Board game combining several activities

Abstract

In its preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a game concept that combines different guessing techniques in a way that lets players choose the technique they wish to perform. Players are being given an opportunity to make their teammates guess several answers, and their total time for doing so is limited. Players therefore must make strategic choices regarding the technique they wish to use to make their teammates guess each answer. The game kit would typically include cards (FIG. 1) indicating an answer to be guessed (1), as well as a predetermined list of points (3) attributed to different guessing techniques (2). This card contents is intended to give the opportunity to a player to choose amongst the different techniques (2) in order to make his teammates guess the answer (1). If successful, he will obtain the predetermined number of points corresponding to the technique chosen (3) as listed on the card. In a typical round of play, a player would be provided with a determined amount of cards and would attempt to make his teammates guess the answers on these cards within a determined amount of time. For each answer to be guesses, the player would have the choice of the technique he wishes to perform. More difficult techniques for a given card give more points, but also usually take longer to perform, giving the player less time for the other cards to be performed. An important feature of the game is for the players to manage their time and choose their techniques wisely, in order to get the most points out of their cards before the time is up.

Description

[0001]The present application is an application claiming the benefit under 35 USC Section 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 282,700, filed Mar. 18, 2010.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a game. More particularly, the present invention relates to a game allowing players to choose amongst various techniques to make their teammates guess words, names or expressions.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Games involving techniques which are oriented toward making teammates guess words, names or expressions have enjoyed a broad success.[0004]Many games exploit a single technique to make teammates guess. Examples of such techniques are drawing, sculpting modeling clay, miming, humming, using word associations or trivia questions. However the appeal of these games involving a single technique is limited, in that they cater more to the people who are skilled at or enjoy performing the particular technique involved.[0005]Other games on the market...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]The choice of techniques on a card would typically be the following. The “Draw” technique allows the player to draw with pencil and paper. The “Clay” technique allows the player to sculpt with modeling clay. The “Mime” technique allows the player to gesture silently. The “Hum” technique allows the player to hum or whistle a tune. The “Wire” technique allows the player to design shapes with wires. The “Clown” technique allows the player to make facial movements and oral sound effects. The “1 Word” technique allows the player to say only one word. The “2 Words” technique allows the player to say only two words. The “Trivia” technique allows the player to read the trivia question printed on the card.

[0012]In a typical round of play, a player would be provided with a determined amount of cards and would attempt to make his teammates guess the answers on these cards within a determined amount of time. For each answer to be guesses, the player would have the choice of the technique he wishes to perform. More difficult techniques for a given card give more points, but also usually take longer to perform, giving the player less time for the other cards to be performed. An important feature of the game is for the players to manage their time and choose their techniques wisely, in order to get the most points out of their cards before the time is up.

[0014]This game has several advantages over other games that include guessing techniques. It distinguishes itself in many respects, making it an altogether original, more appealing, and more universal choice for consumers.

[0015]The first and most important distinction with other similar games relates to the fact that these games usually force players to engage in specific techniques, or give them limited leeway. While most people enjoy seeing others perform various expressive techniques, some people do not enjoy when they are asked to perform a specific technique themselves. Thus, when some of the individuals attending a family or friends gathering are shy, self-conscious, or simply do not enjoy performing certain techniques, other guessing games may not be enjoyed by all or will simply not be played. In contrast, this game is carefully designed to have universal appeal. The game caters to very diverse strengths with its nine different techniques. It also adapts to each player's personality by allowing to strategically choose the techniques to be performed. The choice of techniques is so broad that everyone is able to enjoy the game. Even a shy participant can enjoy playing the game by resorting to the “One Word”, “Two Words” or “Trivia” category when he is too embarrassed to perform some of the cards with the other more “expressive” techniques. The way all the techniques have been incorporated with the point-allocation system and the timer allows the game to be competitive and challenging, while giving the players all the needed flexibility. This invention allows a player to see all the different options available for a given word on the card, and then to choose according to his abilities. It may be that a player would not be comfortable for example miming a certain word, but would like miming another word when he picks a different card. The same goes for all the other activities. The player's choice is further informed by the knowledge he has of his teammates, as well as the amount time he has left and the number of points given for each activity.

[0017]A third distinction with other games in that category is that the game mechanics allow for it to be played by as little as two players, unlike most other guessing games that which usually require a minimum of four players. This further broadens the potential appeal of the game when compared to competing products.

[0018]A fourth distinction is that this game would not lead to the frustration experienced by players who are being asked to perform a specific technique in relation to an answer which they know little or nothing about. In the event that a player does not know the answer to be guessed, he may always choose to simply read the trivia question on the card.

Problems solved by technology

Players are being given an opportunity to make their teammates guess several answers, and their total time for doing so is limited.

More difficult techniques for a given card give more points, but also usually take longer to perform, giving the player less time for the other cards to be performed.

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