Set of cards for game playing and related method

Abstract

Packaged sets of games cards that can be used in playing a card games, a board game with counters or a role playing game have printed on the cards the identification of a character/creature type; a base point value of the character/creature type; a base number of life units for the character/creature; a base set of statistics for the character/creature type for a plurality of attributes; a space for receiving added indications of enhancement to one or more of the attributes, and the point cost for each enhancement; and a place for receiving an added indication of the total point value of the character/creature. The total point value is equal to the base point value plus the point costs for any enhancements.

Description

STATEMENT OF RELATED CASES

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/922,814, filed Aug. 18, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to a set of cards used in playing a game, and to a method for using the cards in playing a game. Unlike many prior games, the cards of the present application can be used in different modes, including as a conventional card game, a role-playing game, and as a game with games pieces.

The art relating to playing cards and card games discloses a wide variety of games as well as the types of cards used to play them. A description of several such games is provided by Hennessey (U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,034). The most well known of these are the card games played using the so-called “standard” playing card deck of 52 cards, wherein the generic nature of the deck allows it to be used in the play of many different games, each having different rules and different definitions of “victory.” Since the cards themselves have fairly limited and simple features, the complexity and inherent interest of each game played depends on the nature of its rules and the skills of the participants.

More recently, a new genre of card game has appeared, the fantasy, adventure and role-playing type multi-participant card game. The game takes the form of a competition, wherein the card characters held by one of the participants and selected from that participants deck attempt to defeat the card characters held by the other participants that were selected from their respective decks using strategies and tactics in accord with the rules of the game. In general, the goal of each participant is to use the various powers of his cards to reduce the “energy” or “life force” of the other participants to a point where they must leave the game. In order to denote characters with particular qualities, powers and strengths, these games provide playing cards with a rich set of features and appearances, including among them symbolism and complex artistic renderings. As the game proceeds, the qualities and strengths possessed by the card characters of each player may be allowed to change as a result of other cards held by the player, the outcomes of various encounters with card characters held by other participants in the game and various other game circumstances. The qualities of a character generally define and circumscribe the actions that the character is permitted to take, while its strengths generally indicate the outcomes of encounters between that character and other characters. Also distinguishing such games from the standard card games is the fact that the deck is not fixed in terms of the number of card types it may contain. Players may be allowed to accumulate additional cards as a result of game victories, trading or purchase and these additional cards may be then be used in the play of the game to strengthen a players position or enlarge his playing options. The “collectible” aspect of the cards used in these games derives from the advantages that accrue to the participant who possesses them, as well as the intrinsic artistic merit of the cards and their rarity. An example of this type of game is provided by Garfield (U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,332).

U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,508 of Tavel discloses collectible cards and a multi-participant competitive turn-based game played therewith. The game characters are drawn from a story and certain properties of the game cards are activated by the participant in accordance with an algebraic equation, providing, thereby, a literary and mathematical learning experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a packaged set of cards for a game, said set of cards comprising a plurality of cards each card having printed thereon:

(a) the identification of a character/creature type;

(b) a base point value of the character/creature type;

(c) a base number of life units for the character/creature;

(d) a base set of statistics for the character/creature type for a plurality of attributes;

(e) a space for receiving added indications of enhancement to one or more of the attributes, and the point cost for each enhancement; and

(f) a place for receiving an added indication of the total point value of the character/creature, said total point value being equal to the base point value plus the point costs for any enhancement. Each card in the set may be a single sheet, or it may be composed of a plurality of joined or joinable sub-sheets.

The plurality of cards in a set including cards for at least two character/creature types, and the set of cards is packaged in an enclosure effective to maintain the set in a group prior to use.

The invention also provides a method for using the set of cards for playing a multi-participant, competitive, turn-based game for two or more players using game cards. This method comprises the steps of:

providing each player with a deck of game cards, each deck comprising a plurality of cards each card having printed thereon:

(a) the identification of a character/creature type;

(b) a base point value of the character/creature type;

(c) a base number of life units for the character/creature;

(d) a base set of statistics for the character/creature type for a plurality of attributes;

(e) a space for receiving added indications of enhancement to one or more of the attributes, and the point cost for each enhancement; and

(f) a place for receiving an added indication of the total point value of the character/creature, said total point value being equal to the base point value plus the point costs for any enhancement. Each deck includes cards for at least two character/creature types, and each deck has a total base point value. Enhancements are assigned by the player to one or more cards in his/her deck based upon a pre-defined set of enhancements and costs and recording the enhancements on each enhanced card, such that the total point value for each deck is the same following assignment of enhancements. A first player is player and the cards or counters representative of the cards of the first player are placed on a game surface representative of a game environment in an initial position. Thereafter, each subsequent player places his or her cards or counters representative of those cards on the game surface in initial positions. The players then take turns, moving the cards or counters within the game environment in a series of turns until an end-of-game determination, said moves creating in some cases conflict situations, where the extent of the movement and the resolution of the conflict situations are determined by the enhanced attributes of each card. A loss of a conflict situation causes a reduction in the life points of a card, and if no life points remain in a card being removed form the game. At the end of the game, the total points remaining to each player are counted, the winner of the game is determined based at least in part on the total points remaining.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a card of a first type that is include in a set of cards in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 2A-C show a card of a second type in which the card consists of a plurality of joined or joinable sub-sheets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, relates to a packaged set of cards for use in playing a game. The following definitions of terms are relevant to this invention.

“Set of cards for a game” refers to a group of two or more cards which alone or in combination with other sets of cards are sufficient for playing a game. A “set of cards” may be either a deck containing a sufficient number of cards for playing a game (for example, a starter pack of cards) or it may be a smaller number of cards that is used to add additional variability to a starter pack (for example an expansion set of cards).

“Card” refers to a sheet having information printed thereon. The card may be formed from paper, plastic, wood or combinations thereof. The card may be intended for single use, or it may be reusable. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the cards are coated with an erasable plastic coating such that markings applied to the card during one game can be removed so that the card can be reused for subsequent games. The card may be in the form of a single sheet, as in a conventional playing card, or it may be in form of a plurality of sub-sheets which taken serve the functions of a single card for purposes of game play.

The set of cards of the invention include cards associated with character/creature types. The scope of character/creature types depends on the nature of the game to be played. For example, in a fantasy role-playing game, the characters/creatures may include wizards, elves, dragons, orcs, trolls, thieves, warriors and the like. In a realistic war game, the characters creatures might include infantry units, tank units, generals, military police and the like. Thus, the specific nature of the characters/creatures is not essential to the invention, provided that the set of cards include characters/creatures of different types.

Each card in the set of cards has printed upon it a base point value for the character/creature type. The base point value is a numerical value that is assigned to the character/creature in the absence of enhancement. Base point values for stronger creatures/characters will generally be higher, assuming that conflict resolution is based on greater success for the cards with the higher point value. The reverse approach could also be employed.

Each card in the set of cards also has printed upon it a base number of life units for the character/creature. This represents the amount of injury that a character/creature can sustain before the card must be removed from the game. In preferred embodiments, the card includes a scale or list that is annotated on the card during play to show the loss of life to the character/creature represented by the card.

Each card in the set of cards also has printed upon it a base set of statistics for the character/creature type for a plurality of attributes. These attributes will be consistent with the type of character/creature that the card represents. For example, for a wizard, an attribute might be spell casting ability, while for a dragon an attribute might be the ability to breathe fire. The base set of statistics reflects the abilities in each of several attributes prior to any enhancements.

Each card in the set has printed thereon a space for receiving added indications of enhancement to one or more of the attributes, and the point cost for each enhancement. For example, a card for a wizard may be enhanced to increase spell-casting ability.

Each card in the set has printed thereon a place for receiving an added indication of the total point value of the character/creature. This total point value is equal to the base point value plus the point costs for any enhancements added to the character/creature card.

The plurality of cards in a set includes cards for at least two character/creature types. The set of cards is packaged in an enclosure effective to maintain the set in a group prior to use, and optionally when not in use. Examples of packing enclosures include, without limitation, plastic over-wraps, paper, plastic or wood boxes, envelopes, and rubber bands or similar straps.

FIG. 1 shows an example of one card of a set of cards in accordance with the invention. The card includes an indication 11 of the type of character/creature, a listing 12 of numbers to keep track of life points, base statistics 13 for attributes of the character/creature and an area 14 for listing enhancements and costs. The base point value for the character/creature 15 and the final point value 16 are also set forth on the card. Adjusted attribute statistics may be set forth in an optional updated attribute column 17. It will be appreciated that the specific appearance of the card, including the layout of the various printed areas is not critical and is a matter of design choice. Further, particularly where a collectible card is desired and to enhance the gaming experience, the card may include an image of the character/creature.

FIGS. 2A-C show an example of a card in accordance with the invention composed of multiple sub-sheets. The first sub-sheet of the card is a top sub-sheet as shown in FIG. 2A. The top sub-sheet includes an indication 21 of the type of character/creature and may also suitably includes an image of the character/creature as indicated by the word “image” 210. The top sub-sheet also includes a listing to keep of life points 22, and base statistics for the character/creature 23. A base point value 25 is for the character/creature is also indicated. In this embodiment of the invention, the enhancements are set forth on one or more enhancement sub-sheets, of the type show in FIG. 2B.

Each enhancement sub-sheet is provided for an enhancement or group of enhancements. The enhancement type is indicated by a label 201, and an image 211 indicative of the enhancement can also be provided. A set of modifiers 231 associated with the enhancement is provided, along with the point cost 251 associated with the enhancement.

One top sub-sheet and one or more enhancement sub-sheets are assembled into a card, suitably in a staggered arrangement as shown in FIG. 2C. The individual sub-sheets can provided already assembled together, for example using glued edges, or may be joinable at the time of game play. The term “joinable” in this instance means any form of assembly, from simply placing a top sub-sheet in combination with one or more sub-sheets in a stack on a game surface, to clipping them together. The staggered arrangement as shown in FIG. 2C allows the modifiers associated with the enhancements applied to a top sub-sheet, and the total cost/value of the card can be determined by adding up the values on the point tabs (25, 251).

The use of joinable enhancement sub-sheets makes available a game format in which enhancements are dealt to players from a deck, in the same manner as base characters/creatures reflected in a top sub-sheet. The player then uses strategy to combine the top sub-sheets and the enhancement sub-sheets to provide a force with desired characteristics for game play.

In the case of this embodiment in which a plurality of subsheets are used, the a space for receiving added indications of enhancement to one or more of the attributes need not be a writable space, but is instead the edge/back of the top sub-sheet to which additional sub-sheets are appended. Similarly, the top sub-sheet can for convenience include a separate writable place for receiving an added indication of the total point value of the character/creature, said total point value being equal to the base point value plus the point costs for any enhancement, or this feature of the invention can be satisfied by the display of the point values for the individual sub-sheets which can be added together as needed.

The cards of the invention are used in playing a multi-player game, i.e., a game for at least two players. The cards of the invention can be used in any of several game environments, as discussed in more detail below. Common to each of these games environments, however, is the addition of enhancements to cards by the players, such that each player begins the game with a deck of cards having the same total point value. Depending on the manner in which the cards are utilized, players may have initial decks with equal numbers of cards, or with different numbers of cards, provided that the total point value is equal. The cards thus introduce a level of strategy in the selection of enhancements to add to achieve this total point level.

Thus, in accordance with the invention, a method for playing a multi-participant, competitive, turn-based game for two or more players using game cards is provided. In accordance with this method, each player is provided with an initial deck of game cards each deck comprising a plurality of cards in accordance with the invention as described above. The initial deck of game cards can be provided by dealing cards to each player from a combined shuffled set of cards, or each player may supply his or her own set of cards which meets defined criteria in terms of number of cards, number of base points and the like. The defined criteria may be agreed upon by the players, defined in a set of rules for a game, or set down as rules for a tournament.

Each player then assigns enhancements to one or more cards in that players initial deck based upon a pre-defined set of enhancements and costs. The term “pre-defined set of enhancements and costs” indicates only that the enhancements that can be added and the costs for such enhancements are the same for each player. Such enhancements and costs can be defined in by rule books, or lists of supplemental enhancements and costs. Additional enhancements and the costs for each may be added by the players, by agreement. The enhancements are recorded on each enhanced card. Each player may add the enhancements that they choose, with the proviso that the total point value for each initial deck is the same following assignment of enhancements.

Play proceeds, depending on the format of the game in a generally turn-wise manner, in which the first player, followed by subsequent player, each place the cards or counters representative of the cards on a game surface representative of a game environment in an initial position. From this initial position, each player, again in a generally turn-wise manner moves the cards or counters within the game environment for a series of turns until an end-of-game determination. The moves in some cases create conflict situations, when cards/counters of different players come into contact with one another. The extent of the movement and the resolution of the conflict situations are determined by the enhanced attributes of each card involved in the conflict situation. Cards from either or both players may loose life points as a result of the resolution of the conflict, with a card being removed from the game when the card has lost all of its life points.

At the end-of-game, which can be either after a specified period of time, by agreement of the players, or when a player has lost some pre-determined percentage of his cards, the total points remaining to each player at the end-of-game determination are counted. The winner of the game is determined based on the total points remaining. It will be appreciated that other factors besides the total points remaining may also be taken into account when determining the game winner, for example achieving a specific objective within the game environment may also be included in the determination of the winner, but that the total point value of the remaining cards should still be included in the consideration.

Play in Card Game Mode: The cards of the present invention may be utilized in a card game mode. This mode of play is particularly suitable for new players who are not collectors of cards. In this mode of play, an equal number of cards are dealt to each player from a shuffled deck to provide each player with an un-enhanced initial deck. The total base points in each initial deck in counted. Each player may then add enhancement to the cards or cards of their choice such that the total number of final points are the same for each player. Thus, if the target final total is 1000 points, and player one receives initial cards with 500 base points, player may add 500 points worth of enhancements. On the other hand, if player two receives initial cards with a base point value of 550 points, player two may only add 450 points worth of enhancements.

In this case, the game environment is simply a table top onto which cards are played. Verbal indications are given by the players as to the actions of their cards and conflict situations are resolved.

Game with Personal Decks: This mode of play is similar to the card game mode, except that each player has a pre-established deck. Game play proceeds as for the card game version.

Game Table with Miniatures: A popular form of gaming involves a game table with miniatures or other counters deployed on a two or three dimensional map of a game environment. Thus, in this embodiment of the method of the invention, a gaming table is used. A suitable size is 4 foot by 4 foot, but larger tables may be used depending on the space available, the size of the counters used and the numbers of creatures/characters. Terrain identifiers are placed on the game table based on the nature of the game. Terrain features may recreate an actual location or a fantasy location. Terrain types may include some or all of the following: Water, Open, Passable, and Unpassable. As will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, movement through water may be limited to certain types of characters/creatures, movement through open terrain will be easier than movement through passable terrain, and unpassable terrain is just that, unpassable.

Set up areas for staging cards or counters may be provided at the edge of the playing area, and may extend the length of the table. Starting armies point values may vary. It will be appreciated that the appropriate number of points will depend on the number of points assigned to each card. For example, if an average base value is 20, then armies/decks with total point values 300 to 400 points may be appropriate.

Who plays first may be determined in any manner, including roll of the dice, agreement of the players, age of the players etc.

Each player receives a certain number of actions per turn. For example, each player may be permitted 3 actions per two-hundred points of active cards. Additional actions may be permitted if certain types of characters/creatures or certain types of enhancements are present in a player's enhanced deck.

Actions that may be taken include movement and attack on other counters. Limitations may be enforced that prevent the same card or counter from acting for too many consecutive moves in order to simulate rest periods. For example, a counter may move and attack for two consecutive turns. After the second consecutive turn of activity, that figure cannot be used the third turn. It will then be useable after one turn of inactivity.

If desired in the rules of the game, combat formations, that is grouping of counters may be used. For example, in one embodiment formations of up to six counters may be organized, with movement equal to the fastest counter in the formation. Increases in attributes such a movement, defense or attack capability, and sharing of enhancements within a formation may be allowed for. Movement of a formation may count as a single action.

Resolution of combat is determined by comparing the points of the attackers and the defenders. A randomization device, for example two 6-sided dice, can be used to introduce luck and other factors on top of the base skill and strength factors reflected in the point values. Life points are removed based on the rules for the particular game, and cards/counters are removed from the game when their life points are exhausted.

In order to assess victory, the number of points each player has remaining is tallied and compared. In addition, other factors, including the total points of the opponents counters killed (i.e., removed from the game), success in achieving a specified goal on the game board etc may also be taken into account in determining the winner.

Role Playing Game Mode: The cards of the present may also be used in the context of a role-playing game. In a role playing game, each player controls the actions of one or more characters in a story or quest. The players make choices in their character persona, and the game proceeds based on these choices. A game master presents challenges to the characters based on the choices made, and in some cases on statistical likelihoods of certain events occurring within the game. The response of the characters, through the choices of the players controlling them, determines whether these challenges are overcome, and the level of injury that occurs to each of the characters as a result.

The cards of the present invention provide an ideal method for keeping track of the status of each player. In addition, the game master can utilize a deck of cards to represent the challenges that can be posed (i.e., monsters, traps etc). These cards are used when the game design calls for the presentation of a random challenge, and can be used to keep track of the condition of a challenge (wounded, inactivated, etc). Thus, if an adversary is wounded in a first encounter, this injury can be reflected should that adversary be encountered again in the same game.

Thus, in a role playing environment, the cards provided to each player may be as few as one (if only a single character is being played) and a separate deck, with different kinds of characters/creatures, including perhaps inanimate challenges, is provided to the game master. Cards for role-playing characters can be maintained from one game to the next, with enhancements retained as they are earned to simulate the gaining of experience, and life points restored to simulate the affects of rest and recuperation.

Thus, in the role playing mode, the invention provides a method of playing a role-playing game comprising the steps of:

• • providing each player with a game card having printed thereon:
    • (a) an identification of a character/creature type being role-played by the player;
    • (b) a base point value of the character/creature type;
    • (c) a base number of life units for the character/creature;
    • (d) a base set of statistics for the character/creature type for a plurality of attributes;
    • (e) a space for receiving added indications of enhancement to one or more of the attributes, and the point cost for each enhancement; and
    • (f) a place for receiving an added indication of the total point value of the character/creature, said total point value being equal to the base point value plus the point costs for any enhancement;
  • providing the game master with a set of challenge cards reflecting challenges that may be encountered in the role playing game, each challenge card having printed thereon:
    • (i) an identification of a challenge;
    • (ii) a base point value of the challenge;
    • (iii) a base number of life units for the challenge;
    • (iv) a base set of statistics for the challenge one or more attributes;
    • (v) a space for receiving added indications of enhancement to one or more of the attributes, and the point cost for each enhancement; and
    • (vi) a place for receiving an added indication of the total point value of the challenge, said total point value being equal to the base point value plus the point costs for any enhancement;
  • maintaining a record of the status and the enhancements of the characters/creatures on the game cards as the game is played;
  • choosing challenges from the set of challenge cards when the game design calls for a challenge; and
  • recording the status of each challenge chosen on the challenge cards as the game progresses.

Claims

1. A packaged set of cards for a game, said set of cards comprising a plurality of cards each card having printed thereon:

(a) the identification of a character/creature type;

(b) a base point value of the character/creature type;

(c) a base number of life units for the character/creature;

(d) a base set of statistics for the character/creature type for a plurality of attributes;

(e) a space for receiving added indications of enhancement to one or more of the attributes, and the point cost for each enhancement; and

(f) a place for receiving an added indication of the total point value of the character/creature, said total point value being equal to the base point value plus the point costs for any enhancement;

said plurality of cards in a set including cards for at least two character/creature types, and said set of cards being packaged in an enclosure effective to maintain the set in a group when not in use.

2. The set of cards of claim 1, wherein the cards have an erasable coating allowing multiple uses.

3. The set of cards claim 2, wherein the enclosure is a box.

4. The set of cards of claim 2, wherein the enclosure is a plastic over-wrap.

5. The set of cards of claim 1, wherein each card comprises a plurality of sub-sheets, including a top-sub sheet on which the identification of a character/creature type; the base point value of the character/creature type; the base number of life units for the character/creature; and the base set of statistics for the character/creature type for a plurality of attributes, and at least one enhancement sub-sheet on which indications of enhancement to one or more of the attributes, and the point cost for each enhancement are printed.

6. The set of cards claim 5, wherein the enclosure is a box.

7. The set of cards of claim 5, wherein the enclosure is a plastic over-wrap.

8. A method for playing a multi-participant, competitive, turn-based game for two or more players using game cards comprising the steps of:

providing each player with a deck of game cards, each deck comprising a plurality of cards each card having printed thereon: (a) the identification of a character/creature type; (b) a base point value of the character/creature type; (c) a base number of life units for the character/creature; (d) a base set of statistics for the character/creature type for a plurality of attributes; (e) a space for receiving added indications of enhancement to one or more of the attributes, and the point cost for each enhancement; and (f) a place for receiving an added indication of the total point value of the character/creature, said total point value being equal to the base point value plus the point costs for any enhancement;

wherein each deck includes cards for at least two character/creature types, and wherein each deck has a total base point value;

assigning enhancements to one or more cards in each deck based upon a pre-defined set of enhancements and costs and recording the enhancements on each enhanced card,

wherein the total point value for each deck is the same following assignment of enhancement,

choosing a first player and placing the cards or counters representative of the cards of the first player on a game surface representative of a game environment in an initial position

choosing a subsequent player and placing the cards or counters representative of the cards of the subsequent player on a game surface representative of a game environment, for sufficient times that all of the players counters or cards are placed in initial positions

for the first and each subsequent player moving the cards or counters within the game environment in a series of turns until an end-of-game determination, said moves creating in some cases conflict situations, where the extent of the movement and the resolution of the conflict situations are determined by the enhanced attributes of each card, and

counting the total points remaining to each player at the end-of-game determination, and determining the winner of the game based on the total points remaining.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the cards have an erasable coating allowing multiple uses.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein each card comprises a plurality of sub-sheets, including a top-sub sheet on which the identification of a character/creature type; the base point value of the character/creature type; the base number of life units for the character/creature; and the base set of statistics for the character/creature type for a plurality of attributes, and at least one enhancement sub-sheet on which indications of enhancement to one or more of the attributes, and the point cost for each enhancement are printed.

11. A method of playing a role-playing game comprising the steps of: providing each player with a game card having printed thereon:

(a) an identification of a character/creature type being role-played by the player;

(b) a base point value of the character/creature type;

(c) a base number of life units for the character/creature;

(d) a base set of statistics for the character/creature type for a plurality of attributes;

(e) a space for receiving added indications of enhancement to one or more of the attributes, and the point cost for each enhancement; and

(f) a place for receiving an added indication of the total point value of the character/creature, said total point value being equal to the base point value plus the point costs for any enhancement;

providing the game master with a set of challenge cards reflecting challenges that may be encountered in the role playing game, each challenge card having printed thereon:

(i) an identification of a challenge;

(ii) a base point value of the challenge;

(iii) a base number of life units for the challenge;

(iv) a base set of statistics for the challenge one or more attributes;

(v) a space for receiving added indications of enhancement to one or more of the attributes, and the point cost for each enhancement; and

(vi) a place for receiving an added indication of the total point value of the challenge, said total point value being equal to the base point value plus the point costs for any enhancement;

maintaining a record of the status and the enhancements of the characters/creatures on the game cards as the game is played;

choosing challenges from the set of challenge cards when the game design calls for a challenge; and

recording the status of each challenge chosen on the challenge cards as the game progresses.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein each card comprises a plurality of sub-sheets, including a top-sub sheet on which the identification of a character/creature type; the base point value of the character/creature type; the base number of life units for the character/creature; and the base set of statistics for the character/creature type for a plurality of attributes, and at least one enhancement sub-sheet on which indications of enhancement to one or more of the attributes, and the point cost for each enhancement are printed.