Abstract: A game of chance and skill is provided utilizing a novel game board having multiple paths of varying length. Multiple decks of cards are provided each associated with a path on the game board. The number of cards from each deck in play is generally proportional to the length of each decks associated path. The structure of the game elements and methods of play is to provide relatively similar probabilities of movement along each of the paths. Linking elements between individual steps of each path lead to adjacent paths. Multiple possible courses of travel are defined by sequences of path steps and linking elements. In a preferred embodiment, the decks each have a number of cards which is a multiple of seven. Chance devices such as dice are also used. Various alternative methods are also provided including computer implementation of the game elements and methods of play.

Abstract: An improved game of Pai Gow is set forth which includes offering the player an optional bonus wager. Should the tiles of the Player's hand match any predetermined bonus outcome tile combination, the Player receives a reward for their bonus wager regardless of whether or not the Player has won their hand according to the rules of Pai Gow.

Abstract: A numeric board game includes a board divided into differently numbered hexagons. Four dice are provided which when thrown will yield four numbers. The player must compute all four random numbers in a mathematical operation to arrive at one of the numbers in the hexagons which hexagon is then covered with a counter. Each hexagon is coded with a colour designating a different monetary value so that the player covering a hexagon with a counter will draw currency corresponding to the monetary value indicated, from a central bank. The player with the greatest wealth wins the game.

Abstract: In order to prevent stockpiling of tickets and to encourage the purchase of more tickets, a system is provided whereby game instructions are announced subsequent to distribution of the tickets. The game instructions notify the players as to which game areas in a ticket playing field they must unmask in order to win the interactive game of chance. The game instructions may be announced during a television program or radio broadcast or any other similar promotional activity and provide the players with the incentive to purchase tickets and to participate in the viewing or listening of the program or other promotion. To safeguard against stockpiling of old tickets, play areas that are not unmasked in accordance with the play instructions automatically invalidate the tickets. Unmasking of the play areas is undisguisable, allowing the game sponsor to readily determine which play areas have been revealed in accordance with the play instructions and which are in violation therewith and are, accordingly, invalid.

Abstract: A pirates treasure hunt game and method of playing same including a bottle. The bottle has an opening for receiving a cork therein. Included is a map for displaying directions to a treasure. A plurality of seaweed markers are provided. A chest member is included and has a top portion for allowing access into the chest and allowing items to be placed therein. Finally, a plurality of pirate's treasures are included. The treasures consist of a skull ring, a compass, a telescope, an eye patch, a sack of coins, a sword, tattoos, earrings, and other jewelry. The plurality of pirate's treasures is positioned within the chest member prior to burying the chest member. The chest member has a location that is pictured on the map.

Abstract: A golf board game is comprised of a playing surface on which there is contained a plurality of designs representing golf links. Each golf link has a starting area, a fairway area and a green area. Distance indicating markers are provided on the fairway and green areas. At least one manually displaceable element is supportable on the playing surface. A first displacement indicating manually displaceable element is provided over the fairway area. A second displacement indicating element is also provided to cause displacement of the displaceable element towards an objective associated with the green area. Play money is associated with the golf game as well as a plurality of distinct groups of cards utilized to instruct a player under predetermined situations during play.

Abstract: A game for testing the senses comprising a game board having a start area, a finish area, and a playing area positioned between the start and finish. The playing area is divided into a plurality of sequential spaces. Indicia are provided on some of the spaces for providing instructions relating to selection of questions and for manuevering game piece icons through the playing area. Six sets of questions for testing the acuity of the senses are provided. One set of questions is provided for each of the six senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch, and extrasensory perception. Each of the questions has a point value corresponding to the level of difficulty of the question. A random generator is provided for randomly selecting one of the questions on a turn-by-turn basis to thereby utilize the questions to play the game.

Abstract: A method of playing a board game for one or more players includes the steps of allocating a set of playing pieces for each player, each set being visually distinctive, and providing a playing surface. The playing surface contains defined spaces arrayed in two dimensions. Each space may have an identifying icon. The method includes variations for forming winning lines of playing pieces, and varying steps to play the game, depending on the level of difficulty and style of game required. The most frequently used method of determining a winning outcome is by the placement by one player of playing pieces to form a line from one side of the playing surface to another side without diagonal connecting links between pieces. Random number generators may be used. If icons are used, a random icon generator includes the same icons as those used to identify spaces on the playing surface for determining where a player may place a piece.

Abstract: A compact game playing apparatus that is easy to carry and use when traveling. The apparatus contains an elongate sheet coupled to two spindles. A plurality of game playing surfaces are printed on the elongate sheet, and rotation of the spindles operate to align a selected one of these game playing surfaces with a window in the apparatus housing. A magnet attracting metal surface is positioned below the exposed game playing surface so that game pieces, which include magnets, may be placed on the game playing surface without being inadvertently displaced. The housing further contains an integral die throwing apparatus, and an integral drawer for holding game pieces when not in use.

Abstract: A writing intent has a body tube and a writing member slidably disposed therein, the writing member having a writing end and ink therein. A retraction and advancement mechanism is provide for advancing and retracting the writing member between an operation position and storage position. A sleeve is provided in a front portion of the body and has a scaling cover hinged thereon. The writing member passes through the sleeve and is retractable therein. A mechanism is provided which closes the sealing cover on the sleeve when the writing member is in a retracted position and seals the writing end of the writing member via elastically deformable contact therewith.

Abstract: A theatrical learning game that allows a player to learn theatrical facts as the game is played. The winner of the game gets an Oscar by correctly answering five theater category questions. The game includes a game board, at least one playing piece that is separate from and moves along the game board, a six-sided die that is separate from the game board and determines the amount of movement of the at least one playing piece along the game board, and at least one deck of cards that is separate from the game board and based upon answers given to questions thereon determines whether a player gets another turn or loses a turn.

Abstract: A shock absorbing grip for the handle of a tennis racquet or golf club having a polyurethane layer bonded to a felt layer. The bonded-together layers are configured as a strip which is wrapped about the handle with the side edges being formed with recessed reinforcement side edges which are tightly butted together. The reinforcement edges may be heat bonded together, if desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing, via an electronic video game machine, a player-versus-paytable five-card poker game utilizing the 20 royal cards of a standard 52-card poker deck as a royal deck of cards with player pay-off awards based upon predetermined amounts related to a paytable of winning five-card hands. Bet wagers are initially accepted by the game machine from the player. Where the royal card poker game is a draw poker game the game machine deals and displays five cards face-up on the machine's video screen. Where the poker game is a stud poker game the game machine deals and displays three or four cards face-up and one or two cards face-down. The player, after viewing the video displayed cards, is permitted to stand on the initial bet wager or double the bet wager. Where the game is draw poker, the player is then permitted to discard one or more cards and exchange the discarded cards for substitute machine dealt cards to complete the poker hand.

Abstract: A game board (20) for playing chess or checkers, and the like, for two or more players. Each side of the game board (20) has seven edge stations or playing squares, (e1) through (e7), of two alternating contrasting colors, seven first interior stations, (f1) through (f7), also of two alternating contrasting colors, seven second interior stations, (s1) through (s7), also of two alternating contrasting colors, and a central area (ca). In a preferred embodiment in the initial playing position a first castle occupies e1, a first bishop occupies e2, a first knight occupies e3, a king and a queen occupy e4, a second bishop occupies e5, a second knight occupies e6, and a second castle occupies e7.

Abstract: A multi-skill question and answer board game which can be competitively and simultaneously played by players of different skill and age levels comprising a game board with a one directional playing track along which each player moves their pieces based upon the value of the roll of a single die, the track is made up of plurality of different topic sectors, a number of sets of multi-skill level topic cards bearing questions for each topic to which each player must reply once he has chosen the skill level, the higher the skill level chosen the higher value given to the correct answer.

Abstract: A method of playing at a gaming table a player-versus-paytable five-card stud poker game for up to seven players utilizing the 20 royal cards of a standard 52-card poker deck as a royal deck of cards with player awards based upon predetermined amounts related to a paytable of winning five-card hands. Bet wagers are initially accepted from each player at the gaming table Up to three cards are dealt face-down to each of the occupied player positions at the table and up to three cards from the royal deck of cards are dealt face-down to a dealer position at the table Each player, after viewing the dealt cards, is permitted to stand on the bet wager or double the bet wager after which one of the face-down cards at the dealer position is up-turned for use as a community card by the players. Each player is then permitted to stand on the hand and bets or triple the bet wager after which the remaining face-down card or cards at the dealer position are up-turned for use as a community card by the players.

Abstract: A game simulating a team sport which tests and improves players' knowledge of, for example, favorite teams, whereby players select play cards and alternately ask and answer questions. Players generally advance teams and score by answering questions correctly. After answering questions correctly, players spin a move wheel, determining by chance move outcomes. Move outcomes include realistic possibilities, such as various numbers of yards to advance, interception by the opposing team exchanging defense and offense, number of penalty yards to retreat and awards of first downs or touchdowns. Players roll dice to begin play or attempt supplementary moves. Players mark scoreboards to record teams' changing scores. Scoreboards include play counters and question counters for convenience.

Abstract: A chess game variation is provided generally played by the traditional rules of chess, except that each player initially has eight "archer" pieces initially disposed on each player's third and fourth ranks on squares having the same color. Each archer piece moves in a manner similar to that of a pawn, but with several notable exceptions, including the ability to always move one square or two squares forward, and the ability to capture along the same file. The game markedly changes the traditional strategies formulated for the game of chess, and therefore provides a game having new mystery and excitement.

Abstract: A progressive trivia game for two or more participants having a playing board with a path made of a plurality of symbolic positions, a six sided die, a plurality of question and answer cards and a timer. A player rolls the die to move to a symbolic position. The symbolic position defines a category of trivia. The card provides elements of an answer. The player scores a greater number of points by providing an answer before (a) time runs out and (b) by providing the answer by knowing a lesser number of elements. The object of the game is to be the first to score a predetermined amount of points.

Abstract: A motivational game for enhancing obedience skills of a pet is disclosed which includes a board game having a board. The board shows a start identifier and a finish identifier for the game. A marker is included which is movable between the start identifier and the finish identifier. The board game includes obedience task indicia associated with it. The obedience task indicia identifies an obedience task to be performed by the pet during play of the board game. Movement of the marker is based on performance of the obedience task by the pet.