Strategy Game

Abstract

A two player strategic board game comprising thirty squares arranged into seven horizontal rows and six vertical columns. The top and bottom rows each have two squares; the second and sixth rows have four squares; and the middle three rows have six squares. Each row contains an equal number of alternating black and white squares. The outer columns each have three squares; the next two columns have five squares; and the middle two columns have seven squares. The game further comprises twelve game pieces divided into two sets of six, namely one white set and one black set. Each set comprises two minions, two prelates, one templar, one krown and two rings of game pieces that can be put on either krown based on a rule set. The objective of the game is for a player to occupy the opponent player's end two squares.

Claims

1. A strategic board game comprising: a base; a game board comprising a plurality of squares positional on the base; a plurality of game pieces movable between the plurality of squares; and a plurality of rings positional on the plurality of game pieces as needed.

2. The strategic board game of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a pair of opposing player ends, and a pair of ring stands for retaining the plurality of rings until needed.

3. The strategic board game of claim 1, wherein the game board further comprises seven horizontal rows.

4. The strategic board game of claim 1, wherein the game board further comprises six vertical columns.

5. The strategic board game of claim 1, wherein the plurality of squares comprise fifteen white squares and fifteen black squares.

6. The strategic board game of claim 5, wherein the white squares and black squares alternate across the game board.

7. The strategic board game of claim 1, wherein the plurality of game pieces comprise two sets of player pieces.

8. The strategic board game of claim 7, wherein each set of player pieces comprises four different game pieces.

9. The strategic board game of claim 7, wherein each set of player pieces comprises six total game pieces.

10. A strategic board game comprising: a base; a game board comprising seven horizontal rows and six vertical columns defining a plurality of squares positional on the base; two sets of game pieces movable between the plurality of squares; and a plurality of rings positional on the game pieces as needed.

11. The strategic board game of claim 10, wherein the plurality of squares are thirty alternating white and black squares.

12. The strategic board game of claim 10, wherein each set of game pieces comprises a pair of minion pieces.

13. The strategic board game of claim 12, wherein each minion piece is permitted to move one square vertically or horizontally at a time.

14. The strategic board game of claim 10, wherein each set of game pieces comprises a pair of prelate pieces.

15. The strategic board game of claim 14, wherein each prelate piece is permitted to move one square diagonally at a time.

16. The strategic board game of claim 10, wherein each set of game pieces comprises a templar piece.

17. The strategic board game of claim 16, wherein each templar piece is permitted to first move three squares either vertically or horizontally, then up to two additional squares the opposite direction of the first move.

18. The strategic board game of claim 10, wherein each set of game pieces comprises a krown piece.

19. The strategic board game of claim 1, wherein a first and seventh of the horizontal rows are defined by only two of the plurality of squares.

20. A strategic board game comprising: a base comprising a pair of opposing player ends, and a pair of ring stands for retaining the plurality of rings until needed; a game board comprising seven horizontal rows and six vertical columns defining thirty alternating white and black squares positional on the base; two sets of six game pieces movable between the plurality of alternating white and black squares; and a plurality of rings positional on the plurality of game pieces as needed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective overhead view of a strategic board game of the present invention comprising a game board and a plurality of game pieces in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an overhead view of the strategic board game of the present invention with all of the game pieces placed at an initial position in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a plurality of possible moves of a minion game piece of the plurality of game pieces of the strategic board game of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a diagrammatic view showing how the minion game piece becomes a krown king game piece of the strategic board game of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a diagrammatic view showing a plurality of moves of a prelate game piece of the strategic board game of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a diagrammatic view showing how the prelate game piece becomes the krown king of the strategic board game of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a diagrammatic view showing a first move of a templar game piece of the strategic board game of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a diagrammatic view of the strategic board game of the present invention showing a plurality of moves of the templar game piece after the first move in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a diagrammatic view showing moves of a krown game piece of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a diagrammatic view showing moves of a krown game piece of the present invention with increased power after capturing one piece in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates a diagrammatic view showing moves of a krown game piece of the present invention with increased power after capturing two pieces in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates the use of a plurality of rings on the krown game piece as an indication of the power of the krown game piece of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0026] FIG. 13 illustrates two players playing the strategic board game of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0027] FIG. 14 illustrates a diagrammatic view of the strategic board game of the present invention showing how a player wins a game in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0029] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a unique board game which can be easily played by the individuals. There is also a long felt need in the art for a board game which is interesting and features newness in the games and its rules. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a board game which comprises of a smaller number of cells in the board than other games. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a board game which comprises of smaller number of game pieces and have lesser number of rules of game piece movement. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a board game with simplified rules which can be easily understood by all the individuals. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a strategic game which is fun-filled and interesting for the players.

[0030] The novel strategy game of the present invention is advantageous as it provides entertainment for young children and adults, enhances ability of people to quickly make decisions and change their minds dependent on obstacles as they play through the game. Multiple strategies are used by the players and multiple variations are offered by the rules of the game enabling players to customize the game and strategies to their liking. As used herein, the term “Dominum” refers to a unique strategy board game played on a gameboard with thirty squares and four different types of game pieces.

[0031] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel strategy game and comprising a strategy game board having thirty squares arranged in a checkerboard fashion in seven rows and six columns, top and bottom rows having two squares each, second and sixth rows having four squares each; middle three rows having six squares each; wherein each row contains equal number of black and white squares; twelve game pieces divided into two identical sets of six game pieces wherein one set is of black color and the other set is of white color, each set including novel game pieces two minions, two prelates, one templar and one krown and two rings with each set that can be put on the krown based on rule set of the strategy game.

[0032] Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-16 illustrate a strategic board game 100. The strategic board game 100 comprises a base 110 and a game board 120. The game board 120 is positional on top of the base 110. The base 110 comprises a first player end 112, a second player end 114 opposite the first player end 112, and a pair of sides 116. The base 110 further comprises a pair of ring stands 118 located adjacent to each of the first and second player's ends 112 and 114.

[0033] The game board 120 similarly comprises a first player end 122 and a second player end 124 opposite the first player end 122. When the game board 120 is positioned atop the base 110 the respective first 112 and 122 and second player's ends 114 and 124 of both the base 110 and the game board 120 are aligned. The game board 120 further comprises seven horizontal rows 126 (rows 1-7) and six vertical columns 128 (columns A-F). The seven horizontal rows 126 and six vertical columns 128 intersect to form a plurality of squares 130. The plurality of squares 130 comprise fifteen white squares 132 and fifteen black squares 134. The fifteen white squares 132 and fifteen black squares 134 alternate in color across the game board 120 in a checkerboard fashion. The top and bottom rows 126(1 and 7) each have two squares 130; the second and sixth rows 126(2 and 6) each have four squares 130; and the middle three rows 126(3-5) each have six squares 130. Each row 126 contains an equal number of black and white squares 132 and 134 which alternate. The outer columns 128(A and F) each have three squares 130; the next two columns 128(B and E) each have five squares 130; and the middle two columns 128(C and D) each have seven squares 130.

[0034] The strategic board game 100 further comprises a plurality of game pieces 140. The plurality of game pieces 140 comprise a set of first player pieces 150 and a set of second player pieces 160. Each set of player pieces 150 and 160 comprises a pair of minion pieces 158 and 168, a pair of prelate pieces 156 and 166, a templar piece 154 and 164, and a krown piece 152 and 162. Each piece moves across the game board 120 according to a rule set of the strategic board game 100.

[0035] The strategic board game 100 further comprises a plurality of rings 170. The plurality of rings 170 comprise a pair of first player rings 172 and a pair of second player rings 174. Each of the pair of rings 172 and 174 can be put on either krown piece 152 or 162 based on a rule set of the strategic board game 100. The objective of the strategic board game 100 is for a player to occupy an opponent's two squares at the opposing player's end of the game board 120.

[0036] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the strategic board game 100 is illustrated with all the game pieces 140 placed at initial position as per the disclosed design and rules. As shown, the strategic board game 100 has seven rows 126 numbered as row 1, row 2, row 3, row 4, row 5, row 6, row 7 and six columns 128 numbered as column A, column B, column C, column D, column E, and column F. The game board 120 has thirty squares 130 and the squares 130 are designated as A3, B3 and so on.

[0037] The plurality of game pieces 140 used in the present invention are 1 Krown (152 and 162), 1 Templar (154 and 164), 2 Prelates (156 and 166) and 2 Minions (158 and 168) per player. There are two sets of six game pieces 150 and 160 of contrasting colors such as one set of black color and one set of white color. Initial positioning of the game pieces 140 on the game board 120 is that White's Templar 154 is always on a white square on the right-hand-side at the first player's end 122 and Black's Templar 164 will be always on a black square on the right-hand-side at the second player's end 124. Accordingly, the white Templar 154 is placed on D1, white Krown 152 is placed on C1, White Prelates 156 are placed on B2 and E2 respectively, White Minions 158 are placed on C2 and D2 respectively. Similarly, Black's Templar 164 is placed on C7, Black Krown 162 is placed on D7, Black Prelates 166 are placed on B6 and E6, and Black Minions 168 are placed on C6 and D6. The board 120 has fifteen black squares 134 and fifteen white squares 132 with equal number of black squares 134 and white squares 132 in each row 126.

[0038] In-total, twelve game pieces 140 are initially placed on the game board 120 at the two opposite ends 122 and 124 of the board 120. The objective of the strategic board game 100 is that each player needs to get to the opponent's end two squares. Any piece 140 that it gets to the opposite end except the Templar pieces 154 and 164, gets mega power and becomes a Krown King 159 and 169 and the said game piece ′59 and 169 can move from one end of the game board 120 to the other. If opposing pieces both reach the opposite end of the game board 120, the game can be a draw depending on the situation, if they are not in anyone's target range. Any piece 140 that remains on the board 120 is the winner. The allowed movements of the game pieces 140 will be described later in the disclosure.

[0039] The board 120 and the game pieces 140 can be constructed using plastic or wood, available in various styles and designs. The game pieces 140 can have magnetic base in one embodiment, with a magnetic base of opposite magnetic field under the game board 120 as well. Two rings 172 and 174 are available for each player which can be put on the Krown game piece 152 and 162 of each player. Each Krown 152 and 162 has the power of capturing its own piece and a first ring is put on the Krown 152 and 162 when the Krown 152 and 162 captures the first piece and a second ring is put on when the Krown 152 and 162 captures its own second piece. Also, in the case when the Krown 152 and 162 captures an opponent piece, two rings are put on the Krown 152 and 162. The initial positioning of all twelve game pieces 140 is placed as per the description described earlier in FIG. 2.

[0040] Each set of rings 172 and 174 provided with each set of game pieces 140 can be of same color or of different colors for differentiation. The rings 172 and 174 are provided to memorize the power of the Krown game pieces 152 and 162 and avoid any confusion in the game. Usually, the Krown game piece 152 or 162 has the power to move to any three squares 130, either forward, right or left. With one ring 172 or 174 placed on the Krown 152 or 162 respectively, the Krown 152 or 162 gains the power to move five squares 130, such as forward, right, left, forward diagonal right, or forward diagonal left. Similarly, with two rings 172 or 174 placed on the Krown 152 or 162 respectively, the Krown 152 or 162 gains the power to move up to eight squares, such as forward, right, left, forward diagonal right, forward diagonal left, backward, backward diagonal right or backward diagonal left.

[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates a diagrammatic view of the possible moves of a Minion game piece 158 or 168 as per the rules as per the disclosed design. The possible moves of the Minion game piece 158 or 168 are applicable for all Minions 158 or 168 present on the game board 120. The Minion 158 or 168 moves one step square straight ahead. The Minion 158 or 168 can move from C2 to C3 while moving straight ahead. The Minion 158 or 168 cannot move backward on the game board 120. Further, the Minion 158 or 168 can only capture the opponent's piece on either its right hand side or left hand side by capturing the piece and taking that square 130. Also, a Minion 158 or 168 cannot capture another Minion 158 or 168.

[0042] As shown, the Minion 158 or 168 at C2 can capture the opponent's piece at D2 and B2 and take its place. Thus, once the minion 158 or 168 captures the opponent's piece, the Minion 158 or 168 changes its column 128 and keeps moving forward unless there is nothing else in its way. If the Minion 158 or 168 is located at either A5, B6, F5, or E6, the Minion 158 or 168 can then move diagonally. For example, if Minion 158 or 168 is located on E5, the Minion 158 or 168 can then move diagonally to E6 and then eventually to D7. If the Minion 158 or 168 can occupy one of the last two squares 130 of the opponent, the minion 158 or 168 becomes a Krown King 159 or 169.

[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates how a Minion game piece 158 or 168 becomes a Krown King 159 or 169 as per the rules as per the disclosed design. The minions 158 or 168, when close to the last two squares of the opponent, moves to the last square to become a Krown King 159 or 169. As shown exemplary, the respective minion 158 or 168 moves from C6 to C7 and the respective minion 158 or 168 moves from D6 to D7 to become the Krown King 159 or 169.

[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates the moves of a Prelate game piece 156 or 166 as per the rules for the disclosed design. The Prelate 156 or 166 moves one diagonally square 130 ahead either right or left and can only capture an opponent's piece diagonally. The Prelate 156 or 166 cannot move backward on the game board 120. All Prelates 156 or 166 present on the game board 120 follow the same rules and can also become a Krown King 159 or 169 in a manner similar to any Minion 158 or 168.

[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates how a Prelate game piece 156 or 166 becomes a Krown King 159 or 169 as per the rules of the present invention. The Prelate 156 or 166 becomes the Krown King 159 or 169 by reaching the last squares 130 of the opponent (i.e. from square C6 to D7) in the diagonal direction. Similarly, the Prelate 156 or 166 becomes the Krown King 159 or 169 by reaching the last squares 130 of the opponent (i.e., from square D6 to C in the diagonal direction.

[0046] FIG. 7 illustrates a first move of a Templar game piece 154 or 164 as per the rules of the present invention. The Templar game piece 154 or 164 moves three squares 130 vertically ahead and turns two steps to its right hand side only (not in the left hand side) in the first move. As shown as example, the Templar game piece 154 or 164 moves from D1 to F4 via D4 as it can jump over other pieces. The same rule is applied for all the Templar game pieces 154 or 164. It should be noted that the Templar game piece 154 or 164 can make more moves in subsequent moves as described in next Figure.

[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates the moves of a Templar game piece 154 or 164 after the first move as per the rules of the present invention. After the first move, the Templar game piece 154 or 164 has the right to move first three squares 130 either vertically or horizontally and turns either one or two steps regardless what side, like an ‘L’ shape as shown in FIG. 8. The Templar game piece 154 or 164 can only capture an opponent's piece within its range of movement.

[0048] FIG. 9 illustrates the moves of a Krown 152 or 162 game piece as per the rules of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed design. Each Krown 152 or 162 has an option to move one square either forward, right or left. As shown, the Krown 152 or 162 can move in forward, left, or right. The Krown 152 or 162 also can capture its own piece and take its square 130 in order to gain advantage of the position on the board 120, or the opponent's piece on the same squares 130. If the Krown 152 or 162 captures its own piece (white Krown 152 captures any other white game piece 150 and the black Krown 162 captures any other black game piece 160), the Krown 152 or 162 can increase its power by five squares, front, diagonally and both sideways as shown in FIG. 10. It should be noted that it is not mandatory for the Krown 152 or 162 to capture its own pieces. The player can allow the Krown 152 or 162 to capture its own piece to get an advantage. If a Krown 152 or 162 captures its second own piece or opponents one piece, the Krown 152 or 162 power increases by eight squares on the board (i.e., eight squares; front, back, four diagonally and both sideways) as shown in FIG. 14.

[0049] FIG. 12 illustrates the use of rings 170 on the Krown 152 or 162 as an indication of the power of the transformation to the Krown 152 or 162 as per the rules of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed design. As described earlier, the pair of first and second player's rings 172 and 174 are provided to each player. Each pair of rings 172 and 174 provided to each player are identical and can be of same or different colors. Each player puts on one of the pair of rings 172 and 174 on the respective Krown 152 or 162 when the Krown 152 or 162 captures its own piece (white Krown 152 captures any other white game piece 150 and black Krown 162 captures any other black game piece 160). Each player puts on the second ring or the pair of rings 172 and 174 on the respective Krown 152 or 162 when the Krown 152 or 162 captures its own second piece (white Krown 152 captures second white game piece 150 and black Krown 162 captures second black game piece 160). Also, if the Krown 152 or 162 captures an opponent's single piece, the player put two rings pair of rings 172 and 174 on the Krown 152 or 162. The rings 170 are provided to memorialize the power of the Krown game piece 152 or 162 and avoid any confusion in the game.

[0050] With one ring 170 placed on the Krown 152 or 162, the Krown 152 or 162 gains the power to move to any of five squares, such as forward, right, left, forward diagonal right, or forward diagonal left. Similarly, with two rings 170 placed on the Krown 152 or 162, the Krown 152 or 162 gains the power to move to any of the eight squares, such as forward, right, left, forward diagonal right, forward diagonal left, backward, backward diagonal right or backward diagonal left.

[0051] FIG. 13 illustrates two players playing the strategic board game 100. As shown, the strategic board game 100 is played on the game board 120 with two sets of identical game pieces 150 and 160 in contrasting color. A first user plays the strategic board game 100 with white game pieces 150 and a second user with black game pieces 160. The rings 170 are present on the base 110. A game is won when any game piece except the Templar 154 or 164 reaches the opponent's end two squares becomes the winner of the game. If a piece 140 of both players reaches to the opponent's end at a same time, the game can be draw depending on the situation, as long as the game pieces 140 are not in anyone's target range. Typically, any piece 140 that remains last on the board 120 is a winner.

[0052] Again, the objective of the novel strategy game of the present invention is that each player needs to get to the opponent's end two squares 130. Any game piece 140 that gets to the opponent's end two squares 130 except the Templar piece 154 or 164, becomes a Krown King 159 or 169 that can move from one end of the game board 120 to the other. It can also capture opponent's piece if they are in its way or vice-versa. As shown in FIG. 14, the white Krown 152 reaches one of the two squares D7 of the opponent's end and which is the only piece on the board, thus, the player with white pieces becomes the winner.

[0053] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “novel strategy game”, “novel chess like game”, “novel game”, and “novel chess like strategy game between” are interchangeable and refer to the strategic board game 100 of the present invention.

[0054] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the board game of the strategic board game 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the game board and game pieces as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes are well within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0055] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.