Method of playing chess using cards

Abstract

A method of playing a modified game of chess. A chess board is provided together with a set of chess pieces positioned on the board in the standard fashion. A deck of cards is further provided, each card having a chess piece depicted thereon. Players select, in turn, a card at random and move a chess player corresponding to the chess piece depicted on the randomly selected cards sequentially until the modified game of chess is completed.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is based upon provisional application Ser. No. 60/570,857 filed on May 13, 2004.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to board games, and more particularly pertains to a new and improved combination game combining strategy and chance, and still more particularly to a chess game wherein movement of particular piece is driven by player selection of cards from a shuffled deck.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The game of chess is one of the most challenging and respected games of strategy. When the game is played by highly skilled players or grand masters, games can continue for hours and sometimes days. Movement of the pieces is governed by carefully planned and executed, but nonetheless flexible, strategies for deploying power and protecting assets. There are no constraints on player movement other than the given rules of the game and the particular configuration of the board at any time. Naturally, a player will select piece movement based on his or her own developing strategy and the understanding or hunch he or she has concerning the opponent's strategy or counter strategy. It could scarcely be said that chess, when conventionally played, is a game of chance. On the contrary, it is entirely a game of strategy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention involves a method of playing a modified game of chess. The method comprises providing a chess board and a set of chess pieces positioned on the chess board and a deck of cards. Each card depicts a chess piece and said method comprises players selecting, in turn, a card at random and moving a chess player corresponding to the chess piece depicted on said randomly selected cards sequentially until said modified game of chess is completed. In the standard fashion, the game is completed when either one player capitulates or a player suffers a checkmate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the game board of the present invention; and

FIGS. 2-14 are schematic views showing representative cards comprising the general deck of cards utilized in the method of the play of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of playing chess that introduces an element of chance in a novel fashion. It does so through the use and selection of cards that dictate the piece or pieces a player may move. Accordingly, the present invention provides a board game of chess utilizing a deck of cards bearing symbols representing the various chess pieces. The board is identical to a conventional 64-square chess and checker board, as shown in FIG. 1, and the pieces and initial configuration of the pieces on the board is identical to that of a conventional game of chess. The columns on the board are numbered 1 through 8, proceeding from each player's left to right. Alphabetical row numbering as shown may also be used, as in conventional chess nomenclature, to describe and identify a square occupying the intersection of a column and a row, but it is not essential to the play of the game. Additionally, rules governing the possible movements by the pieces is the same as conventional chess, as are the objects of the game, the way in which pieces are captured, and the way in which the game is won.

However, unlike conventional chess, in the game of the present invention, piece movements are dictated by the selection of a card from a 52-card deck. Accordingly, a deck of cards is provided at the beginning of the game. The cards bear symbols or pictures representing the various chess pieces, FIGS. 2-14. The deck includes the following: (1) four cards being a pawn symbol (FIG. 2) combined with the number 1 (denoting the No. 1 column of squares as viewed from the player who has selected the card); (2) four cards bearing a pawn symbol combined with the number 2 (FIG. 3); (3) four cards bearing a pawn symbol combined with the number 3 (FIG. 4); (4) four cards bearing a pawn symbol combined with the number 4 (FIG. 5); (5) four cards bearing a pawn symbol combined with the number 6 (FIG. 7); (7) four cards bearing a pawn symbol combined with the number 7 (FIG. 8); (8) four cards bearing a pawn symbol combined with the number 8 (FIG. 9); four cards bearing a bishop symbol (FIG. 10); four cards bearing a knight symbol (FIG. 11); four cards bearing a rock symbol (FIG. 12); four cards bearing a queen symbol (FIG. 13); and four cards bearing a king symbol (FIG. 14). The number of cards in the deck totals 52.

To commence play, the board is set up in the conventional fashion and the deck of cards is thoroughly shuffled. The deck is then set to the side of the board and the player first to play is determined. That player selects the top card from the deck. If the piece indicated on the face of the card may be moved, the player must move it as possible according to the rules of chess. (Unlike conventional chess, a player may even move his king into check or move another piece that places his king into check.) If the first player draws a card representing a piece that cannot be moved, play passes to his opponent and the opponent proceeds in the same fashion. The course of play proceeds back and forth as each player draws a card, moves a piece (when possible), or relinquishes a turn when necessary. When the last card in the deck has been selected, the deck is simply reshuffled and replaced at the side of the game board, and play resumes. Play continues until a king is captured.

The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like.

Claims

1. A method of playing a modified game of chess comprising providing a chess board and a set of chess pieces positioned on said chess board and a deck of cards, each card having a chess piece depicted thereon, said method comprising players selecting, in turn, a card at random and moving a chess player corresponding to the chess piece depicted on said randomly selected card sequentially until said modified game of chess is completed.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said chess board is a standard board of eight rows and eight columns having 64 positions.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said rows and columns are numbered or lettered to identify each of said 64 positions.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said cards further display said numbers or letters to further identify those chess pieces to be moved by said players.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein if a player is unable to move a chess piece in response to a randomly selected card, that player loses a turn and an opposing player is then provided an opportunity to select a card and move corresponding chess piece, if possible.