US20100207329A1

US20100207329A1 - Word Game And Method For Playing Word Game

Info

Publication number: US20100207329A1
Application number: US12/707,273
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert W. Bigelow
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-02-18
Filing date: 2010-02-17
Publication date: 2010-08-19

Abstract

A game kit for playing a word game by a plurality of players. The game kit includes a container, and a set of game tiles and a plurality of cards capable of being received in the container. The game tiles include a plurality of letter tiles and a plurality of functional tiles. The cards include one or more game theme cards, and one or more functional cards corresponding to the functional tiles. Each game theme card includes a set of game themes displayed thereon. The letter tiles are adapted to be arranged by the players based on selecting of a game theme from game themes. Each functional card includes a set of instructions to be followed by the players upon selection of one of the functional tiles by one of the players.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/153,386 filed on Feb. 18, 2009 the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to indoor games, and, more particularly, to a word game.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Indoor games are those games that may be played within the confinements of a house or a building. Generally, the indoor games are played based on skills and luck of the participants.
Over the years, indoor games have gained considerable popularity, and individuals from various age groups like to play indoor games in one form or another. A few examples of famous indoor games include card games, table-top games, board games and word games.
Word games and variations thereof generally include game pieces, and a set of rules, and require the participants to perform activities relating to formation of words based on the game pieces and the set of rules. Therefore, such word games may be very useful for people who are looking to improve their vocabulary.
However, conventional word games are often designed to be slower paced, focusing on one player's actions at a time. This lag time can often decrease the momentum of the game, thus reducing the interest of the participants or prospective participants. Additionally, conventional word games are often designed to attract a particular group of people, for example, elderly people. Therefore, conventional word games may not appeal to younger individuals, who may otherwise be equally enthusiastic regarding playing word games. Also, conventional word games may be expensive to manufacture and may have breakable components.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a game kit may include a container. The game kit may further include a set of game tiles. The set of game tiles may be capable of being received in the container. The set of game tiles may include a plurality of letter tiles and a plurality of functional tiles. Each letter tile of the plurality of letter tiles may include a letter displayed thereon. Each functional tile of the plurality of functional tiles may include a notation. The game kit may further include a plurality of cards capable of being received in the container. The plurality of cards may include one or more game theme cards and one or more functional cards. The one or more game theme cards may include a set of game theme displayed thereon. Each of The one or more functional cards may be associated with a corresponding functional tile of the plurality of functional tiles, and each card of the one or more functional cards may include a set of instructions to be followed by the plurality of players on picking of one of the plurality of functional tiles by one of the plurality of players. Further, the plurality of letter tiles are adapted to be arranged by the plurality of players based on selecting of a game theme from the set of game themes displayed on the one or more theme cards.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for playing a word game by a plurality of players is provided. The method may include playing a plurality of rounds of the word game. The playing of a round of the plurality of rounds may include selecting one or more game themes, and identifying a game theme from the selected one or more game themes. Further, the playing of the round may include forming a plurality of words by each of the plurality of players. The plurality of words may be formed based on the identified game theme. Furthermore, the playing of the round may include terminating the round by one player of the plurality of players. The one player of the plurality of players may terminate the round based on formation of a predetermined number of words. Moreover, the playing of the round may include evaluating a round score for each of the plurality of players. The round score may be evaluated based on the formation of the plurality of words by each of the plurality of players. Further, the method may also include identifying a winner based on round scores of each of the plurality of players in the plurality of rounds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and best mode, appended claims, and accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a game kit for playing a word game;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a method for playing a word game by a plurality of players;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method for playing a round of the word game by the plurality of players.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method for identifying a game theme while playing the round of the word game; and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method for forming a plurality of words while playing the round of the word game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments described herein in detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to a particular game kit, or a method for playing a game, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or embodiment without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms such as “first,” “second,” “outer,” “inner” and other variations thereof as used herein, do not denote an order, elevation or importance, but rather used signify the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Further, the terms, “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a game kit 1000 for playing a word game by a plurality of players is shown.
The game kit 1000 may include a container 100 and a set of game tiles 200. The set of game tiles 200 is capable of being received in the container 100 and more specifically in a hollow cavity 102 of the container 100. In one embodiment, each game tile of the set of game tiles 200 has a rectangular or a square shape. However, each of the set of game tiles 200 may have any of a variety of other shapes, such as a circular shape.
The set of game tiles 200 may include a plurality of letter tiles 204. A letter tile, such as a letter tile 206, of the plurality of letter tiles 204 may include a first face (not shown) and a second face 208. The second face 208 of the letter tile 206 may include a letter 210 displayed thereon.
The set of game tiles 200 may further include a plurality of functional tiles 212. A functional tile, such as a functional tile 214, of the plurality of functional tiles 212 may include a first face (not shown) and a second face 216. The second face 216 may include a notation 218 displayed thereon. The notation 218 displayed on the second face 216 may be a wild card notation, or a wipe out notation. The functionality of the wild card notation and the wipe out notation will be explained later in the description. The set of game tiles 200 may further include a plurality of blank tiles 222. Such plurality of blank tiles 222 may not include any letter or notation displayed thereon.
The game kit 1000 may further include a plurality of cards 300. The plurality of cards 300 may be capable of being placed within the container 100. Further, the plurality of cards 300 may include one or more theme cards (only one game theme card 302 shown in FIG. 1). The game theme card 302 may include a set of game themes displayed thereon. The set of game themes may include a listing of various topics that may be used by the plurality of players for playing the word game. Examples of the topics may include, but are not limited to, toys, communication, religion, medical, body, cartoons, books, and the like. The plurality of cards 300 may further include one or more functional cards (only one functional card 304 shown in FIG. 1). The functional card 304 may include a set of instruction displayed thereon. One instruction of the set of instructions provided on the functional card 304 may be followed by the plurality of players during playing of the word game. More specifically, one instruction of the set of instructions is to be followed by the plurality of players on picking of one of the plurality of functional tiles 212. Further, the plurality of functional cards may also include one or more point cards (only one point card 306 shown in the FIG. 1). The point card 306 may be used for tracking scores of the plurality of players of the word game.
Further, the game kit 1000 includes one or more game chips (only one game chip 400 shown in FIG. 1), a plurality of bonus chips 500, and one or more dies (only one die 600 shown in FIG. 1). The game chip 400, the plurality of bonus chips 500 and the die 600 are capable of being received in the container 100.
The die 600 may be adapted to be rolled to determine a game theme of the set of game themes displayed on the game theme card 302. Specifically, die 600 may include a plurality of peripheral surfaces. Each of the plurality of peripheral surfaces may include a unique number, such as a unique number 602, displayed thereon. Each unique number displayed on the die 600 may correlate with a game theme displayed on the game theme card 302. In one embodiment, the die 600 may include ten peripheral surfaces, wherein each peripheral surface includes a unique number ranging from 0 to 10, displayed thereon.
As best shown in FIG. 1, the game kit 1000 may further include a game rule sheet 700. The game rule sheet 700 may contain information related to the instructions and rules for playing the word game. The game rule sheet 700 may be composed of a paper material and may be foldable for being placed within the container 100. Alternatively, the game rule sheet 700 may be composed of a plastic sheet or may be formed from any other suitable material.
Referring now to FIGS. 2-5, block diagrams of one embodiment of a method 2000 for playing a word game by a plurality of players are illustrated. The method 2000 initiates at block 1100 with the plurality of players playing a plurality of rounds of the word game. The playing of a round of the plurality of rounds will now be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 3.
As best shown in FIG. 3, at block 1110, the plurality of players identifies a group leader amongst themselves. Thereafter, at block 1120, the plurality of players selects one or more game themes. It should be understood that the one or more game themes may be selected from a set of game themes provided in the word game. Specifically, the plurality of players may choose a predetermined number of game themes from the set of game themes provided in the word game. Alternatively, the game theme or themes used may be determined by the players themselves. This enables the players to customize the game theme to suit their particular interests.
Thereafter, at block 1130, the plurality of players may identify a game theme from the one or more selected game themes. Herein, it may be noted that the identifying of the game theme from one or more selected game themes may involve multiple steps as depicted in FIG. 4.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the block 1130 may include blocks 1132 and 1134. At the block 1132, one or more dies, such as the die 600, may be rolled by one of the plurality of players. It should be understood that the rolling of the one or more dies may provide one or more unique numbers, such as the unique number 602. Thereafter, at the block 1134, a game theme may be selected by the plurality of players based on the one or more unique numbers obtained by the rolling of the one or more dies. Specifically, if the unique number 602 is obtained, then a game theme, among the set of game themes provided in the word game, may be identified.
Referring back to FIG. 3, after the identification at block 1130, the playing of the word game may include forming of a plurality of words by each of the plurality of players. It should be understood that the plurality of words formed by each of the plurality of players may correspond to the game theme identified at the block 1130. The forming of the plurality of words, at 1140, will now be discussed in detail with reference to FIG. 5.
As shown in FIG. 5, at block 1142, each player of the plurality of players may pick one or more game tiles from the word game. Thereafter, at block 1144, each player of the plurality of players may perform an activity based on the picked one or more game tiles. Herein, it may be noted that the picked one or more game tiles may be one of letter tiles, such as the letter tile 206, and one of functional tiles, such as the functional tile 214. Accordingly, if the picked one or more game tile is a letter tile, then the player who has picked the one or more game tile may arrange the one or more game tiles to form a plurality of words, at block 1146. However, if the picked one or more game tile is a functional tile, then the player who has picked the one or more game tile follows one of a set of instructions provided in the word game, at 1148, and may thereafter arrange the one or more game tiles for forming the plurality of words.
At block 1150, upon formation of a predetermined number of words by one of the plurality of players a round of the word game is terminated. Upon such termination of the round, each of the remaining players may stop forming words. Thereafter at 1160, a round score for each player of the plurality of players may be evaluated. The round score may be evaluated based on the formation of the plurality of words by each of the plurality of players in the round.
After the evaluation of the round score at block 1160, the method 2000 further includes identifying a winner based on round scores of each of the plurality of players of the word game, at 1200. It should be understood that the winner may be identified by aggregating round scores of the each of the plurality of players in the plurality of rounds. Specifically, when one player of the plurality of players has an aggregate round score more than a pre-specified number of points, such player may be established as the winner.
One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a word game which can be played by plurality of players in a plurality of rounds. For playing the word game a group leader is identified for a first round. Each player chooses a set of game themes, such that, a maximum of 9 game themes are chosen in a particular round. The group leader may write the chosen game themes in a sheet of paper, and may assign a number to each of the chosen game themes. Some examples of the game themes may include Cartoons, Wild West, Girl stuff, Art, Books, and the like. Thereafter, each player is assigned a set of bonus chips from the plurality of bonus chips 500, and a set of letter tiles from the plurality of letter tiles 204. In a particular embodiment, each player is assigned 3 bonus chips and 9 letter tiles. Thereafter, the group leader rolls a die, such as the die 600, and reads the number exposed on the die. The number exposed may then be used for selecting a game theme from the chosen game themes. If the die reads 0, the players may choose any game theme from the chosen game themes.
After choosing the game theme, the players look at the letter tiles assigned to them, for forming words therefrom. Alternatively, after choosing the game theme, one player may shout “Go” indicating that the players start looking at the letter tiles assigned to them, for forming words therefrom. The players may form words which include proper nouns, names and even foreign words. Hyphens and spaces can be ignored and one word can be formed more than once. For forming the words, the letter tiles may be positioned adjacent to one another. Thereafter, each player may draw additional game tiles from a container, such as the container 100, as long as the player has less than 9 unused tiles at any point of time. If a player draws a functional tile, such as the functional tile 214 including a notation, then that player identifies the notation as a wild card notation or a wipe out notation. In case of the wild card notation, the player rolls the die again to obtain a number. Now a functional card, such as the functional card 304, is referred to, to identify the instructions corresponding to the number obtained. Examples of the instructions may include instructions, to each player of the plurality of players to change places with the person on their left, or to give one chip to a player on their left.
On the other hand, if a player draws a functional tile having a wipe out notation, then that player has to discard all the game tiles. Alternatively, that player may discard 3 bonus chips and continue the round normally. When one of the players has formed a predetermined number of words, that player may trigger the end of that round. Alternatively, once one of the players has formed a predetermined number of words, that player may yell “Got It”, to signify the end of that round. Simultaneously, the remaining players may stop forming words. It should be understood that the player triggering the end of the round may be asked to prove the relationship of one or more words formed by him, to the game theme identified for that round. In a particular embodiment, the predetermined number of words is nine.
Thereafter, each player adds up his or her scores based on the number of words formed, number of bonus chips left, game chip and the number of unused letter tiles left. The scores of the players are also based on the arrangement of the formed words. More specifically, if the letters of the words formed by each player are so arranged that a predefined shape such as a cluster or a hole is formed, then the player may get additional point for the round. A cluster is said to be formed if the letter tiles of the formed words are so arranged that four letter tiles are attached at a common corner. A hole is said to be formed if the letter tiles are arranged so as to enclose a closed blank area. Table 1 below is an exemplary points table usable for evaluating round scores of each player. Such a table may also be provided in one or more point cards, such as the point card 306, in the word game.

	TABLE 1

	Criterion	Points

	2 letter tile words	0
	3-5 letter tile words	5
	6-8 letter tile words	10
	9 or more letter tile words	15
	Each bonus chip	5
	Each unused letter tile	Minus (−) 1
	Each “Cluster” or “Hole”	5
	Game chip	10
	Game chip + 0 remaining tiles upon exit	10 extra

Now the subsequent round is initiated with the identification of a group leader among the players. Thereafter all the steps of playing the word game are performed until a predetermined number of rounds have been played. Alternatively, the word game may be played until one of the players has achieved a predetermined score. In a particular embodiment, the predetermined score is 300 points.
In one embodiment, the method for playing the word games may omit usage of the functional cards. It should be understood that additional variations of the method for playing the word games shall not be construed as out of scope of the present disclosure.
The present disclosure provides a game kit, such as the game kit 1000, for playing a word game. Further, the present disclosure provides a method for playing a word game. The disclosed game kit is composed of a durable material and is devoid of any cumbersome game board, mechanical or electronic parts. The disclosed game kit is portable thereby making the game kit convenient to use within a house or outside. The word game is easy to learn and interesting for the players. The word game is versatile and accordingly individuals from all age groups may be interested in playing the word game.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A game kit for playing a word game by a plurality of players, the game kit comprising:

a set of game tiles comprising,

a plurality of letter tiles, each letter tile of the plurality of letter tiles comprising a letter displayed thereon, and

a plurality of functional tiles, each functional tile of the plurality of functional tiles comprising a notation displayed thereon; and

a plurality of cards comprising,

one or more game theme cards, each game theme card comprising a set of game themes displayed thereon, and

one or more functional cards, each functional card corresponding to at least one associated tile of the plurality of functional tiles, each functional card comprising a set of instructions,

wherein at least one instruction of the set of instructions is to be followed by the plurality of players based on picking of one functional tile of the plurality of functional tiles by one player of the plurality of players, and

wherein the letter tiles of the plurality of letter tiles are adapted to be arranged by the plurality of players based on selecting of a game theme from the set of game themes displayed on the one or more theme cards.

2. The game kit of claim 1 further comprising:

one or more game chips capable of being received in the container;

a plurality of bonus chips; and

one or more dice adapted to be rolled for selecting a game theme from the set of game themes displayed on the one or more game theme cards.

3. The game kit of claim 1 further comprising a game rule sheet comprising information related to rules for playing the word game.

4. The game kit of claim 1, wherein the set of game tiles further comprises a plurality of blank tiles.

5. The game kit of claim 1, wherein the notation comprises a wild card notation.

6. The game kit of claim 1, wherein the notation comprises a wipe out notation.

7. A method for playing a word game by a plurality of players, the method comprising the steps of:

playing a plurality of rounds of the word game, the playing of a round of the plurality of rounds comprising,

selecting one or more game themes,

identifying a game theme from the selected one or more game themes,

forming a plurality of words by each of the plurality of players, the plurality of words being formed based on the identified game theme,

terminating the round by one player of the plurality of players, based on form a ion of a predetermined number of words, and

evaluating a round score for each player of the plurality of players, the round score being evaluated based on the formation of the plurality of words by each of the plurality of players; and

identifying a winner based on round scores of each player of the plurality of players in resulting from playing the plurality of rounds.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of choosing a group leader from the plurality of players.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of selecting the one or more game theme comprises the step of choosing a predetermined number of game themes from a set of game themes.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein identifying the game theme comprises the steps of:

rolling one or more dice to obtain one or more unique numbers; and

choosing a game theme from the one or more game themes based on the one or more unique numbers.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of forming a plurality of words comprises the steps of:

picking a plurality of game tiles of the word game, the plurality of game tiles comprising a plurality of letter tiles and a plurality of functional tiles; and

performing an activity based on the picked plurality of game tiles.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein performing an activity based on the picked one or more game tiles comprises arranging the one or more game tiles for forming the plurality of words.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein performing an activity based on the picked one or more game tiles comprises:

following one of a set of instructions provided in the word game; and arranging the one or more game tiles for forming the plurality of words.

14. The game kit of claim 1 further comprising a container configured for receiving the set of game tiles therein.