Stacking Board Game and Method of Making and Using the Same

Abstract

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an interactive board game. The game includes a game board, one or more base pieces, a plurality of playing pieces, and at least one chance device (e.g., playing dice). The base pieces are inserted and/or adhered into apertures formed in the playing board and thus are used as foundations to support the playing pieces. The object of the game is to stack playing pieces vertically on the base pieces to create a tower structure. The playing pieces are constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with an assigned value, such that successful stacking rewards the player with points.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates broadly to board games, and more particularly to a stacking board game that includes a themed board, at least one base piece, and a plurality of playing pieces that are stacked to form a tower structure.

BACKGROUND

Board games have been popular for many years and are an excellent form of family entertainment. They typically include a game board having play indicia printed thereon, one or more game pieces, dice to provide an element of chance, and frequently cards or other components that convey information related to game play. Playing board games generally involves a single player or team achieving a first predetermined goal, which can be selected from the acquisition of a selected game board position, collection of a certain amount of game pieces, and/or the accumulation of a highest amount of points. Board games involving stackable blocks and tower building are well represented in the prior art. The vast majority involve the common theme of starting with a cuboid tower and subsequently removing tower pieces and placing them on the top of the tower. Play continues until the tower falls due to the removal of a key piece or poor placement of the stacked pieces. However, prior art stacking games are simplistic, and players frequently become bored over time. It would therefore be desirable to provide a board game using stackable game pieces that achieves a greater level of difficulty and strategy to maintain the interest and entertainment of the players.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a game apparatus comprising: a playing board defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one aperture; one or more base pieces sized and shaped to fit into the at least one playing board apertures; a plurality of playing pieces taken from sets of 6-12 uniquely shaped playing pieces; and at least one chance device.

In some embodiments, the top face of the playing board comprises a support surface that includes cloth, foamed material, plastic, air cellular material, paper, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, at least one of the playing board, base pieces, or playing pieces include an ornamental design.

In some embodiments, the apertures have about the same size and shape.

In some embodiments, the apertures have a width and length of about 2-10 inches.

In some embodiments, the playing board includes a folding feature.

In some embodiments, the base pieces are substantially planar to allow for successive stacking thereon.

In some embodiments, at least one playing piece comprises a centered or off-centered weighted element.

In some embodiments, the chance device includes at least one six-sided dice.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of playing a stacking block game having between 5-12 sets of uniquely shaped playing pieces. Particularly, the method comprises positioning a playing board on a playing surface, wherein the playing board is defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one aperture; positioning at least one base piece in each aperture of the playing board, wherein each base piece is sized and shaped to fit into the corresponding aperture, and wherein each base piece is used for stacking playing pieces to form a tower structure; using a chance device to determine an Architect for the first round of play, wherein the Architect assigns a point value to the uniquely shaped playing pieces; initiating play by a first player stacking a first playing piece on one or more base pieces, wherein the first player is awarded the point value of the first playing piece if the playing piece does not touch the top surface of the playing board after stacking; allowing the first player to optionally play a second playing piece by stacking on the first playing piece, on one or more base pieces, or on both, wherein the first player is awarded the point value of the second playing piece if the playing piece does not touch the top surface of the playing board after stacking, and the second playing piece is the highest piece in the stacked pieces; continuing play by allowing successive players to alternate steps d and e until all players have played and wherein the Architect plays last to complete the first round; continuing play of the second round by assigning a new Architect and repeating steps d, e, and f a desired number of times or until all playing pieces have been stacked; repeating step g until a desired number of rounds occurs, all playing pieces have been played, or a catastrophic failure occurs, wherein a catastrophic failure is defined by falling of at least 50% of the stacked playing pieces to contact the top surface of the playing board. The winner is determined by the player with the highest number of points that did not cause a catastrophic failure in games with two or more players; or the player with the highest number of points in games with two players.

In some embodiments, the first player is determined by seating relative to the Architect.

In some embodiments, the chance device is at least one six-sided die.

In some embodiments, the Architect of each successive round is determined by seating relative to the Architect of the previous round.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a kit comprising: a game apparatus defined by a playing board defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one aperture; one or more base pieces sized and shaped to fit into the playing board apertures; a plurality of playing pieces taken from sets of 6-12 uniquely shaped playing pieces; and at least one chance device; an outer container sized and shaped to house the game apparatus therein; and a set of instructions on how to use the game apparatus during play.

In some embodiments, the top face of the playing board comprises a support surface that includes cloth, foamed material, plastic, air cellular material, paper, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the apertures have about the same size and shape.

In some embodiments, the apertures have a width and length of about 2-7 inches.

In some embodiments, the playing board includes a folding feature.

In some embodiments, the base pieces are substantially planar to allow for successive stacking thereon.

In some embodiments, at least one playing piece comprises a centered or off-centered weighted element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The previous summary and the following detailed descriptions are to be read in view of the drawings, which illustrate some (but not all) embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the stacking board game during play in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a game board in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2b is a top plan view of the playing board of FIG. 2a.

FIG. 2c is a front plan view of a game board in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2d is a front plan view of a game board in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2e is a front plan view of a game board in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a game base piece in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 3b and 3c are side plan views of a base piece interacting with a game board aperture in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 4a-4r are perspective views of representative game playing pieces in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a chance device in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6a is a schematic of one method that can be used to set up the disclosed stacking game prior to play.

FIG. 6b is a schematic illustrating one method that can be used to begin play of the disclosed game.

FIG. 7a is a perspective view of insertion of a base piece into an aperture of the game board in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 7b-7f illustrate one embodiment of playing the disclosed game by stacking playing pieces.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustrating the end of game play and the determination of a winner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter is introduced with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. The descriptions expound upon and exemplify features of those embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in the subject specification, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a piece” can include a plurality of such pieces, and so forth.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of components, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

As used herein, the term “about”, when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and/or percentage can encompass variations of, in some embodiments +/−20%, in some embodiments +/−10%, in some embodiments +/−5%, in some embodiments +/−1%, in some embodiments +/−0.5%, and in some embodiments +/−0.1%, from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate in the disclosed packages and methods.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to interactive board game 5. The game includes game board 10, base pieces 15, playing pieces 20, and one or more chance devices 25 (e.g., dice). The base pieces are used as foundations to support playing pieces 20. The object of the game is to stack playing pieces 20 vertically on base pieces 15 without crashing the design, as set forth in more detail below. Playing pieces 20 are constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with an assigned value, such that successful stacking rewards the player with points. As described, game 5 comprises playing board 10 upon which the game is physically played. FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate one embodiment of board 10 comprising opposing top face 30 and bottom face 35. The term “top face” refers to the face that is positioned upwards when the board is resting on a surface. The top face makes up the playing surface upon which the pieces are stacked during play. The term “bottom face” refers to the face of board 10 that rests on the playing surface, such as a table and/or the floor.

Playing board 10 further comprises at least one aperture 40 that spans the top and bottom faces. Any number of apertures can be included, such as about 1-10 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10). However, it should be appreciated that the presently disclosed subject matter also includes playing boards that include greater than 10 apertures. In some embodiments, the board can have a single aperture positioned in the center of the board, or off-centered by about 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 percent. In some embodiments, the board can have a plurality of apertures, each positioned equidistant from the other apertures. Alternatively, the apertures can be randomly placed on board 10.

Although depicted as rectangular in shape in the Figures, it should be appreciated that apertures 40 can be configured in any desired shape. For example, the apertures can have a circular, oval, rectangular, diamond, triangular, star, hexagonal, octagonal, pentagonal, and/or abstract shape. In some embodiments, each aperture is sized and/or shaped to be about the same as at least one other aperture. Thus, in some embodiments, each aperture 40 has about the same size and/or shape. However, the presently disclosed subject matter also includes embodiments wherein at least one aperture differs from at least one other aperture.

Apertures can be configured in any desired size, such as with a width and/or length of about 2-7 inches. The width and height of each aperture can be determined by the diameter at the widest and/or tallest portion of the shape.

Apertures can be created in playing board 10 using any desired method. For example, the apertures can be formed by laser cutting, removal with a sharp instrument (e.g., knife), and the like.

In some embodiments, top face 30 can include support layer 31 to provide a padded and/or cushioned surface, as shown in FIG. 2c. The support layer can comprise any desired material, such as (but not limited to) cloth, foamed material, plastic, air cellular material (e.g., BUBBLE WRAP®), paper, cardboard, felt, or combinations thereof. Further, the support layer can have any desired thickness, such as about 0.01 inches to about 1 inch.

In some embodiments, the top and/or bottom faces of the board 10 can include one or more ornamental designs to provide a visually pleasing experience for the player, such as a cityscape, flowers, checkerboard, etc. For example, in some embodiments, support layer 31 can be printed with the ornamental design. In other embodiments, the design is printed directly on top and/or bottom board faces 30, 35.

In some embodiments, board 10 can be placed directly on the supporting surface (the floor or a table) during play. However, in some embodiments, playing board 10 can include a plurality of legs 45 that can be attached to bottom face 35 of the board, as shown in FIG. 2d. Legs 45 are suitable to provide playing board 10 in a comfortable game-playing position. The legs can be permanently attached to bottom face 35 of board 10, such as with the use of adhesive, mechanical closures (e.g., nails, screws, bolts), and the like. However, in some embodiments, the legs can be removably attached to board 10, such as through the user of VELCRO®, snap-fit arrangement, folding arrangement, and the like. The shape of the legs is also not limited to any particular design.

As shown in FIG. 2e, bottom face 35 can optionally include pivot 36 that allows the board to be rotated in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Pivot 36 can be coupled to bottom face 35 using any desired method (e.g., mechanical closures and/or adhesive). During play, pivot 36 permits all players to spin the game board to see the entire board from all angles. The pivot can therefore allow the board to be rotated 360 degrees. In some embodiments, board 10 can include a folding feature to allow the board to be folded when not in use. In this way, the game can occupy a reduced amount of space during storage.

Board 10 can be constructed in any desired shape, such as (but not limited to) square, rectangular, star, diamond, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, abstract, trapezoidal, and the like.

The disclosed board can have any desired dimensions, such as with a length and/or width of about 5-20 inches (e.g., at least/no more than about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 inches). Board 10 can have any desired thickness, such as (but not limited to) about 0.2-2 inches. However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and the disclosed board can be constructed outside the ranges given above.

Board 10 can be constructed from any desired rigid or semi-rigid material. The term “rigid” as used herein refers to the characteristic of being stiff, unyielding, and/or unable to substantially bend without breaking. The term “semi-rigid” as used herein refers to the characteristic of being rigid to some degree, but not inflexible such that the material may be able to bend without breaking to some extent. Suitable rigid and semi-rigid materials can be selected from metal, wood, plastic, foam, stone, rubber, cardboard, or combinations thereof.

As set forth above, game 5 includes a plurality of pieces that are stacked upon each other during play to form a tower. Particularly, the game includes base pieces 15 that are sized and shaped to interact with board apertures 40. The base pieces provide a foundation upon which playing pieces 20 rest while the corresponding structure is being vertically built.

Base pieces 15 can be configured in any desired shape, such as rectangular, L-shaped, square, arched, triangular, trapezoidal, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more base pieces can be substantially planar, and thus suitable for stacking successive playing pieces 20 thereon. One representative base piece 15 is depicted in FIG. 3a. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments base pieces 15 are constructed to fit within board apertures 40, as shown in FIGS. 3b and 3c. Thus, each base piece is about the same size and shape as the corresponding board aperture to ensure a close fit. The number of base pieces therefore will be determined by the number of apertures in board 10. However, it should be appreciated that apertures 40 are optional and base pieces 15 can connect and/or adhere to the top face of board 10 using any desired method (e.g., interlocking arrangement, hook-and-loop closure, pressure-fit arrangement, and the like).

As shown, once assembled into aperture 40, each base piece can provide a flat or substantially flat surface to allow vertical stacking of playing pieces thereon. However, the presently disclosed subject matter also includes embodiments wherein at least one face (e.g., the top face) is angled or rounded to provide a greater level of difficulty when building the vertical tower.

Base pieces 15 can be constructed from any desired material, such as (but not limited to) wood, metal, plastic, stone, wood, foam, rubber, or combinations thereof.

The disclosed base pieces can be constructed in any desired size, such as with a length, width, and/or height of about 0.5-6 inches.

As described above, game 5 further includes a plurality of playing pieces 20 that are vertically stacked upon base pieces 15 to form a tower. The playing pieces can be configured in any desired three-dimensional shape. For example, FIGS. 4a-4o depict several representative shapes that can be used. Particularly, the playing pieces can be configured in one or more of the following shapes: cube (FIG. 4a), rectangular (FIG. 4b), cylindrical (FIG. 4c), triangular (FIG. 4d), spherical (FIG. 4e), conical (FIG. 4f), pyramidal (FIG. 4g), pentagonal (FIG. 4h), hexagonal (FIG. 4i), octagonal (FIG. 4j), heptagonal (FIG. 4k), star-shaped (FIG. 4l), oval (FIG. 4m), half-sphere (FIG. 4n), trapezoidal (FIG. 4o), and abstract (FIGS. 4p-4r). It should be appreciated that the shape of playing pieces 20 are not limited to those depicted in the Figures. For example, playing pieces 20 can include non-geometric and/or organic shaped pieces. The term “non-geometric” refers to any shape with irregular contours and/or those with edges that are not straight. The term “organic” refers to shapes with less well-defined edges, and are generally irregular or asymmetric in appearance with a curved flow.

As shown, playing pieces 20 can be non-uniform in shape and/or size and can also be irregularly shaped. For example, the game can include two or more conical playing pieces 20 of differing sizes. The non-uniform and irregular nature of the playing pieces makes them suitable for stacking on base pieces 15 in an unrestricted manner and makes such stacking a greater challenge compared to prior art games with playing pieces of a uniform size and shape.

Game 5 can include multiples of each desired playing piece shape. For example, each shape can be represented about 1-15 times. In some embodiments, the playing pieces can include multiples (e.g., 5 cube blocks of the same size). Alternatively, in some embodiments, each playing piece 20 is unique with respect to size and shape compared to the remaining playing pieces.

The disclosed game can include any desired number of playing pieces 20. For example, in some embodiments, game 5 can include about 10-120 or more playing pieces.

Playing pieces 20 can be constructed from any desired material, such as (but not limited to) wood, metal, plastic, stone, wood, foam, rubber, or combinations thereof. Additionally, the construction materials for respective playing pieces can be varied. It is known that different materials have different mass and/or weight characteristics. The mass and/or weight of a particular playing piece can affect the stability of a tower stack that is formed from playing pieces of different materials. Such an alternative can add further elements of strategy and game playing difficulty to game 5.

In some embodiments, one or more of the playing pieces can include a suitable centered or off-centered weighted element for introducing additional complexity to the game. In this way, one or more particular playing pieces can have different weights and/or center points relative to each other. The presence and size of each weight can be hidden by the body of each playing piece 20 for adding an element of uncertainty. However, if desired, the weight can be indicated on one surface of the playing piece.

Optionally, the playing pieces (and/or base pieces) can have decorative indicia, such as a brick facade, a picture of a character, or other visual pictures or symbols, attached thereto for aesthetic purposes.

As described above, game 5 further include one or more chance devices 25. Suitable chance devices can include (but are not limited to) six-sided dice, spinners, cards, digitally generated numbers, and other random selection devices.

Optionally, the disclosed game can further include one or more timers 50. Any known timing device can be used, such as (but not limited to) an hourglass, windup timer, or an electronic timer. One non-limiting example is shown in FIG. 5. Timer 50 provides a visual or auditory indication when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from activation of the timer, such as to indicate when a predetermined time for a player to make a move has expired.

Various methods of playing game 5 will now be described. It should be understood, however, that other methods of playing game 5 are possible depending on player preference. To play game 5, a desired number of players are assembled. In general, game 5 is designed to be played by between 2 and 12 players, but no limit is placed on the minimum or maximum number of players that may participate. For example, one person can play either for practicing playing the game or for personal amusement. Alternatively, two or more players can play against each other individually or multiple players can be organized into teams that play each other.

Prior to playing, the game can be set up as represented in the schematic of FIG. 6. To set up the game, base pieces 15 are positioned horizontally within apertures 40 on top face 30 of playing board 10, as shown in FIG. 7a. The playing pieces are also separated into like groups of the same size and shape. The first Architect of the game is selected using any suitable method, such as the use of chance device 25. For example, in some embodiments, one or more 6-sided dice can be used. In some embodiments, the player with the highest roll is the first Architect. If two or more players have the same roll, they can roll again until a high roller is determined. It should be appreciated that the steps set forth in FIG. 6a can be performed in any order.

The Architect determines the point values assigned in the first round to each playing piece 20 (e.g., a number selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) using a value marker. The value markers available for the playing pieces are dependent upon the number of piece types. For example, if there are 7 playing piece variations, the values 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 will be available to assign but never able to repeat. Any suitable marker can be used to designate the point value of a playing piece set, such as (but not limited to) printed boards, printed paper, adjustable dials, and the like. Player 1 is then assigned using any suitable method. In some embodiments, the player to the left of the Architect is assigned as Player 1 and will initiate play by selecting 1 or 2 playing pieces 20 for positioning onto base pieces 15. Prior to playing, Player 1 must declare whether he or she will play one or two playing pieces. If playing two pieces, Player 1 must select both pieces before placing the first piece. Further, if playing two pieces, the top of the second played piece must be the highest point in the tower.

Player 1 then positions the first selected playing piece 55 on a base piece such that it does not touch the top surface of game board 10, as illustrated in FIG. 7b. The first selected playing piece can also be positioned on more than one base piece, as shown in FIG. 7c. If Player 1 has selected second playing piece 56, he or she will position it on a base piece, on the first playing piece played, or on both, as shown in FIGS. 7d-7f. Player 1's turn is then over and play transitions to Player 2. If playing multiple pieces, the pieces can be positioned on board 10 simultaneously or successively. The second played piece must be the highest point in the tower.

Player 2 can be determined using any known method. For example, in some embodiments Player 2 is the player to the left of Player 1. As with Player 1, Player 2 selects one or two pieces for play. Prior to playing, Player 2 must declare whether he or she will play one or two playing pieces. If playing two pieces, Player 2 must select both pieces before placing the first piece. Further, if playing two pieces, the top of the second played piece must be the highest point in the tower. Player 2 can play the selected piece(s) on at least one base piece, on at least one playing piece, or on both at least one base piece and at least one playing piece. Player 2's turn is then over and Player 3 is selected. The pattern continues until the Architect is the last player to play in a particular round.

After the Architect plays his or her one or two selected pieces, a new Architect is selected for Round 2 using any known method. In some embodiments, the player to the left of the current Architect is the new Architect for each successive round. The new Architect can choose to select new values for playing pieces 20 in Round 2. Round 2 is played in the same manner as Round 1. Round 3 then begins and the process continues until the game is over.

In some embodiments, positioning a playing piece on at least one abstract piece affords the player a benefit (e.g., awarding of points, awarding an extra turn, winning the game, etc.). In some embodiments, the winner of the game must play on at least one abstract piece.

The object of the game is to stack playing pieces 20 vertically on base pieces 15 so that no part of the playing piece directly contacts the top surface of playing board 10. The term “direct contact” refers to the relationship between two objects that are directly touching one another (e.g., without any other object therebetween). Rather, the playing pieces can only touch base pieces 15 or other playing pieces 20. The playing pieces are thus stacked to form a series of vertical towers that can be interconnected through one or more bridge pieces. If a player bridges two or more pieces (e.g., plays a piece that touches two or more pieces with a clear gap underneath it), the player is awarded an extra point. FIG. 7c illustrates one embodiment of a bridging piece. The extra point is added to the points that the player would receive for successfully playing the piece.

A player loses their turn when they cause one or more playing pieces 20 to fall and contact the top surface of game board 10. If one or more pieces of the tower fall during a player's turn, that player's turn ends immediately. The point value of the playing piece that falls is subtracted from the player's score.

When a player successfully positions a playing piece on a base piece or another playing piece during play (e.g., without causing any other playing pieces to fall and contact the top surface of board 10), that player is awarded the number of points assigned to that particular playing piece by the Architect. If a player chooses to play a second piece, the player is additionally awarded the points assigned to the second piece if it is successfully played. If a player is unable to place a piece on the tower, the player subtracts the current value of the pieces from their total and puts the pieces back in their appropriate piles. If the player is able to play a piece but a fall in the tower occurs, but the piece played remains on the tower after the fall, they can add its value to the total. However, the point value of the fallen pieces is subtracted from that player's score.

As set forth in FIG. 8, the game ends when all playing pieces 20 have been used or if there is a catastrophic failure, whichever comes first. The term “catastrophic failure” refers to the situation when at least about 50% of the tower structure falls. A catastrophic failure can be determined using any known method, such as by a vote by each player with the Architect breaking any tie that occurs. In the case of a catastrophic failure, the player that caused the failure loses the game. If the catastrophic failure occurs in a 2-player came, the player that caused the catastrophic failure loses the total value of the fallen pieces but is not automatically determined to lose the game. After the game ends, the player with the highest point total wins the game.

If a shorter game is desired, game play can continue until a predetermined point total is achieved by a player, who is then declared the winner.

For smaller children, the handicapped, and/or the elderly, a version of game 5 with larger base and/or stacking pieces can be helpful. In such embodiments, playing pieces 20 can be limited to basic shapes to simplify piece identification and placement.

Game 5 can be sold as a kit that can optionally include bags or containers for holding playing board 10, dice 25, and/or base and playing pieces 15, 20. The game can optionally include an outer container (such as a box) sized and shaped to house the entire contents of the game. The kit can further include game playing rules printed on a sheet of paper or organized in a book. The game playing rules explain and describe one or more methods of playing game 5.

Advantageously, players enjoy the strategy in selecting playing pieces 20 based on their respective sizes, shapes, and which playing surfaces are available for stacking. The game can be played over a wide range of hand skills and analytic levels, permitting all ages to play. Small children can begin play immediately after a simple demonstration of stacking the blocks. Older children will consider the block points and the scores of the other players. More advanced players can use analytic skills to determine the best score and weight risks versus rewards. Combining different shapes of playing pieces adds to the strategic aspects of the game, affecting the tower stability and placement of the pieces.

Claims

1. A game apparatus comprising: a playing board defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one aperture;one or more base pieces sized and shaped to fit into the at least one playing board apertures;a plurality of playing pieces taken from sets of 6-12 uniquely shaped playing pieces; andat least one chance device.

2. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top face of the playing board comprises a support surface that includes cloth, foamed material, plastic, air cellular material, paper, or combinations thereof.

3. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the playing board, base pieces, or playing pieces include an ornamental design.

4. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apertures have about the same size and shape.

5. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apertures have a width and length of about 2-10 inches.

6. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the playing board includes a folding feature.

7. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base pieces are substantially planar to allow for successive stacking thereon.

8. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one playing piece comprises a centered or off-centered weighted element.

9. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chance device includes at least one six-sided dice.

10. A method of playing a stacking block game having between 5-12 sets of uniquely shaped playing pieces, the method comprising: a. positioning a playing board on a playing surface, wherein the playing board is defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one aperture;b. positioning at least one base piece in each aperture of the playing board, wherein each base piece is sized and shaped to fit into the corresponding aperture, and wherein each base piece is used for stacking playing pieces to form a tower structure;c. using a chance device to determine an Architect for the first round of play, wherein the Architect assigns a point value to the uniquely shaped playing pieces;d. initiating play by a first player stacking a first playing piece on one or more base pieces, wherein the first player is awarded the point value of the first playing piece if the playing piece does not touch the top surface of the playing board after stacking;e. allowing the first player to optionally play a second playing piece by stacking on the first playing piece, on one or more base pieces, or on both, wherein the first player is awarded the point value of the second playing piece if the playing piece does not touch the top surface of the playing board after stacking, and the second playing piece is the highest piece in the stacked pieces;f. continuing play by allowing successive players to alternate steps d and e until all players have played and wherein the Architect plays last to complete the first round;g. continuing play of the second round by assigning a new Architect and repeating steps d, e, and f a desired number of times or until all playing pieces have been stacked;h. repeating step g until a desired number of rounds occurs, all playing pieces have been played, or a catastrophic failure occurs, wherein a catastrophic failure is defined by falling of at least 50% of the stacked playing pieces to contact the top surface of the playing board; and wherein the winner is determined by: the player with the highest number of points that did not cause a catastrophic failure in games with two or more players; orthe player with the highest number of points in games with two players.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first player is determined by seating relative to the Architect.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the chance device is at least one six-sided die.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the Architect of each successive round is determined by seating relative to the Architect of the previous round.

14. A kit comprising: a game apparatus defined by a playing board defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one aperture; one or more base pieces sized and shaped to fit into the playing board apertures; a plurality of playing pieces taken from sets of 6-12 uniquely shaped playing pieces; and at least one chance device;an outer container sized and shaped to house the game apparatus therein; anda set of instructions on how to use the game apparatus during play.

15. The kit of claim 1, wherein the top face of the playing board comprises a support surface that includes cloth, foamed material, plastic, air cellular material, paper, or combinations thereof.

16. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apertures have about the same size and shape.

17. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apertures have a width and length of about 2-7 inches.

18. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the playing board includes a folding feature.

19. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base pieces are substantially planar to allow for successive stacking thereon.

20. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one playing piece comprises a centered or off-centered weighted element.