Dice Game Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel dice game device. The device is a modified dice game in which players roll different combinations of dice to enter into different areas of a scoresheet. Players earn points based on the combinations they roll to try and win the game. The game introduces the concept that five-of-a-kind numbers, (i.e., 2 thru 5), can be five-of-a-kind and/or a player can split the difference to achieve five-of-a-kind. The game introduces the concept that four-of-a-kind numbers (2 thru 6) with three of the same number can add the two remaining dice together to equal the same number as the three-of-a-kind number already scored to equal four-of-a kind. The game introduces the concept of wild cards that can be entered in any available score area for the maximum point available in that score area.

Claims

1. A dice game device in which a plurality of players roll multiple dice to create different combinations of dice enter scores into different areas of a scoresheet, the dice game comprising: a plurality of dice; a set of specific rules; and a scoresheet; wherein the plurality of players roll the plurality of dice to score points; wherein the plurality of players score the points based on the set of specific rules wherein at least one of the specific rules allows a player to split-the-difference to achieve five-of-a-kind 1 through 6; Wherein a specific rule allows a player with three of the same number can add the two remaining dice together equal the same number as the three of the same number already scored to achieve four-of-a-kind; Wherein a specific rule allows a player who scores five-of-a-kind to use subsequent scores of five-of-kind as Wild Cards to be entered in any available score area for the maximum points available in that score area; and Wherein certain four-of-a-kind number combinations can be used in Upper Section for points or in the Lower Section as a full house.

2. The dice game device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of dice comprises five dice.

3. The dice game device of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of dice include a numerical indicium on each side of the dice.

4. The dice game device of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of dice include indicia/dots on each side, representing a number.

5. The dice game device of claim 2, wherein the scoresheet is a paper and pencil style scoresheet.

6. The dice game device of claim 2, wherein the scoresheet is a digital format scoresheet.

7. The dice game device of claim 6, wherein the digital format scoresheet is displayed on a smartphone.

8. The dice game device of claim 2, wherein once a player accumulates a predetermined number of points, the dice game device is over and the player wins.

9. The dice game device of claim 2, wherein the dice game device can be played by 2 to 8 players, but not limited to a specified number of players.

10. The dice game device of claim 2 further comprising a dice cup for rolling the plurality of dice.

11. The dice game device of claim 9 further comprising a container for storing the plurality of dice, the dice cup, and the scorecard.

12. The dice game device of claim 2, wherein a first player is chosen to begin play.

13. The dice game device of claim 12 further comprising a plurality of indicia/dots.

14. A dice game device in which a plurality of players roll multiple dice to create different combinations of dice to enter into different scorebox areas of a scoresheet, the dice game device comprising: a set of five dice; a paper and pencil type scoresheet; and a digital format scorecard used with a smartphone; wherein the plurality of players roll the set of five dice simultaneously to score points; wherein the plurality of players score points based on a set of specific rules and record the points on the paper and pencil type scoresheet or the digital format scoresheet; and wherein at least one of the specific rules allows a player to split-the-difference to achieve five-of-a-kind of a specific number from 1 through 6; further wherein at least one of the sets of specific rules allows a player to score four-of-a-kind by adding two remaining dice together to equal number, when having three-of-a-kind of that same number; and Wherein at least one of specific rules allows a player, after a first five-of-a-kind is scored, to use all other five-of-a-kind scores-as Wild Cards, if any.

15. A method of playing a dice game using a plurality of dice, the method comprising the following steps: providing a dice game device comprising a plurality of dice and a plurality of scoresheets; having a first player roll the plurality of dice; applying a plurality of rules to the dice rolled; adding up the first player's points from the plurality of dice and entering them on the scorecard; and accumulating a specific number of points based on rolling the plurality of dice to win the game, wherein all players complete a game by having 13 turns to roll the dice up to three times per turn and enter their scores on their scoresheet and the player with the highest number of points wins the game.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein after the first player's turn the plurality of dice and is awarded a certain number of points for the turn, the second player's turn begins and the plurality of dice and is awarded a certain number of points for their turn and each of the players in the game will complete their rolls in the same manner as the previous players in the game.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein once a player completes his or her turn by rolling the dice up to three time and scores a certain number of points for their rolls, that player's turn is over, and the player enters their points on the scoresheet.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the total points achieved by a player on each turn are added to any point total existing for that player.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the plurality of rules used during the game to score points include players trying to accumulate four-of-a-kind or five-of-a-kind based on the present invention rules of specific number from 1 through 6, wherein players can achieve this by splitting the difference with number combinations or by naturally collecting four or five of a specific number.

20. The method of claim 13 wherein players score Wild Cards after the player's first five-of-a kind has been scored.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the dice game device of the present invention showing the scoresheet as a digital format on a smartphone in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of the dice game device of the present invention showing the scoresheet as a pen and pencil format with the five dice in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the dice game device of the present invention showing four people playing the game in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the dice game device of the present invention showing how scores can be added on the smartphone in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the dice game device of the present invention showing different combinations of dice for the game in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of playing a dice game using a plurality of dice in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0029] 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.

[0030] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a dice game device that provides a new more competitive and strategic dice game that can be played by people of all ages. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a dice game device that includes a custom scoresheet available in paper and pencil style. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a dice game device that includes a custom scoresheet available in a digital format on a smartphone. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that enables users to make different combinations of dice to enter scores into different areas on their scoresheet to earn points. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a dice game device that offers an improved dice game for friends and family at game night, senior centers, school, etc. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a dice game device that uses a set of five dice to play the game.

[0031] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel dice game device. The device is a modified dice game in which players roll different combinations/and or multiples of the same kind of dice to score in different areas of a scoresheet. Players earn points based on the combinations they roll to try and win the game. The game introduces the concept that five-of-a-kind numbers, (i.e., 2 through 5), is an average of five-of-a-kind, (i.e., 2-333-4) and scores a Split the Difference five-of-a-kind. The dice game device comprises a plurality of dice wherein each of said plurality of dice includes numerical indicia/dots on each of its sides and a plurality of scoresheets for keeping score. The scoresheets can be paper and pencil style or can be a digital format on a smartphone. Players roll the dice to achieve different point values on the scoresheet. The present invention also includes a novel method of playing a dice game using a plurality of dice. The method includes the steps of providing a dice game device comprising a plurality of dice and a plurality of scoresheets. As noted above, the method also comprises selecting a first player to start a game. Further, the method comprises applying the rules to the dice rolled, such that the player tries to accumulate four or five of the same number. The method also provides that the player's first five-of-a-kind is recorded in the five-of-a kind scorebox on the scoresheet and is valued at 50 points. However, a player's subsequent five-of-a-kind scores; if any, are Wild Cards and can be placed in any open score area of the scoresheet and receive the maximum points for the scorebox in which it is placed. The method also comprises adding up the player's points from the dice and entering them on the scoresheet. Finally, the method comprises accumulating of points based on rolling the plurality of dice to win the game.

[0032] Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the dice game device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the dice game device 100 is an improved dice game device 100 in which players 300 roll multiple dice 102 to create different combinations and/or multiples of the same number of dice 102 to enter into different areas of a scoresheet 104. Players 300 earn points, as noted above, based on the combinations and multiples of the same kind they roll to try and win the game. The game device 100 introduces, as noted above, the concept that five-of-a-kind numbers, (i.e., 2 through 5 is an average of five-of-a-kind and/or a player 300 a Split the Difference five-of-a-kind, four of a kind with three of a kind of the same number and the other two dice when added together equal the same number as the first three numbers and Wild Cards. Wild Cards are five-of-a-kind scores after the first five of a kind has been entered on the scorecard in the five-of-a-kind scorebox. Wild Cards can be entered into any scorebox for the maximum number of points possible in the scorebox in which they are placed.

[0033] Further, the dice game device 100 comprises a plurality of dice 102 and a scoresheet 104. Specifically, the dice game device 100 comprises a plurality of dice 102 wherein each of said plurality of dice 102 includes numerical indicia/dot 106 on each of its sides 108 and a plurality of scoresheets 104 for keeping score. The scoresheets 104 can be paper and pencil style 200 or can be a digital format 202 on a smartphone 204. Players 300 roll the dice 102 to achieve different point values on the scoresheet 104. The goal of the game is to accumulate the most points.

[0034] The rules of the game of the present invention will now be explained in detail with reference being made to the accompanying figures.

[0035] The game is over when all players have completed 13 turns and the player 300 with the highest score wins the game, unless two or more players 300 score the same highest number of points, and in this case all players 300 with the same highest score are winners. The game may be played by 2 or more players 300, with 8 players 300 being a reasonable maximum number of players 300, although not a limitation of the invention. For example, a tournament could have ten tables of four players 300 each playing at the same time with the tournament's highest cumulative table score winner, and the highest individual player 300 with the highest cumulative score winner.

[0036] The equipment used to play the dice game device 100 embodying the present invention includes five dice 102, each including the usual markings, such as one or more indica/dots, on each side 108 thereof. The five dice 102 of the present invention are shown generally in the figures and may be standard dice 102. The equipment further includes a dice cup 206 for tossing the dice 102 and a scoresheet 104 for keeping score. The equipment can be stored in a container 208, such as a box or other suitable container, if desired. A game board is not required, so the game can be played anywhere.

[0037] Furthermore, the points for each game or turn are recorded on a scoresheet/104 or other suitable score keeping device as is known in the art. The scoresheet 104 can be a conventional paper and pencil scoresheet 200 that a player 300 writes on to add the scores each turn or the scoresheet 104 can be a digital scorecard 202 accessed through a smartphone 204 or other suitable smart device as is known in the art, such as a tablet, a smart watch, etc.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the method of playing the dice game device 100 embodying the present invention comprises initiating the game by choosing a first player 300. Once designated, the first player 300 rolls all five dice 102 at once, using their hands 302 or a dice cup 206, if included with the dice game device 100. Thus, at the beginning of each player's turn, the player 300 rolls all five dice 102 simultaneously.

[0039] Play continues until all players 300 complete 13 turns. Positive points are awarded according to the indicia/dots 106 that are turned up on the dice 102 after they have been rolled. Specifically, the points are awarded based upon specific game rules used in the game.

[0040] As noted above, each player can roll the dice up to three times in his/her turn. After the first player 300 begins his/her turn by rolling the dice 102 and is awarded a certain number of points for the turn. Once a player 300 completes his/her turn and is awarded a certain number of points for their turn, that player's turn is over, and he/she must stop rolling the dice 102. Each player 300 then continues to complete their turn by rolling up to three times 102 and be awarded a certain number of points for their turn, based on a rule from the dice game device 100. A player's 300 turn begins by rolling all five dice and keeps the dice he/she wants to keep, if any. If the player 300 keeps all five dice, the player's 300 turn is over. If the player 300 keeps dice and rolls the remaining dice, and then keeps all the dice after the second roll, the player's 300 turn is over, and if the player 300 keeps dice after the second roll, the player 300 rolls the third time and enters his/her score on the scoresheet 104. After thirteen turns the player 300 with the most points wins the game. If more than one player has the same high score, then all players with the same high score are winners. Further, the score of each turn is kept on the scoresheet 104.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, the total points achieved by the player 300 on each turn are added to any point total existing for that player 300 if he/she ends his/her turn and records his/her points. The next player 300 then takes his/her turn to repeat the above-described process, and so forth, until every player 300 has rolled all five dice 102 once. After this, the game is over, and scores are entered on the scorecard 104. The next game is started with each player 300 rolling the dice 102 and add scores based on points awarded.

[0042] Furthermore, the dice game device 100 also comprises a plurality of indicia/dots 400. The dice 102, the scoresheet 104 and/or the dice cup 206 of the device 100 may include advertising, trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the dice 102, the scoresheet 104 and/or the dice cup 206, or any other indicia/dots 400 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 400 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be dice, game, or brand related.

[0043] Further, as shown in FIG. 5, an example of the rules that are used during the game to score points include the following: a player 300 trying to accumulate four-of-a-kind or five-of-a-kind of a specific number from 1 through 6. Players 300 can achieve these goals by splitting the difference game rules with number combinations or by naturally collecting four or five of a specific number. A player 300 has a Split the Difference five-of-a-kind when they have three-of-a-kind with two other dice 102 having a beginning and end point for the number. For example, if a user/player 300 rolls three 3's, a 2, and a 4, the player 300 has a Split the Difference five-of-a-kind for five 3's. Further, players 300 who roll three of the same number can score four-of-a-kind by adding the remaining two dice scores together to equal the three-of-a-kind already scored. For example, if a player 300 rolls three 4's, a 1 and a 3, the player 300 has a score of four 4's.

[0044] Additionally, the first five of the same number from 1 through 6, or a Split the Difference five-of a-kind number combination of a 1, three 2's, and a 3 equal five 2's; a 2, three 3's, and a 4 equal five 3's; a 3, three 4's, and a 5 equal five 4's; and a 4, three 5's, and a 6 equal five 5's, are entered in the five-of-a-kind score box on the scoresheet for 50 points. All subsequent five-of-a-kind either natural or Split the Difference are Wild Cards and their point values determined by the scorebox put into. For example, if a Wild Card is placed in the large straight box in the Lower Section, it is worth 40 points. If, it is placed in the three-score box in the Upper Section it is worth 15 points. This is an important part of the game strategy. If the player is not scoring well in the Upper Section and not going to make the 35-point bonus awarded for scoring 63 or more points, but the player has a Wild Card and can make the bonus with the 15 points in the three-box, not only does the player gain 15 points in the three box he/she gains 35 points for the making the bonus on the Upper Section by using the Wild Card in the three-score box. Wild Cards become an important strategy in as does four-of-a-kind and five-of-a-kind combinations and significantly contribute to the uniqueness, the strategy and the competitiveness of the game and how a player plays the rest of the game if the player obtains one or more Wild Cards. The present invention's use of Wild Cards will lower the present invention game scores overall, but increases both the strategy and competitiveness of the dice game.

[0045] Thus, if a player 300 rolls three 2's, a 1, and a 1, they enter into the two-score box as four 2's and score 8 points. Additionally, other rules can be applied to achieve different points on the scoresheet. For example, a player 300 can roll a full house, a straight, etc., or the combinations of numbers rolled on the dice 102 can be used in either the Upper or Lower Section of the scoresheet 104, depending on where the player 300 needs to score points. An example of using 22211 either as a full house and score 25 points in the Lower Section or eight points in the Upper Section. Where this combination is placed depends on game circumstances. Thus, other similar modifications and additions to these rules may be developed or decided upon by the players 300, all within the scope of the present invention. Further, after turn the player 300 receives points that are determined according to a hierarchy of points and is able enter points in different areas on their scoresheet 104. The point total is cumulative after each turn.

[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of playing a dice game using a plurality of dice. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a dice game device comprising a plurality of dice and a plurality of scoresheets. The appointment of the first player to start the game. Further, the method comprises at 604, applying the present invention rules to the dice rolled, such that the player can accumulate four or five of the same number. The method also comprises at 606, add up the player's points from the dice and entering them on the scoresheet. After everyone has completed 13 turns the player with the most points wins the game, unless there is a tie score, then all players with the same high score are game winners.

[0047] 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 users 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 dice game device, game device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the dice game device 100 of the present invention.

[0048] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the dice game device 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 dice game device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the dice game device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the dice game device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the dice game device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.