Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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APPARATUS FOR PLAYING A WORD GAME
PCT/AU98/00398
Received 24 March 1999
The present invention is directed to an apparatus for use in playing a word
game,
in particular a crossword game, and a method of playing such a game using the
apparatus. In particular the invention is directed to an apparatus and game
that is
suitable for play by two or more players.
The crossword puzzle is a very popular and well known pastime and typically
comprises an arrangement of squares, each square representing the letter of a
word or phrase and clues for solving the identity of the words or phrases.
However, the solving of crosswords is typically a solitary exercise and
crossword
puzzles in their current format do not readily lend themselves to competitive
play
between two or more players. The present invention seeks to overcome this
disadvantage of known crossword puzzles.
Accordingly, in one aspect the present invention is directed to an apparatus
for
playing a word game, said game being suitable for play by two or more players,
said apparatus including:
- a plurality of cells arranged in one or more series, each cell having
at least one letter assigned to it and the assigned letters of each
-- series forming a word or phrase, said plurality of cells having
associated therewith one or more clues for determining the identity
of each word or phrase;
- recording means for recording each letter nominated for said cells
by said players in a manner so that each letter nominated by one
player can be distinguished from each letter nominated by another
player; and
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- 2
- indicating means for revealing the letter or letters assigned to each
cell,
wherein during play of said game each player takes turns in selecting one
or more cells and said indicating means is capable of revealing after each
turn the letter or letters assigned to said selected cell or cells without
simultaneously revealing the letter or letters assigned to cells that have not
been selected.
Throughout this specification the term "cell" means a defined area in which a
letter can placed. For example where the arrangement of cells is printed on a
sheet of paper, each cell may be a blank square surrounded by a printed border
and a letter can be written in the square. Alternatively, the arrangement of
cells
may be displayed on the liquid crystal display of an electronic device and
each
cell may be a blank area surrounded by an electronically created border. A
letter
can be electronically displayed in each cell.
The one or more series of cells may be arranged in rows and/or columns. It is
further preferred that the series are arranged in intersecting rows and
columns to
form a typical crossword matrix.
In one embodiment the recording means is comprised by different coloured
markers for the players to record their nominated letters.
The apparatus can be used in a game played between two or more players. For
example, in one method of playing a two player game, the first player attempts
to
solve a word for a given series of cells. The player selects a cell in the
series and
a clue (or clues if the cell is a member of more than one series) for solving
the
word of the series is given. The player then nominates a letter for the
selected
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cell. The indicating means reveals the letter assigned to that cell, thereby
indicating whether the player's nomination is correct. If the letter is
correct, the
player is rewarded. For example, the playermay be allotted a certain number of
points and/or be permitted another turn. If the nomination for the selected
cell is
incorrect, the player may suffer a penalty such as loss of his turn to the
second
player. After each turn the indicating means reveals whether a nomination for
a
cell was correct or not, thereby providing immediate feedback to the players.
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3
It is possible for two people to play a standard crossword puzzle of the type
that
appears in a newspaper where solutions for the crossword appear in a separate
and identical matrix. For example, each player could take it in turn to write
a word
(or words) of the crossword until the crossword was completed. The players'
answers could then be compared with the solution for the crossword. However,
it
will be apparent from the description above of the apparatus of this
invention, that
this apparatus provides numerous advantages over the arrangement appearing in
a newspaper which does not include an indicating means that is capable of
functioning in the manner as described above. For example, when using the
apparatus of this invention, each player's turn can be terminated when a
player
incorrectly nominates a letter for a cell as the indicating means can provide
immediate feedback to the players. Thus the incorrect nomination of a letter
for a
cell cannot mislead subsequent plays, as it would in the aforementioned game
with a standard crossword puzzle of the type that appears in a newspaper.
The apparatus of the present invention may be in a non-electronic format. For
example, the plurality or arrangement of cells may appear in printed form on a
sheet, for example on a board or on paper. In this embodiment, the letters
assigned to each cell are printed in each cell. A cover means is located over
each of the cells and is configured so that the cover means located over one
cell
is removable without disturbing the cover means located over another cell
(thus
the cover means constitutes the indicating means). fn a further preferred
embodiment the cover means is a single sheet where a portion of the cover over
one cell can be removed without disturbing a portion of the cover over another
cell. In a further preferred embodiment the cover is a sheet of material such
as
paper having an adhesive applied to one surface to permit it to adhere to the
printed cells. The cover may be scored to allow one section of the cover to be
removed without disturbing an adjacent portion. The adhesive is of an
appropriate type to permit this.
To play a crossword game using this apparatus, a player selects a cell of a
series
and is given a clue (or clues if the cell is a member of more than one series)
for
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4
that series. The player then nominates a letter for a selected cell and
removes
the cover located over the cell to reveal whether the letter nominated for the
cell
matches the letter assigned to the cell.
A letter can be nominated by simply calling it out and recorded by writing it
down,
each player having a different coloured marker to distinguish between letters
nominated by different players. A letter could be directly written on the
cover
located over a cell. Alternatively, a matching printed arrangement of cells
may be
provided and each player's nomination can be written on this matching printed
arrangement.
In an alternative embodiment, the arrangement of cells appears on a board. The
apparatus includes a plurality of square tiles with a letter appearing on one
side of
each tile and the other side blank. Each tile covers a cell. At the
commencement
of a game, the letter on each tile matches the assigned letter of the cell it
covers.
The tiles are placed with their letter side facing away from the players.
Clues in
written form are provided to the players. Each player has a different coloured
marker and can mark a cell with their nominated letter. A tile marked in this
way
can be turned over independently of other tiles to reveal whether the letter
nominated for that cell is correct or incorrect. If incorrect, the answer is
given. It
can be seen that in this manner, the answer for a single cell can be revealed
without revealing the answers to cells that have not been selected. Minor
variations of such an embodiment could enable the apparatus to be used in a
situation where the players are contestants in a TV game show.
In a variation of the apparatus, a numeric value (or score) is associated with
each
cell. When playing a game using this apparatus, a player may be awarded the
score for each cell correctly nominated by that player. Thus the apparatus may
further include means for recording the progressive score of each player. The
score recording means may also be capable of displaying the score or this
function may be performed by a separate component.
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In certain situations it may be desirable for the numeric value associated
with
cells that have not yet been nominated to be altered. For example, in a two
player game, if one player has accumulated more than the sum of his opponent's
progressive score and the sum of the values of the cells yet to be nominated,
that
5 player would at that stage win the game if the winner is determined by the
highest
score. In this instance, it may be desirable to allow the values associated
with the
remaining unselected cells to be increased (for example by doubling) in which
case it would be then be possible for the second player to win. Thus in a
preferred embodiment the apparatus includes a means for altering the numeric
value associated with the one or more cells.
In another variation of the game, each player is required to complete their
turn
within a certain time (which may be different for each player). Thus the
apparatus
may include a timing means for measuring the length of time of each player's
turn. It may further include signalling means to indicate when a player's turn
has
expired.
The apparatus may be used to play a game between two or more people with
different abilities. In this situation it may be desirable to handicap the
stronger
player. One way of achieving this is to provide a different set of clues to
each
player, the clues differing in their degree of difficulty. Thus the weaker
player
would be provided with easier clues than his more skilled opponent.
Accordingly,
in a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes different sets of clues for
each
arrangement of cells, said clues being graded according to their level of
difficulty.
Where clues of different levels of difficulty are provided to the players, it
is
important that a player not be able to read clues provided to an opponent.
Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes means to
conceal
a set of clues from an opposing player. Such means may be a shield or other
concealing device that can be placed around a set of written clues for
example.
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Alternatively each player may receive clues on physically separate means such
as cards.
It is also preferred that a player not be permitted to read all the clues for
the game
at the one time and that the player only be given the clue (or clues if the
cell is a
member of more than one series) pertaining to that cell or series of cells
that the
player is attempting to solve. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment the set
of
clues are present in a form such that a clue for one series of cells can be
provided to a player without simultaneously providing to the player clues for
other
series whose cells have not been selected. For example in a preferred
embodiment, the set of clues are present in written form on paper, board or
other
sheet material. A covering sheet is placed over the set of clues, the covering
sheet having an adhesive applied to one face to adhere it to the written
clues.
The covering sheet is scored to permit a portion of it to be removed to reveal
a
clue, without disturbing other sections of the cover sheet and thereby
revealing
other clues that are concealed.
Alternatively the apparatus may be an electronic device. Accordingly in
another
aspect the present invention is directed to an electronic apparatus for
playing a
word game, said game being suitable for play by two or more players, said
apparatus including;
- data storage means having stored therein:-
--
(i) one or more arrangements of cells, said cells of each
arrangement when displayed being positioned in one or more
series, each cell having at least one letter assigned to it, the
letters of each series forming a word or phrase; and
(ii) one or more clues for determining the identity of each word or
phrase;
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- one or more visual display means to permit the one or more
arrangements of cells and one or more clues to be displayed;
- input means to permit each player to select one or more displayed
cells and nominate a letter for each selected cell;
- recording means to record each cell or cells selected by each player
and the letter nominated for each selected cell by said player;
- associating means to associate the letter or letters nominated by
each player with said player;
- comparing means to compare the letter nominated for each selected
cell with the letter assigned to each cell; and
- indicating means to reveal the letter or letters assigned to each cell.
wherein during play of said game each player takes turns in selecting one
or more cells and said apparatus is capable of revealing after each turn the
letter or letters assigned to said selected cell or cells without
simultaneously revealing the letter or letters assigned to cells that have not
been selected.
Again it is preferred that the series of cells of each arrangement when
displayed
are set out in rows and columns to form a typical crossword matrix.
Various components of the electronic apparatus of the invention may be
embodied in software, with other components embodied in hardware such as
integrated circuit boards or microchips. Accordingly, the apparatus may take
various forms such as a hand held electronic device with an in-built software
component. Alternatively, it may be embodied by a desktop, laptop or palm top
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computer in combination with software components or the combination of an
electronic unit connectable to a television screen.
In a preferred embodiment the one or more display devices of the apparatus is
a
liquid crystal display or a computer or television screen. Preferably the
device
has two such display devices, one for displaying the arrangement of cells and
the
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other for displaying the clues used to play the game and other information
relating
to the game.
A preferred input means includes a series of keys for inputting information
into the .
apparatus. For example the keys may include alphabetically marked keys which
are used to nominate a letter. Further, these and numerically marked keys may
be used to select a cell. Other keys may be present to control different
aspects of
the crossword game and these shall be discussed in further detail later in
this
specification when discussing these additional aspects.
In an alternative embodiment the visual display device is a screen that is
touch
sensitive. In other words, by contacting different parts of the screen,
information
may be input to the apparatus. In this embodiment, the display means and input
means may be integrated into a single component.
The storage means may in one embodiment be an electronic memory of the type
well known to a person skilled in the field of computer and electronic
technology.
Alternatively, the storage means may be a component separate and connectable
to the main body of the apparatus. Such a storage means may comprise a
compact disc, optical disc, floppy disc, optical mask sensed card,
magnetically
encoded strip card or other means for storing data. Such cards, discs, etc are
ioadable into the apparatus to permit the data stored thereon to be
transferred to
the memory in the apparatus and the data is then accessed and may be
displayed on the display means. Alternatively, a reading mechanism maybe
present in the apparatus for directly reading the data from the card, disc etc
to
enable the relevant data to be displayed on the display means.
The recording means, associating means and comparison means of the
electronic apparatus may be embodied by components of a software program. In
the embodiment of a hand held electronic device, this software may be
permanently housed in the body of the device itself. Where the apparatus is in
part embodied by a personal or laptop or palm top computer or other similar
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device, this software may be present on a separate disc, card or other storage
means to enable the software to be loaded onto the hardware component of the
computer or other similar device.
In a preferred embodiment the indicating means may be a computer graphic that
appears on the display means of the apparatus.
As noted previously, it is preferred to associate numeric values with each
cell of
the arrangement. Accordingly, the electronic apparatus may have calculating
means for calculating the total and/or progressive scores of each player as
the
game is played. Further, it may include means for displaying these scores.
Such
score display means could be a computer graphic that appears on the visual
display means. Furthermore, the device may include means to permit the value
of one or more cells to be altered. This may be by an input key operatively
connected to a software component of the apparatus.
As in the non-electronic form of the apparatus, the electronic apparatus may
also
have a timing means to measure the time each player has to complete a turn.
The time of each player's turn or the time remaining to complete a turn may be
displayed by a computer graphic on the visual display means.
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The storage means of the electronic apparatus may contain different graded
levels of clues. In this embodiment the apparatus may include means to select
clues of a desired degree of difficulty. This may be an input key operatively
5 connected to a component of the software of the device. Further, where
different
levels of clues are provided to the players, means may be provided to conceal
a
clue provided to one player from an opponent. For example, where the clues are
displayed on a screen, a shield may be provided around the screen to prevent
an
opposing player reading a clue. Alternatively, each player may be provided
with
10 their own separate visual display on which clues can be displayed, such as
detachable liquid crystal displays, or possibly even separate computers
connected over a network.
It is further preferred that the electronic apparatus is capable of operating
to
provide a clue to a player pertaining to the cell or cells the player has
selected
without simultaneously revealing the clues for other cells that have not been
selected.
The electronic apparatus may include other additional features for operation
during the play of a game. For example, it may include means to suspend and
resume a game in progress, means for saving a game that is partially played in
the memory of the apparatus and for recalling a saved game from the memory
and means for specifying the number of players in 'the game. Further, the
electronic apparatus may include means for recommending to a player what cell
the player should select next. Such means may be a computer graphic
operatively connected to a component of the software program of the apparatus.
For example the graphic may appear in the cell that is recommended.
Alternatively, the graphic may comprise the location reference of the cell. A
player may then choose to accept the recommendation and select this cell by
operating an input key.
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In another embodiment, the one or more arrangements of cells and clues may not
be stored in the electronic apparatus but may be generated when the apparatus
is activated. Accordingly, the apparatus would not require the storage means
as
earlier described but has means for creating the one or more arrangements of
cells and one or more clues on activation of the electronic apparatus. The
apparatus has the one or more visual display means, the input means, the
recording means, the associating means, the comparing means and the
indicating means. The apparatus may also have one or more of the preferred
features as described earlier.
It is further considered that the computer software program of the electronic
device as described above is itself new. Accordingly, in another aspect the
present invention is directed to a computer data storage medium having
software
stored therein for use with a computing apparatus having one or more visual
display means and input means, said software enabling the computing apparatus
to display a word game to be played by two or more players and having;
- one or more arrangements of cells stored therein for display on said
one or more visual display means, said cells when displayed being
positioned in one or more series of cells, each cell having one or
more letters assigned to it, the letters of each series forming a word
or phrase;
- -- one or more clues stored therein for display on said one or more
visual display means, said clues for determining the identity of each
word or phrase;
- recording means to record the cell or cells selected by each player
and the letter nominated for each selected cell by each player using
said input means;
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- associating means to associate each letter or letters nominated by
each player with said player;
- comparing means to compare the letter or letters nominated for the
selected cell or cells with the letter or letters assigned to that cell or
those cells; and
- means for directing said apparatus to reveal the letter or letters
assigned to said selected cell or cells;
wherein during play of said game each player takes turns in selecting one
or more cells and said software can direct said apparatus to reveal after
each turn the letter or letters assigned to said selected cell or cells
without
simultaneously revealing the letter or letters assigned to cells that have not
been selected.
In a preferred embodiment the software permits the apparatus to function in
each
of the preferred ways as described above in respect of the electronic
apparatus.
Accordingly the software may have the features to permit this.
In another embodiment the software permits the game to be played interactively
by players whose visual display means are in fact different computing devices
(eg
personal computers) connected over some nefinrork (such as a LAN or the World
Wide We5) and loaded with the software. Accordingly the software may have
features to permit this.
Alternatively, rather than having one or more arrangements of cells and one or
more clues stored in the software, there may be contained in the software
means
for generating the one or more arrangements of cells and one or more clues.
This software has the recording means, comparing means and directing means
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as earlier described. The software may also have one or more of the preferred
features of the software as described earlier.
In another aspect the present invention is directed to a method of playing a
word
game by two or more players, said word game having one or more arrangements
of cells as hereinbefore described and one or more clues as hereinbefore
described associated therewith, said method including:-
- each player taking one or more turns having the following steps;
(i) selecting one or more cells; and
(ii) nominating a letter for each selected cell; or
(iii) foregoing nominating a letter for each celected cell
- revealing after the completion of each turn and before the commencement
of a subsequent turn the letter or letters assigned to each cell or cells
selected during the previous turn.
The method includes revealing the correct letter or letters assigned to the
selected cell or cells after an incorrect nomination has been made. It is
further
preferred that this is done without also revealing those letters assigned to
cells
that have-not been selected.
The apparatus as described above may be used to carry out this method. The
game can be played using the non-electronic, electronic apparatus or computing
apparatus having the computer data storage medium as described above. Play
of a game using the non-electronic apparatus has been described earlier. When
playing the electronic form of the game, each player may use the input means
to
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select one or more of the displayed cells and then use the input means to
nominate a letter for each selected cell.
In one preferred method of play, a reward is provided to a player for the
correct
nomination of a letter or letters for a cell or cells. For example, where
points are
associated with each cell, this reward may be earning the points associated
with
those cells correctly nominated. In addition, or alternatively, the reward may
be
permitting the player to continue to select cells and nominate letters for the
cells
until the player makes an error. Then the next player may commence their turn.
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Further, a penalty may be given for the incorrect nomination of a letter for a
cell.
This penalty may be deducting points from a player's score or awarding the
points
to an opponent.
In one embodiment of the method of playing the game of this invention, each
player is only permitted to select one cell at a time. Alternatively, the
player may
be permitted to select all of the cells that form a series at one time.
In one method of play, when a player selects a cell or cells, only the clue or
clues
pertaining to that cell or those cells is provided to the player.
Alternatively, all the
clues for the crossword are provided to the players at the one time before the
commencement of play of the game.
In another embodiment of this method, the length of each player's turn is
limited
to a maximum period. For example, a player may be permitted to continue his
turn until the expiry of this time, or the incorrect nomination of a letter
during the
time period.
In one method of play, the winner of the game is determined by the player that
has accumulated more than the sram of his opponent's score and the points
associated with the as yet unselected cells of the arrangement being played.
Alternatively, where points are not associated with cells, the winner may be
determined by the player who correctly nominates more cells of the arrangement
being played than does his opponent.
The invention shall now be described with reference to the following figures
which
illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention.
Figure 1 is a front view of an apparatus of this invention in the form of a
hand held
electronic game.
Figure 1 a is an enlarged view of the part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1.
r~Itn,f ~ .. ~~;f~
n :' . . . ,
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Figure 2 is a front view of an apparatus of this invention in non-electronic
form.
Figures 3a-d constitute a flow chart diagram showing the logic for a software
5 program of this invention.
Turning to figure 1, the device 1 has a body 2 and located on the front of the
body
is a first liquid crystal display 3. Displayed in the liquid crystal display
is a matrix
3a of individual cells 3b and blacked out or non playable areas 3c. Cells 3a
are
10 arranged in series in rows and columns and a number appears at the
commencement of each series to identify the series (for clarity, not all
series in
the figure have been numbered). There is a second liquid crystal display 4
which
displays information pertaining to the game. A timer display 4a indicates the
time
remaining for a player to complete a turn. A clue 4b is also displayed. Other
15 information displayed includes which player is currently playing (in the
figure the
player is identified as "red"), whether a cryptic or standard version of clues
is
being used, what cell the apparatus recommends the player select next and the
number of points associated with the as yet unselected cells of the matrix
(termed
"available points"). The apparatus has a score indicator which comprises two
liquid crystal displays 5a and 5b showing the progressive scores of the
players.
Two further liquid crystal displays 6a and 6b identify the players (in this
case
designated "red" and "green") and the graded level of clues each player has
chosen. The indicating means consists of a graphic device 7 which appears in
each cell 3b after that cell 3b is nominated. In this embodiment the graphic
device that is displayed is the letter assigned to the cell 3b.
The device 1 has various input keys. Keys 8a are numerically marked 1-15.
Keys 8b are alphabetically marked A-O. Using keys 8a and 8b a player can
identify the position of a cell and thereby select the cell by depressing the
correct
keys. Keys 8c are marked P-Z. By using keys 8b and 8c, a player can nominate
any letter of the alphabet for a selected cell.
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Other input keys for use in playing the game are numbered 8d-8i.
Located on the device 1 is also a game over indicator 9a and a "Double or
Quits"
indicator 9b.
Graphically displayed in each cell 3a when a letter has been nominated for
said
cell is a vertical and/or horizontal bar 10 which reveals the numeric value
associated with said cell.
Various components of the device 1 are embodied in a software program (not
shown). For example the matrix 3a and clues 4b are stored in electronic format
in
the software program. The means for recording a cell selected by a player and
a
letter nominated by a player, the means for associating a letter with a player
and
the means for comparing a nominated letter with an assigned letter also form
part
of the software program of the device. The input keys 8a-8i and first and
second
visual displays 3 and 4 are operatively connected to the software program.
An example of a method of playing the game using the apparatus shall now be
described. In figure 1, a game in progress is illustrated. The players of the
game
are designated "red" and "green". This particular game has clues in cryptic
form.
As the green player is the more skilled of the two, green has selected a level
of
clues having a higher degree of difficulty than the level of clues selected by
red
player. Red commences the game and using input keys 8a and 8b, Red selects
cell identified as 2A. A clue for the identity of the word represented by the
series
of cells 1A-8A (that is 1-Across) is displayed on display means 4.
Using input keys 8b, Red nominates the letter "D" for this cell. The fetter
assigned
to this cell is graphically displayed in the cell. In this case the correct
answer is
"D" revealing that Red's nomination for the cell was correct. A horizontal bar
is
also graphically displayed in cell 2A in the colour red. The numeric value
associated with cell 2A appears in the bar. The appearance of the horizontal
bar
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in red indicates that the numeric value associated with the cell 2A (2 points)
is
awarded to the Red player.
As Red has correctly nominated the letter for cell 2A, his turn can continue.
Red
selects the cell 1A. As cell 1A intersects series 1-Across and 1-Down, the
clues
for both series of cells appear on display 4. Red nominates the letter A for
the
cell. The correct answer, which is "A", is graphically displayed in cell 1A.
At the
same time, a vertical and horizontal bar appears in the cell 1A. A value of 1
point
is assigned to cell 1A as it forms part of series 1-Across and 1 point is
assigned to
cell 1A as it forms part of series 1-Down. As Red has successfully nominated a
letter for a cell in the series 1-Across, he is awarded 1 point for cell 1A as
part of
this series. This is indicated by the appearance of the horizontal bar in cell
1A in
the colour red. The vertical bar in this cell is coloured neither red nor
green to
indicate that the value has not been awarded to either player yet. The value
for
cell 1A in the series 1-Down will be awarded to the first player who correctly
nominates another cell in that series. When that happens the vertical bar in
the
cell 1A will change colour to match the colour of the player.
Red continues to correctly nominate a letter for each cell in the series 1-
Across
and is awarded twelve points (2 points for each of the 4 cells that are only
part of
that series and 1 point for each of the 4 cells that also intersects a
vertical series).
The score is displayed on score display means 5a.
In the game exemplified, Red continues his turn and selects cell 3B. Red
receives a clue for the series 2-Down. Red correctly nominates the letter "I"
for
cell 3B. Red is then awarded three extra points (two for cell 3B and one for
cell
3A in the vertical direction). Red then selects the cells 3C and 3D and
correctly
nominates the letter for each cell. Red selects cell 3E and nominates the
letter
"R" for the cell. The correct letter "T" appears in the cell. The nominated
letter
does not match the letter assigned to this cell. The vertical bar appears in
the cell
3E in the colour green, indicating that 1 point is awarded to the Green
player.
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In this method of play, a player's turn terminates if an incorrect letter is
nominated
for a cell or if the maximum time awarded for taking a turn (in this example
two
minutes) expires.
The player designated green commences his turn and selects cell 1 C. A clue
for
the word represented by the series of cells 1-Down as well as the clue for the
word represented by the series of cells 10-Across appears in the display 4.
Green nominates the letter "L" for this cell. The letter assigned to this
cell, which
is "L", appears in the cell. Vertical and horizontal cross bars appear in cell
1 C in a
colour other than green or red. This indicates that the points for this cell
have not
yet been awarded to any player. However as Green is the first player to
successfully nominate another letter in the series 1-Down he does pick up the
1
point for the cell 1A whose vertical cross bar changes to green.
Green then selects cell 2C and correctly nominates the letter "E" for the
cell. This
is indicated by the appearance of the letter "E" in the cell. A horizontal bar
appears in this cell in the colour green. Two points are awarded to Green. The
horizontal bar for cell 1 C also changes to green as another cell in the
series
10-Across has been selected. Thus Green is awarded one further point. Green
then successfully nominates "E" for cell 4C for which he receives 2 points,
but
then incorrectly nominates "R" for cell 5C for which Red receives 1 point. It
is
then Red's turn again and he accepts the recommended cell 5B causing the clue
for 3-Down to be displayed. The game situation depicted in Figure 1 .has now
been arrived at with Red having accumulated 19 points and Green 8 points.
Play continues in this fashion until either player has accumulated. more
points
than the sum of his opponent's score and the sum of the as yet unselected
cells
in the matrix, or until the matrix 3a is completed.
It should be noted that in this method of play a distinction is made between
the
numeric value associated with a cell that forms the intersection of a vertical
and
horizontal series, whereas one point is awarded in each direction. Cells not
on an
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intersection have two points associated with them. This is done because when
players select a cell forming the intersection of both a vertical and
horizontal
series they are shown clues for both directions and it is thereby deemed
easier to
solve these than those cells that are only part of one series.
A less complex method of play would not make this distinction, thereby
awarding
one point for each cell correctly nominated. With this somewhat simplified
method of play, it would be possible to modify the apparatus to dispense with
the
horizontal and vertical cross bars, and show which player was awarded the
points
by displaying the letter assigned to each cell in the appropriate colour. This
would be "Red" for correct nominations by Red and incorrect nominations by
Green and "Green" for correct nominations by Green and incorrect nominations
by Red. Although in this preferred embodiment colour has been used to
distinguish one player from another, in another embodiment this might also be
done using different shades of grey, different patterns, or by inverse shading
(ie
black-on-white for one player and white-on-black for the other).
The present invention shall now be described with reference to figure 2 which
illustrates a non-electronic apparatus for playing the game of this invention.
A
sheet of paper 11 has printed on it a matrix 3a made up of cells 3b. The cells
3b
are arranged in rows and columns. The letter assigned to each cell 3b is
printed
in the cell. A covering sheet 12 is placed over the matrix 3a. The cover 12
has
an adhesive applied on one side to permit the cover to be adhered to paper 11.
The cover 12 has score lines to permit a portion of cover 12 covering each
cell 3b
to be removed without disturbing an adjacent portion of the cover 12. The
cover
12 has printed on it the outlines of each cell 3b and a number at the
commencement of each series to identify the series.
Clues 4b for each series of cells 3b are provided in written form on sheet 11
below the matrix 3a. Over each set of clues 4b is placed a cover sheet 13. The
covers 13 have an adhesive applied to one side to permit each cover 13 to be
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adhered to paper 11. Each cover 13 has score fines to permit a portion of
cover
13 to be removed without disturbing an adjacent portion of cover 13.
In the method of playing the game using the apparatus illustrated in figure 2
all
5 the cells 3b and all the clues 4b are obscured by covers 12 and 13
respectively at
the commencement of the game. A player commences his turn by selecting a
cell. A clue for the series of which the selected cell forms a part is then
revealed
by removing the portion of the cover 13 placed over that clue. The player then
nominates a letter for the selected cell. The portion of the cover 12 located
over
10 the selected cell is then removed to reveal the letter assigned to the cell
and
thereby reveal whether the nomination made by the player has been correct or
incorrect. When a player makes an incorrect nomination for a selected cell,
the
player's turn ceases and the opposing player may commence their turn.
15 It can be seen that in the apparatus of figure 2, the letter that is
assigned to a cell
can be revealed by removing the cover located over that cell without also
revealing the letters assigned to other cells that have not been selected.
Furthermore, a clue for a cell can be revealed without also revealing the
clues
pertaining to other cells which have not been selected.
- Figures 3(a)-(d} show the logic steps for the software program of this
invention. It
is preferred that the software be loaded on two computing apparatus connected
aver a network (eg the World Wide Web) to permit the game as herein described
to be played between two players over the network.
Unlike the electronic device of Figures 1 and 1 a, this particular embodiment
of the
software does not distinguish between reward points in the vertical and
horizontal
directions. It simply allocates one reward point per cell in the first
instance (this
may later be altered). Players can decide prior to the commencement of play
whether or not an opponent is awarded reward points on the incorrect
nomination
of a fetter by the current player (Letter Error). When loaded on a computing
apparatus, the indicating means of the apparatus is the display of the
selected
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cell's assigned letter in the colour associated with the player who received
the
reward, or in the neutral colour if no reward was received (by incorrect
nomination
if players elected prior to the game not to award reward points to an opponent
for
a Letter Error).
Furthermore players can choose prior to commencement of play whether or not to
reward players for completing a series (Series Completion Bonus) as well as
choosing the number of reward points thereby received. A zero Series
Completion Bonus is equivalent to not having one. Players can also choose
prior
to commencement of play whether or not the opponent is awarded the Series
Completion Bonus if a series is completed by the current player's incorrect
nomination of the letter assigned to a cell (Series Completion Error). A turn
in this
embodiment consists of the nomination of a single letter for each singly
selected
cell.
Although in some situations it may be meaningful to allow a game to be "played
out" even when the winner is already determined (for example if winning margin
is
significant), this particular embodiment of the software does not exhibit this
feature. Nor does it exhibit the timed turns feature but it could be easily
modified
to support these features.
Finally this particular embodiment of the software illustrates the so-called
"Double-Or-Quits" rule wherein, provided a predetermined percentage in this
case
25% of the arrangement's cells are vacant (neither player having selected
them)
and "Double-Or-Quits" has not previously been offered and accepted, the
leading
player will lose his turn the first time he reaches a "no-lose" situation, all
available
points will be doubled including Letter Scores for all vacant cells and Series
Completion Bonuses for all incomplete series, and the opponent will thereby be
offered the opportunity to win the game.
Figures 3(a)-(d) illustrate the logic steps of the software and these steps
are
evident from the figures themselves and do not require explanation. However in
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Figure 3b, steps titled "Selection Confirmed? - No - Ask Player plyr (current
player) for Cell Selection via Input Means of Apparatus" and the steps titled
"Ask
Player plyr for nominated letter for this cell - Confirmed - Yes/No"
illustrate the
operation of the recording means.
The associating means is not directly referred to in the logic steps. However
association is shown through use of the quantity "plyr" in various steps which
changes according to which player is making the nomination. Further the step
titled "Set plyr = -plyr + 3 (Change Players)" in Figures 3c and 3d
illustrates the
operation of the software to change from one player to another.
The step "Is nominated letter = assigned letter for this cell? - Yes/No" in
Figure 3c
illustrates the operation of the comparing means. The steps "Display assigned
letter in Celi on Display Means of Apparatus in color (plyr)" and "Display
assigned
letter in Cell on Display Means of Apparatus in the neutral colour" in Figure
3c
illustrate the operation of the directing means.
There are numerous variations on the method of playing the game and the
apparatus used in the method of play. These variations include;
(i) During the course of playing a game, if a player has accumulated more
than the sum of his opponent's score and the sum of the as yet unselected
cells in the arrangement, players may be offered the opportunity to
increase the value of points assigned to cells that have not been selected
so that the trailing player may have the opportunity to win the game. For
example, this may be designated the "Double or Quits" option. In respect
of the device shown in figure 1, when this stage in the game is reached,
the "Double or Quits" indicator 9b is lit to indicate that the option is
available. The trailing player may then elect to double the value of
unselected cells of the matrix being played by pressing input means 8h
marked "confirm". Alternatively the trailing player may elect to terminate
the game at this stage by pressing input means "8i" marked "concede".
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(ii) A player may elect to pass all or part of his turn. For example, after
selecting a cell or series of cells, a player may pass their turn to an
opposing player rather than attempt to nominate a letter or letters for the
selected cell or cells. When a turn is passed in this way, the assigned
letter for any selected cell is not revealed.
(iii) The points associated with a series are only awarded to the player who
successfully completes the series (or in the event that a series is
completed by an incorrect nomination, the points may be awarded to an
opponent).
(iv) Each player is permitted to select any cell during his turn.
Alternatively,
where one or more of the cells of a series have already been selected (ie.
the series is in part completed) a player is required to select another cell
of
that series for their turn until that series is complete at which point he may
select any cell.
(v) A player's turn may terminate when the player has nominated a letter that
completes a series of cells. --
(vi) Different numeric values are associated with different cells. For example
bonus points may be awarded to parkicular cells or for the completion of
particular words or phrases. Alternatively bonus points may be awarded
for the completion of each series.
(vii) Where an incorrect nomination is made for a selected cell, the correct
letter
for the cell is not displayed.
(viii) Where each player's turn is limited to a time period and a player fails
to
nominate a letter for the selected cell within the allotted time, the player
is
penalised. For example, the value assigned to the selected cell is
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24
deducted from the player's score. Furthermore, or alternatively, the letter
assigned to the cell is revealed which may assist an opposing player.
It will be appreciated from the forgoing that the present invention provides
an
apparatus for playing a word game by two or more players and a method of
playing such a word game by two or more players.
It should be understood that various modifications and variations may be made
to
the apparatus and method as hereinbefore described without departing from the
spirit and ambit of the invention.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
