1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to game apparatus for simulated fortune telling, and more particularly to games of chance relying on random selection of numbers for use with a pre-determined list of statements of fortune.
2. Prior Art
Numerous games of chance have been developed which provide entertainment by simulated fortune telling. Many of these games rely on the random identification of symbols, which are coordinated with pre-determined statements of fortune which make predictions as to wealth, fame, romance, success in business, etc. Several games of chance include simulated interrogation of various mediums such as crystal balls, tealeaves, numerology, or other methods that respond with answers based on random selection.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a game of chance in which questions are directed to eight sided octagon dice, which are tumbled to identify a number representing a pre-determined answer to the question proposed by the player. It is a further object of this invention to provide instructions and a suggested list of questions of general interest for use with a second list of statements, which operate as answers in a variety of forms to each of the specified questions.
These and other objects are realized by the use of eight-sided octagonal die or dice having three broken, solid, or combination thereof lines, represented on each of the eight faces of each die. Pre-determined questions can be directed to the game die or dice, which then references one of 64 pre-determined answers corresponding to the simulated fortune of the particular player or players posing the question and relating to the sixty-four hexagrams known as the I-Ching, which is a form of divination that has been in existence for approximately three thousand years. Various methods have been devised throughout the centuries to translate the I-Ching, in order to use it for divination purposes. Traditionally, people throw coins or sticks, six times to come up with each broken or solid line to form a hexagram. More recently, random computer selections have been used to form hexagrams. The present invention enables a hexagram to be formed by throwing two eight sided dice one time, in order to form a hexagram consisting of two Ba Gua symbols. This invention enables the consultation of the I-Ching without having to throw sticks or coins six separate times, or by having to use a computer program. The Ba Gua trigrams are represented on eight sided dice, which provides a unique and previously undiscovered mathematical relationship to the I-Ching. The dice are used to represent, by their color or positional relationship, one of the 64 possible I-Ching prophesies.
Other objects and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in combination with the accompanying two drawings in which:
The first drawing illustrates two eight-sided octagon dice with three lines (broken and unbroken) illustrated on each face of the dice. The second drawing illustrates the game board, which will be used with the dice in order to vector a number, representing a pre-determined answer in accordance with the present invention.
Drawing one:
1. Black eight-sided die with three white lines on each surface, broken and unbroken, in their eight possible combinations.
2. White eight-sided die with three black lines on each surface, broken and unbroken, in their eight possible combinations.
Drawing two:
1. Game board manufactured with wood, molded plastic, or similar material.
2. A recessed flat surface sufficient for the dice to freely roll upon. A symbol of the Yin and Yang and the Ba Gua trigrams, or other artwork embellishing the game, may adorn the surface.
3. Recessed or formed receptacles sufficiently shaped to allow for the eight-sided dice to sit in, in a manner that will enable the game player to read the surface of the dice and determine which trigrams are showing. The dice are vectored to one of 64 possible numbers.
4. 64 numbers set in 64 squares that will be printed or otherwise reproduced on a flat surface of this section of the game board.
The invention consists of attaching eight specific symbols to the faces of an eight-sided die (octahedron). The specific symbols are from what are referred to as “trigrams” from an ancient Chinese philosophical system known as the Ba Gua. The eight Ba Gua symbols consist of three solid and three broken lines and the eight possible combinations of the three solid and broken lines. Each combination of lines represents a specific aspect of life. For instance, three solid lines represent heaven and three broken lines represent earth. The other six combinations represent things like mountain, water, wind, etc. When the eight trigrams are paired up with another set of eight trigrams, they become hexagrams (six lines) and have sixty-four possible combinations. Once a hexagram is formed, the booklet provided with the game can be consulted to find out what the hexagram means, and how it might affect the consulting person's life or answer a random question.
The game board has a unique design to facilitate the usage of two eight sided dice of contrasting color and/or contrasting positional relationship e.g., one white and one black, and/or one on top and one on the bottom. The dice, after being thrown, fit into two receptacles and can then be vectored to show the corresponding number (one through sixty four). Each number corresponds to a hexagram in a booklet provided with the game. The vectoring could be accomplished by visualization, if the dice are rolled on any other surface and the game board's dice receptacles are not physically used. The game board may be fabricated from plastic, wood, injection or vacuum molding, or other process.
The method of play for the subject game apparatus is represented in the following steps.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60492070 | Aug 2003 | US |