (i.e., the same number of pips on both play dice). See
Special Cards: In addition to Offense and Defense Play Cards are several types of special cards.
Offense Penalty Cards and Defense Penalty Cards are handed out under appropriate conditions, as described elsewhere, and move the line of scrimmage in favor of the non-penalized team.
Out-of-Bounds Cards are obtained by rolling double ones any time during the game and can be used at any time in the quarter they were received. They are used to stop the game clock during play or end a play and are used both offensively and defensively.
Sack Cards are earned by the Defense during play, as described elsewhere. They represent conditions Such as: Official Time Out, Fumble Ruled Out of Bounds, and other highly desirable conditions that may be used to change the momentum of the game. They can be used at any time during the game, except for the Time Out Card, which can only be used after the three Team Time Out Cards have been exhausted.
A variation on the primary On-The-Roll Football preferred embodiment is a simplified version of the game for Rookie players. This version introduces key concepts, and permits players to familiarize themselves with the basic structure of On-The-Roll Football without becoming mired down in an unfamiliar maze of details that are the key to making On-The-Roll Football as exciting and realistic as it is.
In particular, in the Rookie version use of the play clock is optional; the number of plays available is reduced; the double sixes rule is always in effect and the 6/1 rule has been eliminated. The reduced number of plays is reflected in the play chart for Run and Pass which have fewer variations to address.
The football board game 5000 may optionally be of knockdown construction for ease of assembly, low cost, and/or portability. The football board game 5000 may also optionally have computerized tablets 5006, which are adapted to facilitate play and to provide additional information that may be useful to individuals or players playing the football board game 5000.
The computerized tablets 5006 may be computer client devices, such as tablets, personal computers, laptops, cell phones, client devices, client devices communicating with one another, stand alone client devices, wireless or wired client devices connected to the internet or other suitable network or networks, or combination thereof, or other suitable computerized tablets adapted to facilitate play and provide additional information to individuals or players playing the football board game 5000.
The football board game 5000, comprises:
The football board game 5000 further comprises:
The football board game 5000 also comprises:
It should be noted that the opposing football team markers 5044 are each adapted to facilitate coordinated movement of the opposing football team tokens 5042.
The offensive football team marker 5060 further comprises:
While NFL Football is quite popular in the United States and Canada, in Europe and the rest of the world the game of ‘football’ usually refers to Soccer, which has comparable popularity there.
Due to the dynamic nature of Soccer, the use of the OTR mechanism provides OTR Soccer with a level of excitement and speed not found in other soccer board games.
OTR soccer uses a board printed with a graphic of a soccer field (1601) and markers to designate field advancement in five yard increments on the left side (1602), center (1603) and right side (1604) of the field. It also indicates the location of the penalty box (1607) and the 20 yard mark (1606). A token representing the soccer ball is also provided to mark position on the field.
OTR Soccer is played with three types of dice: play dice (1701), ball dice (1702) and directional dice (1703). In this embodiment, four sets of play dice are provided for use by up to four players on a team. Each team is also provided with a ball die and a directional die. Preferably, all of a team's dice are the same color.
The game begins by each team rolling a single play die, possession going to the team with the highest die value. In addition, a single directional die is rolled to determine whether the attacking team will take position of the ball at midfield on the left right or center position.
Normal play mode proceeds with the attacking team rolling a single die and their directional die against the defending team's single die. The value of the dice are compared. If the attacking team has the higher roll, they move forward towards the opposing goal the value of their roll (in the increments marked on the board). Depending on the result of the roll of the directional die, the team moves to the left right or center position on the field. If the attaching team's roll is lower than the defending team's roll, the attacking team moves back towards their own goal the value of their roll. Again the attacking team moves to the position designated on the directional die.
If both the attacking team and defending team roll dice with equal values, possession of the ball reverses and the defending team becomes the attacking team. The now attacking team rolls their play die and directional die against the now defending team's single play die. If an attacking team gets within 20 yards of the goal, rather than advancing towards the goal, the team will move away from the goal the number of yards designated on their roll. Once the attacker has moved back beyond the 20 yard mark, they can again start moving forward on the roll as before. See
Whenever the attacking team gets within 35 yards of the opposing goal, if the attacker rolls a six it may either take a shot at the goal or advance the six marks. See
If the attacker is at or within the 20 yard marker the attacker will roll one of its play dice, its ball die and its directional die. The defender will roll one of its play dice and its ball die. In order to score the attacker must roll equal values on it play and ball die, and a center on its directional die. If the defender does not roll doubles (equal values on the play die and ball die) the attacker scores. However, if the defender rolls doubles, the attacker does not score and players refer to the appropriate chart to determine who takes possession of the ball.
If the attacker is on the 25 yard line and chooses to take a shot, he rolls the ball die, two play dice and the directional die. The defender rolls his ball die and two play dice. For the attacker to score from this distance, they must roll doubles on the play dice, center on the directional die and his ball die must have a higher value than the ball die of the defender. If during this roll any two of the dice rolled by the defender have equal value, the attacker does not score and the chart is consulted to determine who takes possession.
If the attacker chooses to take a shot from the 30 or 35 yard line, he again rolls two play lice, the ball die and the directional die. In this situation however, the attacker must roll three of a kind, and get the center on the directional die. The defender also rolls three dice and will prevent the score by rolling equal values on any two dice. Again the chart is consulted to determine who takes possession.
Certain dice rolls create special conditions. If during normal play mode one player rolls a six and the other a one, the player rolling a six received a free kick card. If both players roll a six, the defending team receives possession of the ball, advances six field lines in the direction of their choice and the gets an unopposed roll. Play then resumes in normal mode.
Play is timed as in regular soccer.
When more than two players are playing the game, each player takes one or more zones of the field and is responsible for rolling to advance, shoot or defend when the ball enters their assigned area. Specially marked play dice (1701) are provided to allow each player to have a uniquely marked play die. The team's ball die and die are used by whichever of the players has responsibility for play at the time. When a shot is taken that requires more than one play die, the attacking player uses the additional team dice if only two players. However, if there is more than one player per side, the additional teammates will roll simultaneously to fulfill the roll requirement.
A second primary preferred embodiment is On-The-Roll Baseball which schematizes professional Major League American Baseball.
A main difference between OTR Football and OTR Baseball is that, as with the live games, Football relies on a clock to delimit the game, and Baseball is delimited by nine innings
Like football, the OTR mechanism can be applied to many other sports to produce more dynamic and interesting play than other sports board games. Below are examples of how OTR is used for baseball.
The players select a Pitching order (types of pitches) and a Batting order (types of batters) prior to the start of the game and maintain the circulation of that initially selected order throughout the game. In other words, the Pitcher flips the cards until they are exhausted and then starts at the top of the deck. The Batter flips their cards in the same fashion except another batter is not flipped until they get on base or are out. If the Batter has not exhausted their line up they put what was used at the bottom of the deck at the end of the inning to maintain the initial order set for the game. This operation produces an intriguing element of surprise, anticipation and unpredictable outcome, even though there is a strategy in their initial set up. There are several variables that can be introduced into the starting order during the game. For example, if the defense has received a DEF ERROR CARD awarded during the game for a “Pitcher steps off the mound” motion, that card could be used to allow the Pitcher to change the MATCH-UP by flipping over the next pitch then the one initially revealed. If a MATCH-UP again appears they must proceed with the game play for that situation. The interaction of the cards in this game are very powerful in effecting outcomes of many functions.
Other game elements that can affect the batting order, are, for example, the use of pinch hitters who can enter the game at any time. If on the initial roll, representing the first pitch, or two subsequent rolls, representing second and third pitches, the pinch hitter rolls a Six, the players proceed to roll two dice for the best out of five. If the offense the wins the series, the hitter gets a double. If the defense wins, the batter is out with no base runner advancement for any existing men on base. If a six is not rolled within one of the first three rolls play continues as normal.
A pinch runner can also be used when appropriate, but this requires that the batter for whom the runner is being substituted, come out of the game and be replaced in the batting order by the now pinch runner hitter. The disadvantage to this type of substitution is that there cannot be any type o Match-Up when this batter is up for the remainder of the game.
The use of a “Power Hitter” is a special case in the game. Here if the batter rolls a Six on its initial roll, the players roll two dice for the best of seven rolls. If the offense wins, it is a home run; if the defense wins, the batter is out with no base runner advancement for any existing men on base. If the batter did not roll a six initially, normal play continues. The use of this element creates a situation that varies from regular baseball rules in that when the offense uses a “Power Hitter”, the offense must also change its current pitcher.
As in real baseball, relief pitchers may be substituted at any time during the game. Each reliever put in the game must pitch to at least one batter, and pitchers cannot be changed during an at bat. The starting pitcher and first relief pitcher must be chosen at the beginning of the game. Thereafter, any time the defense wishes to change a pitcher, the pitch cards (representing one pitch each) are shuffled and nine cards are selected without being looked at to determine the pitches available. In the current embodiment each card is unique, however, it is possible to have several cards the same or have some cards be subsets of others.
In addition to the relief pitchers, the defense can chose to use their closing pitcher, termed the Closer. The Closer gives the defense the most flexibility and consists of a set of nine cards. These cards are selected from the entire set of pitching cards (currently 31 cards) at the time the defense decides to substitute the closer for their pitcher. The selection and order of the cards for the closer should be determined based upon the characteristics of the offensive batting order, the selection of cards being those most likely to provide the defense with good Match-ups.
When using the Closer, the defense flips a first pitch. Unlike the situation with a regular pitcher, prior to rolling, the Closer may optionally flip a second pitch. The defense may chose this option if, for example, a disadvantageous Match-Up appears on the first pitch. If the defense chooses to flip a second pitch before beginning to roll, it must proceed with the requirements of that second pitch including a Match-Up.
As much as possible, the actual rules of baseball are maintained during game play except as otherwise designated such as with the use of a Power Hitter, explained above.
The Double sixes rule applies for the initial match-up rolling. If the DEF rolls sixes and the OFF has any other roll, the ball is caught at wall, the batter is out and DEF gets an UMP CARD. If OFF rolls sixes and the DEF rolls any other roll, it is a Home Run and OFF gets DEF ERROR CARD.
The On The Roll Mechanism works here as follows: After the initial flip of the cards and the roll where a batter gets a hit by rolling a six, each team proceeds to roll two dice to determine if the batter gets on base (Revealing the type of hit a single, double, etc.) Some of the outcomes on the “HIT OUTCOME CHART” require even another roll to complete the play. If the batter rolls into a grounder and they have men on base then each team rolls one die again to see if any men advance because the grounder may have gone down the first base line forcing the batter out but allowing for the man on second to advance to third, for example.
The main charts of Baseball are:
1. Initial game play between Pitcher and Batter (one Die) reveals whether Strike, Ball, Foul Ball or hit has occurred.
2. Pitching series Match-Up (One Die) contains the result of a best out of three rolls series. Under certain conditions it is the result of the last roll that determines the outcome of the Match-Up.
3. Initial Match-Up (Two Dice) contains the result of the best out of seven rolls and has the double sixes rule built in.
4. Hit Outcome Chart (Two Dice) contains all the possible outcomes as far as type of hit and results.
5. Base runner results. (One Die) contains the results of each team having to roll one die if the hit is a ground ball and the OFF has men on base. It also contains a ⅙ rule.
The OTR mechanism and over all style of game play has been applied in baseball in the following examples.
In baseball the basic principle or goal is to: offensively, match a specific type of batter to the specific type of pitch that batter hits; and, defensively, to try and produce a pitching lineup that will remain in contrast to the batter order lineup so no match-ups appear.
Offensively: An inside fast ball pitch and an inside fast ball hitter creates a match-up.
Defensively: An inside fast ball pitch and an inside curve ball hitter results in an ordinary pitch.
Play begins by each player flipping a card. This creates either an initial match-up between pitcher and batter if the type of cards match with a specific roll requirement and result or, if the cards do not match it is considered just a regular pitch to the batter.
If, on the initial turn of the cards for an at bat, the pitch matches the type of batter who is up, the situation is called an “Initial Match-Up”. When there is an Initial Match-up each player rolls two dice up to seven times. Whichever player wins four out of the seven rolls, wins the at bat. If the Batter wins, it is considered a home run. If the Pitcher wins, the batter is out.
If the cards do not initially match-up, each player rolls one die and obtains a result for that single pitch (Ball, strike, foul or ⅙ outcome). The pitcher then flips another card constituting the next pitch to the batter (the batter does not flip a new card) and if there again is no match-up, the players each roll one die to determine the result of the pitch. This continues until the batter rolls a 6 (considered to be the hitter making contact with the ball) at which point the players each roll two dice and refer to the Hit Outcome Chart to determine whether the batter gets a hit, and if so what type, or is out; or has some other result as specified in the charts (e.g. is hit by a pitch or has a foul ball caught). If, at any time during the at bat (after the initial card turn) the pitcher flips a card which matches the batter, it is called a “Pitching Series Match-Up”. In this case each player rolls one die for the best out of three rolls series and refers to the Pitching Series Match-Up Chart to determine the results of the pitch.
Examples of various scenarios follow:
Each team flips their card (No Match-Up); each team rolls one die for a result. The pitcher flips their next pitch card and it matches the type of batter up (Pitching series Match-Up); each team rolls one die for the best out of three rolls series and refers to the “Pitching Series Match-Up” chart for the results of either the batter gets on base or is out.
Each team flips their card (Match-Up) each team proceeds to roll the best out of seven rolls using two dice each for either a home run or an out.
Each team flips their card (No Match-Up); each team rolls one die for a result (Strike, Ball, Foul or ⅙ consequence). Then the pitcher flips their next pitch; each team rolls and the batter rolls a six (Hit); each team rolls two dice and refers to the “Hit Outcome” chart for the results of either the batter gets on base or is out.
Each team flips their card (No Match-Up) each team rolls one die for a result. The pitcher continues to flip pitches until the batter either gets a hit (Rolls a six) or is out by a strike out or fielded ball such as a ball popped up behind the home plate and caught by the catcher.
Each team flips their card (No Match-Up) each team rolls one die for a result (Strike, Ball, Foul or ⅙ consequence). The pitcher then flips their next pitch, each team rolls and the batter rolls a six (Hit). Each team then rolls two dice for the results and refer to the Hit Outcome Chart for the results. If the batter gets a single and has a man on 2nd and 3rd base, each team proceeds to roll one die after the hit to see where the base runners will go as a result of the single. If the Off wins the roll, the man on 3rd goes home and the man on 2nd goes to 3rd base. If the Defense wins the roll, the man on 3rd is out at home and the man on 2nd goes to 3rd. See the “Base Runner Results” chart.
Additionally, there are bonus cards such as “DEF ERROR CARDS” and “UMP CARDS” which are obtained through the results of certain play rolls and have game momentum changing bonuses that a player can use anytime during the game. These cards are the equivalent of the “Sack” cards and “Out of Bounds” cards of On the Roll Football. Each player will also have a set of manager cards which remain in their possession throughout the game and have managerial decision making plays to use at their discretion.
Other similarities to OTR Football are the style of charts using Hi/Lo sum and value listings and various conditions stemming from the initial roll leading to a series of following rolls to complete a play. Rules that are signature OTR include the Doubles Sixes rule and the ⅙ rule. Also found here are the dice structures of Equal and Matched sums, Equal Values, as well as Hi, Lo Sums and Values, and Equal doubles.
Football and Golf are very different games. This is illustrated well by the technical use of the term ‘drive’ in each game. In Football, a ‘drive’ is a continuous press down the field which is modeled by the OTR simultaneous and continued rolls until the play is completed. In contrast, with Golf, a ‘drive’ is a single swing by a single player and is modeled (at the high level) by a single roll of the dice by a lone player, to be followed by a single roll by another player.
With OTR Golf, in contrast to OTR Football, much of the realistic play is embodied in the way a series of procedures interact with the landscape and environmental features embodied in a map of an individual hole of a golf course. Consequently, rather than an extensive series of charts, the golf game is best described as a series of flow charts depicting those procedures. Nevertheless, the OTR function is embodied in OTR Golf during the Hazard and Putting phases, where play is monopolized by a single player, in an open ended manner, until the end of that phase.
An OTR Golf game is optionally embodied in standard or deluxe boards, or a roll up version, similar to
A typical executive embodiment is housed in a hinged (2907) attaché case-like enclosure (2900) complete with locking closures (2901, 2902) and a carrying handle (2903). The top half of the case contains fitted compartments to hold the dice (2904) golf ball position tokens (2905) and wind direction marker (2906). The balance of that area comprises a typically felt-lined recessed tray for rolling the various dice. The bottom half of the case holds a typically spiral bound (as shown at left) book of golf hole maps (2910) with individual pages (2912,
Direction is indicated by cardinal (and, optionally, intermediate) points (3001) to be used in conjunction with the wind features (see 2906 and
The green area, as opposed to the fairway and approach or other areas, is indicated by distinct yard markers such as the circles show (3015); the hole itself by an oval cap and flag (3016).
In addition, various areas of the green, approach and fairway are marked with slant (SP) factors. Shown here in three speeds SP1 (3011) SP2 (3012) and SP3 (3013). These are used in conjunction with the drop/roll markings on the directional die (3102), in the event of a roll, to add additional yardage (typically 1 yard marker times the SP factor) in the direction indicated by the V pointers (3017) or, otherwise, toward the hole. As shown, the default factor (unless otherwise indicated) for this hole is SP1 (3014), but is, optionally, otherwise, including no roll SP factor.
Two standard dice (3101) are the play dice (abbreviated in some diagrams as PD, P.D. Play.D., etc.). These are used to implement a number of functions to model shooting performance. For example, a ‘muff shot’ is the typical result of rolling double Is; and, a double 6 often indicates that a shot results in sinking the ball, or results in adding additional yardage to a fairway shot that would otherwise be out of range of the green.
One directional die (3102) is provided determining both the directional path (typically Left, Center and Right) and whether the ball ‘drops’ or ‘rolls’ upon landing. With six sides each combination of L/R/C with drop/roll is represented. Separate dice (or other indicators) can, optionally, be used; and, the number of directional paths need not be limited to three.
A series of Club Dice (abbreviated in some diagrams as CD, C.D. Club.D., etc.) are used to play the game and have various distances in yards marked upon them, which are clustered around a performance typical for that type of club. For example: a Seven Iron (3103) produces for many players an average shot distance of 130; and the corresponding die has two sides marked with that average result, two sides above average (140 & 150) and two below average (120 & 110). As golf technology or player skill advances, these numbers are, optionally, periodically adjusted to reflect an authentic representation of the game at any given time.
A typical exemplary set of club dice consist of die representing a driver, several woods, several irons, optional pitching wedge (P.W.), sand wedge (S.W.) and putter (not shown in 2904), etc. Standard and ‘pro’ club dice are optionally provided with the pro dice having higher averages. Alternative single or sets of club die are provided either with, or as a supplement to, the basic game.
The Course: As with the real game, with OTR Golf a game consists of a series of holes with each player taking turns at shots (except for putting and escaping hazards, which proceed in OTR fashion) and accruing a ‘stroke’ for each shot. Holes vary in distance and difficulty and, therefore are, generally, par 3, 4 or 5.
The Wind: One of the optional features that makes for an authentic and realistic game play is the wind mechanism. At the start of the game (or, alternatively, before each hole, or more than once per hole) wind conditions are determined. For example, as an illustration, a die is rolled and outcomes of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 correspond to wind conditions of Due North, Due South, Due East, Due West, No Wind and No Wind for direction. A second roll determines wind speed with outcomes corresponding to 10, 20, 30, 40, 0 and 0 MPH.
Other randomizer mechanisms, formula and sets of directions are, optionally, used instead. For any given shot, the wind direction is compared to the direction of the shot to determine if the condition results in: a direct head wind, an indirect head wind, a direct tail wind or an indirect tail wind.
By this mechanism the effect of the wind changes with each shot in a predictable way and the direction of the wind interacts with the path of a particular stretch of the fairway or green. Play strategy is, thus, effected by the wind so that, for just one example, with a strong tail wind (in the direction of ball travel near the hole) a player may choose a particular club in order to try to make an intermediate shot which lands further from the green than if there was a strong head wind.
A Hole: As shown in
The Drive Shot: As depicted in
If a double 1 is rolled on the play dice (generally a ‘muff shot’) or the hole is overshot an out of bounds condition results (3430) leading (3431) to
Otherwise (3432), if the ball lands in a hazard area (3440) play proceeds (3441) to
Otherwise (3442), if the ball rests on the green (3450) the next shot is a putt, proceeding (3451) to
Otherwise (3452), if the ball rests within 120 yards of the hole (but, thus, not on the green) (3460) the next shot is a chip shot, proceeding (3461) to
Otherwise (3462), if the ball rests within 170 yards of the hole (3470) the next shot is an approach shot, proceeding (3471) to
Otherwise (3472), if the ball rests more than 170 yards from the hole (3480) the next shot is another drive shot, proceeding (3481) to
The Approach Shot: As depicted in
There are also three additional outcomes for when the ball lands right at, or rolls right to the cup (and one outcome, the drive, omitted). First (3580), if the ball is at the hole distance exactly; and, double sixes is not rolled from a shot that originated more than 150 yards from the hole, or no double is rolled from a shot that originated within 150 yards from the hole; the result is a putt on the player's next shot leading (3581) to
Otherwise (3582), if the ball is at the hole distance exactly; (3590) the directional die is a roll; and, a double sixes is rolled from a shot that originated more than 150 yards from the hole, or double 2 through double 5 is rolled from a shot that originated within 150 yards from the hole; the result is a ‘gimme’ on the player's next shot leading (3591) to
Otherwise (3592), if the ball is at the hole distance exactly; (3595) the directional die is a drop; and, a double sixes is rolled from a shot that originated more than 150 yards from the hole, or double 2 through double 5 is rolled from a shot that originated within 150 yards from the hole; or, a double six is rolled from a shot that originated from within 150 yards of the hole with either a drop or a roll on the directional dice; the result is a sink, the hole is complete and, on the player's next shot, he proceeds (3596) to
The Chip Shot: As depicted in
Two play dice conditions supersede even calculating distance. First, if the play dice roll a double, and the directional dice (used for drop/roll only, this is also a declared direction shot) roll is a drop (3630) the outcome is a sink and the hole is complete. The player proceeds (3631) to a new hole on their next turn which is shown in
Otherwise (3642), the new ball position is calculated (3650) as the sum of the play dice (since, as the default option, no club die is used) time 10 yards, with the directional path declared by the player. The optional wind, and DD=roll/SP factors are applied as described for the drive shot.
If the ball overshoots the hole (3660) an out of bounds condition results in proceeding (3661) to
The Putt Shot: Once a player reaches the green, on their next shot they start putting. Unlike other shots which are interleaved with other players' round-robin style, when a player putts, they monopolize the game with an OTR mechanism called odd/even play, until their shot is done.
As depicted in
To start, one play die is rolled (3713) to establish a parity or ‘toggle value’ (abbreviated as TV or T.V.) of either ‘odd’ or ‘even’. Then (3720) two dice are rolled and either match the toggle value in the parity of their sum or not. Then (3730), if there is not a match (3731) the toggle value is toggled (3732). That is: if the toggle value is even, it is set to odd; and, if the toggle value is odd, it is set to even. One stroke is added to the player's score (3733). And, in OTR fashion, the player rolls again (3734), completing (3735) an OTR loop.
Otherwise (3737), success (3740) is achieved: if the parity of the sum of the play dice matches the toggle value (3741), or the roll is any double (including 1/1) (3742), the putt is sunk (3743), and on the player's next move they proceed (3745) to a new hole, as per
Out of Bounds: When encountered in a number of these algorithms, the out of bounds condition (3300) is depicted in
Gimme Shot: When encountered in a number of these algorithms, the ‘gimme’ procedure (4600) is depicted in
Otherwise (4625) almost certain success (4626) sends the player to a new hole on their next shot via
Determining Appropriate Next Shot: When encountered in a number of these algorithms, the ‘take appropriate shot’ selection procedure (4500) is depicted in
First, if the ball has landed in a hazard area (4511) proceed (4512) to decision (4520); where:
Otherwise (4513), if the ball is on the green (4531) the next shot is a putt (4532) and play proceeds (4526) to
Otherwise (4534), if the ball is within 120 yards of the hole (4541) the next shot is a chip shot (4542) and play proceeds (4543) to
Otherwise (4544), if the ball is within 170 yards of the hole (4551) the next shot is an approach shot (4552) and play proceeds (4553) to
Otherwise (4554), the ball is more than 170 yards from the hole (4561) and the next shot is a drive shot (4562) and play proceeds (4563) to
Hazards: The hazard procedure begins with a hazard selection process as depicted in
If the hazard type is a rough or a sand trap of lower difficulty (D1) and the ball is on the fairway (3831) proceed (3835) to
Water: For example, the water hazard mechanism (3900) depicted in
Trees: Trees have a similarly realistic mechanism in that when hitting out of trees the luck (or skill) is having the ball travel without bouncing off a tree back into the hazard area; the choice of club has little to do with it, and the hope is to get out of the hazard area without expecting it to go very much further, or worrying overly much about exactly which direction the ball goes in when it stops bouncing. Further, it may take several attempts to free oneself from the trees and these shots are taken in succession without waiting for one's golfing buddies to shoot their turns in between.
These features are reflected in that for the tree hazard no club die but the randomizing directional die is used with the play dice (4020). Further the open-ended OTR Odd/Even Play Mechanism is again used.
A single play die is used to establish an opening odd or even toggle value (4014), although, alternative options include either value being used as the default opening value, the player may choose the opening value they consider to be ‘lucky’ or the toggle value may be fixed at odd or even for the entire play of the hazard.
Then the loop of (4020, 4021, 4030, 4031 or 4032, 4033, 4034 and 4035) is repeated for an open-ended, arbitrary number of iterations, until success is achieved. That is, if the parity of the roll of two play dice (4020) does not match the toggle value (4031) or a double 1 muff (4032) is shot: the toggle value is toggled from odd-to-even or even-to-odd (4033), a penalty stroke is added to the player's score (4034), and the process is repeated (4035).
Otherwise (4036) upon the successful roll of the two play dice matching the current toggle value (4041) the ball is progressed by the club independent distance of the higher value of the two play dice.times.10 yards (4042) a maximum of 60 yards. The directional die, optional wind factor, and roll/slant factors are then applied as usual.
Other Hazards: Of the three other hazards rough and shallow sand traps are treated the same (in this preferred embodiment but, alternatively will each have a unique play mechanism) and deep sand traps are treated separately. This is because in golf, the nature of rough or shallow sand is that a choice of club makes a difference in how the shot is played; but, in a deep sand trap, the sand wedge is a must and just getting out of the hole is the goal.
Further, these are played differently depending upon whether you are on the fairway (wanting distance) or green (wanting accuracy).
This is reflected in four more hazard mechanisms which are detailed in:
However, main features that differ among the above include that, as elsewhere in this preferred embodiment, the random directional die is used on the fairway to establish the less accurate results of drives; and, the declared direction on the green establishes that short shots permit more accuracy. Further, the wind and roll/slant factors are utilized only on the fairway. In addition, on drives the choice of clubs (at least for the rough/D1) is used because for these shallow hazards the choice is effective.
On the green the play dice are used to simulate statistics for putting outcomes, as there is generally no choice of club for putting, although a putter die is supplied as an optional alternative. Similarly, although
In all cases the open-ended OTR Odd/Even Play Mechanism is utilized with special meanings generally applied to double ones (muff), double twos through fives (good) and double sixes (better). As before, the player monopolizes the game, in OTR fashion, until they have cleared the hazard.
The OTR mechanism and over all style of game play has also been applied in Basketball in the following examples:
Offensive and Defensive strategies are selected prior to rolling the dice. Then each team flips their card before proceeding with a series of one die rolls (The series of rolls aimed at crossing the court and scoring.) Depending on what each team selects for OFF and DEF strategies the OFF will either gain the value of their roll or gain the difference between the OFF and DEF rolls.
There are charts in the classic OTR listing style for specific play functions and outcomes such as
A chart for “Advancing rolls”.
A chart for “Shooting in the zone”.
A chart for the “Rebound of a missed shot”.
All OFF and DEF materials including the dice are determined by the colors Green for OFF and Red for DEF.
The dice structure remains consistent with Hi/Lo and Equal Values, Matched Sums, and Hi/Lo and Equal Doubles all having various outcomes to OFF and DEF advantages.
Game momentum cards that are earned through various rolls and chart directives, will be able to effect play of the game.
Several examples of the OTR mechanism are provided below.
1. Equal values during advancement rolls each team continues to roll until someone wins which may lead to a DEF or OFF foul if three rolls of equal values occurs resulting in additional rolls for foul line points.
2. Equal sums on shot rolls (Player rolls to get basket). There are rebound rolls if the player misses the shot to see if the OFF or DEF gets the rebound or they continue to roll if equal values until someone gains possession.
An example of a basketball chart can be found in
Application of the OTR Mechanism to Additional Sport Games
A common element of all of the OTR games is the dynamic manner in which dice rolls are used to advance play and maintain excitement for the players. As shown in
The following outlines, and provides examples of, the application of the OTR Mechanism to other games including Basketball, Hockey and Boxing; and, also describes the overall approach used to incorporate the OTR Mechanism into game designs for additional OTR games.
A well-organized set of OTR game components generally includes, without limitation: an array of charts; game rules; dice rolling outcomes and rules; simultaneous action; and, in particular, the OTR Mechanism of continuing rolls to complete a play. These are combined to provide coherent and realistic game structures, which authentically balance skill and chance, to further produce a sense of being able to influence the outcome of the game, leavened with unpredictability.
For example, with Basketball each team continuously rolls their dice simultaneously as they quickly advance across the court. A Ball Die is rolled by one of the offensive players and represents possession of the ball. In addition, a set of Team Dice (each team member rolls one) are matched up against the opposite player in a man-to-man defense configuration to determine movement up/down the court. However, at some points during play, if the defense chooses to take a zone defensive position, the offense and defense would not roll simultaneously with each other until the offense enters the zone of the defender, or the defender moves closer to the offense upon completion of the roll. For each pair of matched offense/defense players:
Penalties include, for example, Traveling in Basketball (or Boarding in Hockey), and calling a penalty stops the clock.
With the OTR penalty system you first find on the chart the appropriate 1 vs. 6 (or, other defined penalty situation) outcome and then follow the directive of what to do next. Each type of game will have penalties and infractions appropriate to the game being played. In this exemplary case, a penalty card must be drawn by the Offense (OFF) or Attacking Team (AT) team (as appropriate), which will indicate the type of infraction and the prescribed procedure to follow to affect game play. See
Easy-to-read game charts are also provided using a consistent layout of OFF (Offense) or AT (Attacking Team) and DEF (Defense) or DT (Defending Team) and Outcome, which is optionally modified by Coverage (defense strategy options) where applicable. For one other example, in Hockey, where the Attacking Team and Defending Team roll simultaneously, whichever team rolls a higher value advances the marker (more generally a team marker, ball, puck, etc.) along the arena (more generally, the field, court, rink, etc.) an amount (generally, yards, ice points, distance points, etc.) representing the value of their roll, in the direction of their choice. This ‘choice in direction’ optionally represent an alternative to the simple choice of back and forth advancement (such as football yardage). With ‘choice of direction’ multiple sets of movement markers offer the players a variety of options for advancement along, for example, the center, left, and right sides of the rink (or, more generally, court, field or other playing arena). Alternatively, more than three tracks are provided; for example, center, mid-left, mid-right, extreme-left and extreme-right.
Turnovers are less rapid in Basketball than in Hockey. This difference is reflected in
In both Hockey and Basketball, if there are, on each team, more than one player, each player has a token representing their player on the field of play and a uniquely marked play die. All players roll simultaneously for their own respective position, using the game tokens to indicate their player and position as the team advances. Each player works (although separately) in concert with the other teammates. For example, if a 1 vs. 6 outcome were rolled between two players without possession, neither of which has possession of the ball, a penalty has occurred which would stop the game clock and create a penalty time-out condition.
There are also bonus cards that by are labeled with a name appropriate to the terminology or event of the particular game or sport being modeled. These provide opportunities to model game changing advantages/disadvantages for both the Offense and the Defense. These cards are obtained as a result of a particular roll, usually Double Ones or Double Sixes or, where a single play die is rolled, a 1 vs. 6 outcome. They provide a mechanism for modeling complex, randomly presented, game situations that offer more options than the random outcome of one or more dice. These realistic conditions, modeling situations in a particular sport, would otherwise be extremely complicated to provide in a game dependent solely upon dice outcomes. The cards, optionally, include further dice rolling to complete a play, or simply provide some procedure to follow, or an opportunity that may be applied to the play immediately or held in abeyance.
As described above, in response to a 1 vs. 6 roll in Basketball: the game clock stops; and, the OFF (or DEF, depending on who got the 1 and who got the 6) draws a Violation Card. An example of the text supplied on such a card is:
The above violation card includes the eligibility to take a Free Throw card. With this bonus the team in possession of the card can obtain an important rebound at a time when they would have lost the roll for the rebound.
Hockey uses the same format of penalty and Bonus card use, the only difference being the game terminology and types of penalties. An example of the text supplied on such a card is:
The result of the above card is that, in the event that only two players are playing the game (i.e., one on each side or team) the AT will have an advantage rolling situation against the DT for two minutes. If there are more than one player on each team playing the game, the team loses one of their players for the duration of the penalty.
The next card reflects the eligibility of taking a Rink card. With this card, the DT could stop a potential scoring play by the AT after a successful pass, by throwing the card down, forcing a Face-Off. An example of the text supplied on such a card is:
For Boxing a figure of a boxer will be shown for each player, with contact points listed upon the body that correspond to dice rolling outcomes. Thus, when a player rolls, for example, Double two's, that player will know where the punch hit on the body and will score according to the rules of professional boxing for that type of punch. The dice rolling takes place in a model Ring designed to represent professional Boxing specifications.
An example of a typical Boxing chart is
In the case shown in the top entry in
In the second entry in
The OTR style of simultaneous and continuing roll of the dice, until completion of a play is reached, is achieved in Boxing in the following way. The fighters consistently roll together. If a fighter throws any Doubles (or other specific roll outcomes), then the fighter would get an extra roll alone that would score. If that second solo roll resulted in Doubles (or other hard to roll outcomes) again, they would continue the procedure until no more rolls warranting additional free rolls or Doubles are rolled. This, by design, could put the opponent up against the ropes imposed by a dominant array of punches from the other opponent. Naturally, Double Sixes (the highest doubles outcome, with 1 in 36 odds for a pair of standard dice) results in a knock down. The player knocked down then rolls alone. The player must roll a six within eight rolls (equivalent to an eight count) or the fight is over.
True to the OTR style of game play, certain rolls will produce a penalty outcome of some sort, and the player who is violated will receive a Referee card, which has bonuses that can be used during the fight, to that fighter's advantage.
Rules and Fighting Figures for Kickboxing, and forms of Karate, use the same format, the only difference being that there is a much larger area of body contact for those sports.
This same format is used for additional games such as Car Racing, Drag Racing, or Horse Racing, where the opponents are identified by distinct (e.g. differently colored) Tokens, and advancement is established by simultaneous repeated rolls switching between Single and Double Die rolls. For example, in Auto Racing, where the racers are on the track, various rolls have different specific outcomes, such as Doubles affording a player an Extra Roll prior to resuming regular rolling with others who do not have Doubles. Such Extra Rolls can provide acceleration on a straightaway, but can be dangerous when, or if, approaching the apex of a turn. Markings on the track—or indicated in an associated guide—indicate that certain rolls in an area will produce trouble. For instance, on turn A of the track any Doubles except DOUBLE Sixes, rolled while passing through this area, will produce a fishtailing of the rear wheels of the vehicle, causing the Racer to be faced with a potential accident in which others, if present, are potentially involved. There are also, optionally, 1 vs. 6 or Double One rule outcomes, where a potential game-terminating accident has a chance of occurring between two or more racers. The players move their vehicles along the various track designs encountering hazards, mutual crashes, and other related difficulties—or successes—by roll outcomes and card earning, as a result of any particular roll.
Track Cards provide bonuses, such as “Driver miraculously makes it through the fire and debris to continue the race.” This would allow a racer to escape an otherwise game-terminating event, where another Racer, without such a card, would be eliminated. Further games adaptable to this OTR style of game design and modeling include Tennis—where the players realize their serves and shot results by strategically labeled court markings at, for example, left, right and center sections of the court. Ranking of bad to great shots are determined by most probable to least probable rolls. These represent and interact with specific location on the court, and the receiving opponent's anticipated positioning for the serve, prior to the serve by the opponent. As with other OTR games there are also cards which give a player an advantage on a play, and these are earned by specific rolls during game play.
Throughout all OTR games:
The graphics and layouts of boards, graphics and configuration of pieces, algorithms and rules of play, steps described and/or depicted in any flow diagram, and other elements disclosed herein, are exemplary and not necessarily shown to scale. A number of alternatives for each element have been disclosed, as have specific choices of alternatives comprising some specific preferred embodiments. To whatever degree these alternatives are not in conflict, any and all of the alternatives for any element are practiced, in any combination, with any and all of the alternatives for other elements, in order to create alternative preferred embodiments of the instant invention. Furthermore, certain steps or other elements may be arranged differently, combined, separated, modified or eliminated entirely, without deviating from the intended scope of the invention. In addition, substitution, such as spinners, cards or other randomizing elements in place of dice, or cards; alternative configurations, colors or symbols for dice, or other elements; alternative formats; etc. are within the scope of the instant invention.
Further, these elements can be combined with elements of other games, now in existence or later developed, without deviating from the intended scope of the invention. Additionally, any method of manufacture, publishing or distribution of physical game boards and pieces used to play such games, now known or later developed, is intended to be within the scope of the instant invention.
The contents of the disclosure of this patent document, and the accompanying figures, is copyright to the inventor and/or practitioner. The copyright owners have no objection to the facsimile reproduction (but not further publication or distribution) of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears as issued by the Patent and Trademark Office, to the extent permitted by law. Written permission of the appropriate copyright holder must be obtained for any other use. Copyright holder otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever, including the right to excerpt, compile or otherwise alter or adapt, or make any other use of, this information.
Further, the name On-The-Roll and other names, and any other trademarkable elements of the games, are trademarked to the inventor.
In any event, any publication of or about any of the information contained herein must contain appropriate patent, trademark and copyright notices.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and certain changes may be made in carrying out the above method and in the construction set forth. Accordingly, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying figures shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/748,919, filed Mar. 29, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/817,119, filed Apr. 2, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,686,304, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/459,863, filed Apr. 2, 2003, the full disclosures of which all are incorporated herein by reference. The above referenced documents are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by their mention herein. The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/748,919, filed Mar. 29, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/817,119, filed Apr. 2, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,686,304, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/459,863, filed Apr. 2, 2003. The above referenced documents are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by their mention herein.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3895799 | Rinne | Jul 1975 | A |
| 5040796 | Schall | Aug 1991 | A |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20130168924 A1 | Jul 2013 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60459863 | Apr 2003 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10817119 | Apr 2004 | US |
| Child | 12748919 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12748919 | Mar 2010 | US |
| Child | 13752182 | US |
