Dice Game and Method of Playing

Abstract

This present invention relates to a family-friendly dice rolling game that includes eighteen dice, a rolling cup, and a score pad. The dice game allows each player to participate in the game by rolling the dice three times in each turn across three different game phases. The game offers an entertaining activity for any number of players, thereby making it an ideal game for any occasion or gathering. Further, the dice game of the present invention includes simplified rules and a score calculation method that encourages the players to use their mathematical and counting skills to keep score.

Claims

1. A dice game comprising: a plurality of die; a first phase of the game for obtaining a first sequence of numbers and for generating a first score; a second phase of the game for obtaining a second sequence of numbers and for generating a second score; and a bonus phase for creating an additive score for inclusion with the first and second score to create a final score.

2. The dice game as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of die comprise eighteen dice and each of the plurality of die has six sides and is cube shaped.

3. The dice game as recited in claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of die are comprised of a numerical indicia on each of the six sides and the numerical indicia is a different color than a background color of the die.

4. The dice game as recited in claim 1 further comprising a cup, a mat and a score pad.

5. The dice game as recited in claim 4, wherein the cup has a height of approximately 3 ⅞″ tall and a diameter of about 3 ¼″.

6. The dice game as recited in claim 1, wherein the first score is created by selecting a numerical indicia, rolling the plurality of die a total of three times to achieve the numerical indicia on as many of the plurality of die as possible, and summing a total amount of the numerical indicia on each of the plurality of die that achieve the numerical indicia for a total of six different numerical indicia.

7. The dice game as recited in claim 1, wherein the numerical indicia is a number between 1 and 6, inclusive.

8. The dice game as recited in claim 1, wherein the second score is created by selecting a target collection having a point allocation from a plurality of target collections, rolling the plurality of die a total of three times to achieve the selected target collection wherein the selected target collection must be achieved in a single roll of the plurality of die, and tallying the point allocations associated with each of the plurality of target collections achieved.

9. The dice game as recited in claim 8, wherein the plurality of target collections is comprised of a small straight, a large straight, a full house, a three of a kind, a four of a kind, a five of a kind, and a six of a kind.

10. The dice game as recited in claim 1, wherein the additive score is created by adding up a value of the numerical indicia on the plurality of die over a course of three rolls of the plurality of die, wherein a user is not required to reroll each of the plurality of die over a course of the three rolls.

11. The dice game as recited in claim 1, wherein a winner of the dice game is a player that has achieved a final score that is higher than a plurality of other player's scores.

12. The dice game as recited in claim 3, wherein a score of one hundred points is awarded to a player that rolls the same numerical indicia on a set of six die in a single roll of the plurality of die.

13. A kit for a dice game comprising: a package for holding a plurality of contents used for playing the dice game, wherein the package is suitable for a retail environment or delivery via an on-line platform; a plurality of die, wherein each of the plurality of die is cube shaped and of a similar size; a score pad having a plurality of score sheets; a cup; and a set of instructions for playing the dice game.

14. The kit as recited in claim 13 further comprising a mat for playing the dice game.

15. The kit as recited in clam 13, wherein the set of instructions require that the dice game be played in a first phase, a second phase and a bonus phase and further wherein the first phase is comprised of a set of six turns of three rolls each of the plurality of die, the second phase is comprised of a second set of six turns of three rolls each of the plurality of die, and the bonus phase is comprised of a single turn of three rolls of the plurality of die.

16. A method of playing a dice game, the method comprising the steps of: providing a game kit, the game kit having a set of eighteen dice, a cup and a score pad; removing the set of eighteen dice from the kit; placing the set of eighteen dice into the cup; shaking the cup; releasing the set of eighteen dice onto a surface; and counting a result of the released set of eighteen dice in a plurality of different ways during a first phase, a second phase and a bonus phases of the dice game.

17. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the first phase of the game includes selecting a numerical value found on each of the set of eighteen dice, counting a number of times the numerical value is shown on the set of eighteen dice after the step of releasing the set of eighteen dice, and multiplying the number of times by the numerical value.

18. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the second phase of the game includes awarding a set of points based on a sequence generated each time the set of eighteen dice are released from the cup after the step of releasing the set of eighteen dice.

19. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein the bonus phase includes awarding a set of points equal to a sum of the numerical value shown on the set of eighteen dice after three rolls of the set of eighteen dice have been completed.

20. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein the sequence includes a small straight, a full house, a three of kind, a four of kind, a five of a kind, a six of a kind, a seven of a kind, an eight of a kind, a nine of a kind, and a ten of a kind.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the various components of the dice counting game of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the various components of the dice counting game of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the game is being enjoyed by a plurality of participants;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the various dice components of the dice counting game of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the various components of the dice counting game of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the game is being enjoyed by a plurality of participants;

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram showing the different phases or rounds in which the dice counting game of the present invention may be played to determine a winner in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a kit comprised of the various components of the dice counting game of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] 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.

[0025] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for an interesting and fun-filled dice game, wherein the dice game does not limit the number of players or the age of the player. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a dice game which involves all the individuals interested in the game at a gathering, without leaving anyone idle and bored at the gathering, and that promotes strategic thinking and basic math skills. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a dice game which is not overly complicated, and that can be easily understood by all the individuals that desire to play the game. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a unique dice game that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and that is both safe and easy to enjoy.

[0026] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a method of playing a novel dice game for entertainment purposes and to improve strategic thinking and basic math skills. The method preferably comprises the steps of providing eighteen dice having a similar size and shape, with each of the eighteen dice having six different numerals, wherein a single different numeral appears on each of the six faces of the die. A scoring sheet is also provided for keeping track of the various players' scores, and a rolling cup for rolling the eighteen dice is also included in the game kit. The kit may also include a mat to be used as a playing surface to protect the dice and the surface on to which the dice are rolled from damage. Two or more players can play the dice game by rolling the dice three different times during each of their turns. The dice game of the present invention, also referred to herein as “Kabachi”, is preferably played in three phases and allows all the individuals to participate in the game. Further, the rules for each of the three phases of Kabachi game and the rules for score calculation are relatively simple and easy, and can be understood by any individual.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the method of playing the Kabachi dice game of the present invention incorporates at least the following rules: [0028] (1) The game may be played with a total of eighteen identical dice thrown on a plain horizontal surface using a rolling cup or the player's hand, and can be played by any number of players without age limitation. [0029] (2) To play the game, each player rolls all eighteen dice a first time during each turn, and up to eighteen dice on each of the second and third of the player's rolls in any one turn. [0030] (3) In the first phase of the game, all eighteen dice are initially rolled by the player in an effort to obtain as many dice as possible having the target number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6), wherein the game begins with a first turn in which all players try to roll a selected number. Following the first roll, the player may isolate or keep all dice showing the target value, and roll the remaining dice in a second roll. Following the second roll, the player may again keep those dice with the target value and then roll the remaining dice in a third roll. Following the third roll, all dice bearing the target value are added up and recorded on the scoresheet, thereby representing the player's score for that turn. The same process goes for each number selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 for each player and marks the end of the first phase. The players may all select the same number for the same round or may select a different number but will still get a similar score even though a different number is selected in order to keep the scoring even during the first phase. That is, a player may select the numeral “2” and another may select the numeral “6” and the score will reflect only the times the selected numeral is rolled as opposed the value of the number selected, so as not to unduly prejudice players selecting a lower number value. In this way, players that believe a certain number is “lucky” can select that number and not have to use another number. Alternatively, the players may each have to roll for a particular number each turn. [0031] (4) In the second phase of the game, all eighteen dice are initially rolled by the player in an effort to obtain a target goal, such as three of a kind, four of a kind, five of a kind, a Kabachi (i.e., six of a kind), a small straight, a large straight, etc. It should be noted that while each player gets to roll all eighteen dice a total of three times on each turn, each of the three of a kind, four of a kind, five of a kind, Kabachi, small straight, large straight, etc. must be rolled in the same roll. A player scoring a three of a kind (e.g., 111, 222, 333, 444, 555 or 666) will be awarded 25 points, and 50 points for a four of a kind (e.g., 1111, 2222, 3333, 4444, 5555, 6666). Similarly, a player scoring a five of a kind (e.g., 11111, 22222, 33333, 44444, 55555 or 66666) will be awarded 75 points, and 100 points for rolling a Kabachi. A player scoring a small straight (e.g., 1234, 2345 or 33456) will be awarded 30 points, and 40 points for a large straight (e.g., 12345 or 23456). The same process repeats itself for each goes player's turn, wherein the scores are recorded on the scorecard. Once each player has completed a total of six turns (irrespective of whether all of the targets have been achieved), the second phase concludes. [0032] (5) In the bonus phase of the game, all eighteen dice are rolled a total of three times by each player, with the objective being to obtain the highest possible total of points across the three rolls. For example, in the first and second roll, each die exhibiting a 5 or a 6 may be set aside and the remaining dice re-rolled. After the third roll, the sum of all the dice is calculated and recorded on the scorecard as the score for that player for the bonus phase. [0033] (6) Finally, at the conclusion of the bonus round, the scores for each player are summed up across all three rounds or phases and the player with the highest score wins the game.

[0034] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the various components of the dice counting game 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the Kabachi counting game 100 comprises a rolling cup 102, eighteen cubical dice 104 each having six faces and numerical indicia corresponding to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, and a plurality of scoresheets 106. The rolling cup 102 is used by a player for rolling the eighteen dice 104 during the player's turn, and after each turn and/or phase, the score of the player is recorded on the scoresheet 106. The rolling cup 102 is generally cylindrical in shape and should be sized to fit in the palm of the human hand. For example, the rolling cup 102 preferably has a size ranging from about 3 ⅞″ tall (as measured along the length of the sidewall from top to bottom), and a diameter of about 3¼″. The interior of the rolling cup 102 may further comprise a fabric lining or other padding to reduce the noise generated by the dice 104 being shaken within the rolling cup 102.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the various components of the dice counting game 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the game is being enjoyed by a plurality of participants. More specifically, the game 100 comprises a pack of scoresheets 106 of multiple colors having columns in which the various scores can be written. The pack of scoresheets 106 preferably come in a game box 200. During play, the player uses the rolling cup 102 to roll the dice 104 onto a relatively horizontal playing surface 202 or an optional game mat to protect the dice 104 and/or the playing surface 202 from excessive wear, and the various scores are written by each player on corresponding scoresheets 106.

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the various dice components 104 of the dice counting game 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the game 100 is comprised of eighteen individual and identical dice 104 that are used to play Kabachi in accordance with above described rules. All of the eighteen dice 104 are identical, and are generally cuboidal in shaped. Each of the die 104 is generally similar to a conventional die, and may be comprised of a plastic, ivory, bone, wood, or other suitable material. On each side of each die, one to six spots, indicating numbers 1 to 6 are marked. Alternatively, the numerical number itself may be printed on each face of the die to indicate the number of points awarded if that face lands face up. FIG. 3 also illustrates a mat 601 which is shown in phantom on the planar surface on which the game 100 may be played.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the various components of the dice counting game 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the game 100 is being enjoyed by a plurality of participants 402, 404, 406. More specifically, each of the players 402, 404, 406 roll all eighteen of the dice 104 on each turn to complete the different phases of the game 100. Further, each player 402, 404, 406 has his or her own scoresheet 106 to write down the scores for each turn, phase and bonus round, as per the rules of the game 100. It should be appreciated that any number of players can play the game 100 together, and without regard to player age.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram showing the different phases or rounds in which the dice counting game 100 of the present invention may be played to determine a winner in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the game 100 begins with the first round or phase 501 in which each player initially rolls all eighteen of the dice 104 onto a plain surface using the rolling cup 102 in an effort to achieve as many of the target number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6) as possible. The target number may begin with one and increase sequentially with each turn, or may be selected by the player in advance of his or her turn, or even during his or her turn. After the first roll, each die 104 having the selected or target number on its top face may be kept and moved to the edge of the playing surface. The player then rolls the remaining dice 104 in a second roll, again keeping dice 104 with the selected or targeted numbers on the top face. Finally, the player rolls the remaining dice 104 a third time, and then counts up the total of the targeted numbers during the three rolls and writes the score for that turn on the scorepad 106 (e.g., ten “6”s would equal 60 points). The same process goes for each number from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 at least once for each player, and marks the end of the first phase.

[0039] After completion of the first phase 501, the second phase 502 begins with the first player again rolling all eighteen dice 104 a total of three times to collect scores relating to a predefined target, such as three of a kind, four of a kind, five of a kind, or a sequence. For example, a score of 25 points may be awarded for each three of a kind (e.g., 111, 222, 333, 444, 555 or 666), and 50 points may be awarded for each four of a kind (e.g., 1111, 2222, 3333, 4444, 5555 or 6666). Further, a score of 75 points may be awarded to a player for a five of a kind (e.g., 11111, 22222, 33333, 44444, 55555 and 66666), and 100 points awarded for the “Kabachi” wherein six dice showing the same number (e.g., 111111, 222222, 333333, 444444, 555555 or 666666) are achieved in a single roll.

[0040] Other point totals may include, for example, an award of 30 points for a small straight (e.g., 1234, 2345, 3456 or even 5, 6, 1, 2 in some embodiments of the game 100) and 40 points for a large straight (e.g., 12345 or 23456). In other embodiments, still other point combinations may be awarded, for example, for a “full house” (i.e., two of a kind and three of a kind or derivations thereof), as well as seven of a kind, eight of a kind, nine of a kind, ten of a kind, eleven of a kind, etc.. However, it should be noted that in the preferred embodiment of the second phase 502 of the game 100, each of the “three of a kind”. “four of a kind”, “five of a kind”, “small straights”, “large straights”, “Kabachi”, etc. must be achieved in a single roll.

[0041] Upon completion of the second phase 502, the final bonus round 503 begins with the first player again rolling all eighteen dice 104 a total of three times in an effort to achieve a maximum point total for the eighteen dice 104 across the three rolls. For example, following the first roll, the player may wish to segregate all the 5's and 6's, and only roll the remaining dice 104 for the second roll. The player may then wish to repeat the segregation of the 5's and 6's rolled on the second roll and roll the dice 104 for a third and final time. After the third roll, the player adds the total of all the dice 104, including those segregated on the first and second rolls and records his or her score on the scorecard 106. Each player receives only one turn during the bonus round 503, the conclusion of which signals the end of the game 100. At the end of the game, the total points for each player from each of the first phase 501, second phase 502 and bonus round 503 are added, and the player with the highest total score wins the game 100.

[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a kit 600 comprised of the various components of the dice counting game 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the kit 600 preferably comprises a mat 601 (see also FIG. 3 where the mat is deployed for use) which may be placed over a surface to protect the surface from the rolling of the dice 104, as well as the dice 104 themselves. The kit 600 is provided in a package 610 which, may be suitable for purchase in a retail environment or delivery to a user's home if the game is purchased on-line. The kit 600 further comprises a cup 602 sized to fit within the palm of the player's hand, and having a size of about 3 ⅞″ tall and a diameter of about 3 ¼″. The kit 600 further comprises a scorepad 603 from which individual score sheets may be removed, a total of eighteen identical dice 604, and a set of instructions or rules 605, which may include alternate versions of the game 100 as described herein. Additional dice 104 may also be included in case the same become lost or damaged over time.

[0043] 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 “Kabachi game”, “dice game”, “counting dice game”, and “Kabachi dice game”, are interchangeable and refer to the Kabachi game 100 of the present invention.

[0044] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the Kabachi game 100 of the present invention can be played by any number of players at any place in accordance with the simple rules of the game. Moreover, the unique rules of the Kabachi game 100 insure that each of the players have an equal and fair chance of winning the game. Although the dimensions of the components of the game 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the components of the game 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0045] 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.

[0046] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.