Methods and apparatuses for time-constrained games of billiards, pool and the like

Abstract

The present invention is generally directed to novel methods for playing billiards, pool and the like. The methods generally include associating a first player with a first timer set to a first value of time and a second player with a second timer set to a second value of time. The players generally take turns according to the rules of a game of pool or billiards while having the time in the first timer expire during said first player's inning or set of innings and the time in the second timer expire during said second player's inning or set of innings. The game generally ends whenever (a) a player's timer completely expires or (b) a player succeeds in achieving the object of the game before said player's timer completely expires. The winner is generally the player having time remaining while said player's opponent's time has completely expired or the player who achieved the object of the game before said player's time completely expired. A billiards table functionally associated with a timing device is also disclosed. The device generally includes a first timer adapted to be set to a first value greater than zero and a second timer adapted to be set to a second value greater than zero. One or more timer controllers are available to control the timers. Timer displays show the time remaining in each timer.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The field of the invention is pool and billiards tables and methods for use thereof.Introduction[0002]There are numerous types of billiards and pool games (hereinafter “billiard games”) played around the world. The games generally entail a rectangular felt covered table having 6 pockets, a number of object balls and a cue ball. The games generally involve driving the cue ball against object balls such that said object balls go into one of the pockets. Popular billiards games include 8-ball, 9-ball, One Pocket and Cutthroat. The equipment necessary to play these types of games, including tables, balls, cue sticks, triangles, chalk and other implements are available commercially from a variety of vendors.[0003]Billiard games are also available virtually, for example as video games or online games. Popular billiards video game titles include “Backspin Billiards” available at Yahoo!® Games and Arcade_Pool_II from Team17 Software Ltd.[0004]Valley-Dynamo (www.v...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This presents undesirable consequences, including that games can run long.

Long games decrease the rentability of coin-operated pool tables while also frustrating customers waiting to play.

Prolonged games also make televising competitive matches more difficult.

However the shot clock apparently is re-set after every shot, so there apparently is no limit on the overall amount of time a player may spend at the table during a game, or set of games (match) or the overall length of time a game or match may last, again causing some to become long and unexciting.

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