COMPETITIVE CROSSWORD GAME
One example embodiment includes a method of playing a competitive crossword game. The method includes providing a crossword puzzle. The method also includes determining an order in which players will play. The method further includes a first player completing a first answer.
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONSocial activities are an important part of most of our lives. Many people enjoy being with family and friends. Games especially provide us with an opportunity to be social while having fun. In particular games provide a good excuse to be with people whose company we enjoy and can provide the intellectual stimulation that we need.
In addition, intellectual stimulation is important for human beings. It provides our brains with flexibility and keeps our minds healthy. It is especially important that our brains be given a chance to solve puzzles or other problems. This increases reaction time and helps our brains to problem solve more effectively.
Crossword puzzles, in particular, are popular for improving critical thinking skills and aptitude. Crossword puzzles require the user to think in different ways while completing the desired clue. I.e., some clues require different mental skills than other clues. Other games allow users to use math or other skills. In particular, games that allow a user to focus on particular areas that may provide greater benefits within the game. For example, some games offer bonuses for playing a particular answer or on a particular section of the game.
Nevertheless, most games focus a user on one skill area rather than multiple skill areas. In particular, word games do not emphasize math skills and math games do not emphasize language skills. In contrast, in real life the skills needed to solve a particular problem are rarely so cut and dry. That is, problems may require us to solve problems in multiple areas simultaneously.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a game that allows users to complete a crossword puzzle while simultaneously considering other factors. In addition, there is a need for a game that allows users to exercise multiple skill sets simultaneously. That is, a game that allows users to exercise skills from different areas on a single problem or task. Further, there is a need in the art for a game that allows a user to interact with others while completing the crossword puzzle.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTSThis Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
One example embodiment includes a method of playing a competitive crossword game. The method includes providing a crossword puzzle. The method also includes determining an order in which players will play. The method further includes a first player completing a first answer.
Another example embodiment includes a system for playing a competitive crossword game. The system includes two or more boxes in a grid. At least one of the two or more boxes is blocked and at least one of the two or more boxes is blank. The system also includes a first marked box, a second marked box, a third marked box and a fourth marked box. The system further includes one or more clues, where the one or more clues is configured to provide information allowing a player to insert the appropriate answer in the at least one blank box.
Another example embodiment includes a system embodied on a computer-readable storage medium bearing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor operatively coupled to memory on a computer, carries out a method for providing a word and money game. The system includes a processor and a monitor, where the monitor is configured to display graphics to a user. The system also includes one or more computer readable media, where the one or more computer readable media contain a set of computer-executable instructions. The set of computer-executable instructions is configured to provide a crossword puzzle. The crossword puzzle includes two or more boxes in a grid. At least one of the two or more boxes is blocked and at least one of the two or more boxes is blank. The crossword puzzle also includes a first marked box, a second marked box, a third marked box and a fourth marked box. The crossword puzzles further includes at least one clue, where the at least one clue is configured to provide information allowing a player to insert the appropriate answer in the at least one blank box. The set of computer-executable instructions is also configured to determine an order in which players will play and allow each player to study the crossword puzzle for a pre-determined amount of time. The set of computer-executable instructions is further configured to allow a first player to complete a first turn and allow a second player to complete a second turn. The set of computer-executable instructions is additionally configured to determine the score of the first player and determine the score of the second player.
These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of some embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.
In at least one implementation, the crossword can include a physical copy of the crossword. For example, the crossword can include a copy provided in a newspaper or other publication. Additionally or alternatively, the players can print a copy or printed copies can be presented to the players. Additionally or alternatively, the game can be played electronically. For example, players can play over a network against other human players or against computer players. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the electronic version of the game may include the same elements as a physical game, with the elements shown graphically.
As used in the specification and in the claims, a network exemplarily includes the Internet, including a global internetwork formed by logical and physical connections between multiple wide area networks and/or local area networks and can optionally include the World Wide Web (“Web”), including a system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the Internet. Alternately or additionally, the network includes one or more cellular RF networks and/or one or more wired and/or wireless networks such as, but not limited to, 802.xx networks, Bluetooth access points, wireless access points, IP-based networks, or the like. The network can also include servers that enable one type of network to interface with another type of network.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.
Additionally or alternatively, the player can make single letter and number placements (such as an ‘A’) instead of whole words during their turn only if the letter or number is a “word” itself. For example, for the multiple word answer “3 IN A TUB”, the letter “A” and the number “3” are acceptable placements. This placement will count as a word in the players' word quota for his/her turn.
In at least one implementation, there can be other score adjustments that are applied. For example, a single letter entry that completes two words can be scored for both words. E.g., if each blank box completed by the player is worth 10 points, a letter which is used in two solutions in a single turn can be worth 20 points. Additionally or alternatively, one or more boxes can include a bonus for either the letter, a word or the complete answer, as described below.
Additionally or alternatively, a non-colored word that has 5 or 6 blank boxes (and no bonus boxes, as discussed below) can earn double the normal score if the word is completed correctly. The word can be originally blank or partially completed to receive the bonus. I.e., it can be the player which completes the entire answer that receives the bonus.
Additionally or alternatively, a non-colored word that has 7 or more blank boxes (and no bonus boxes, as discussed below) can earn triple the normal score if the word is completed correctly. The word can be originally blank or partially completed to receive the bonus. I.e., it can be the player which completes the entire answer that receives the bonus.
Additionally or alternatively, a bonus word or phrase can be located outside the board matrix. For example, the bonus word can be consistent with the theme of the crossword and/or constructed from letters identified in the crossword. The bonus word can receive a large number of points relative to other words. The points assigned to the bonus word are based on the difficulty of the word. For example, completing the bonus word can be worth 100-500 bonus points when it is correctly completed.
Additionally or alternatively, for clues that have answers with multiple words, players can earn points for solving each word of the answer earning the same bonus as the whole answer is assigned. For example if the clue is a triple word score clue then the players earns triple the normal score for each correct word of the multiple word answer.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, hand-held devices, mobile phones, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked (either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination of hardwired or wireless links) through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
With reference to
The computer 620 may also include a magnetic hard disk drive 627 for reading from and writing to a magnetic hard disk 639, a magnetic disk drive 628 for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk 629, and an optical disc drive 630 for reading from or writing to removable optical disc 631 such as a CD-ROM or other optical media. The magnetic hard disk drive 627, magnetic disk drive 628, and optical disc drive 630 are connected to the system bus 623 by a hard disk drive interface 632, a magnetic disk drive-interface 633, and an optical drive interface 634, respectively. The drives and their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer 620. Although the exemplary environment described herein employs a magnetic hard disk 639, a removable magnetic disk 629 and a removable optical disc 631, other types of computer readable media for storing data can be used, including magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile discs, Bernoulli cartridges, RAMs, ROMs, and the like.
Program code means comprising one or more program modules may be stored on the hard disk 639, magnetic disk 629, optical disc 631, ROM 624 or RAM 625, including an operating system 635, one or more application programs 636, other program modules 637, and program data 638. A user may enter commands and information into the computer 620 through keyboard 640, pointing device 642, or other input devices (not shown), such as a microphone, joy stick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 621 through a serial port interface 646 coupled to system bus 623. Alternatively, the input devices may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, a game port or a universal serial bus (USB). A monitor 647 or another display device is also connected to system bus 623 via an interface, such as video adapter 648. In addition to the monitor, personal computers typically include other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers and printers.
The computer 620 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computers 649a and 649b. Remote computers 649a and 649b may each be another personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device, a handheld mobile phone or tablet computer or other common network node, and typically include many or all of the elements described above relative to the computer 620, although only memory storage devices 650a and 650b and their associated application programs 636a and 636b have been illustrated in
When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 620 can be connected to the local network 651 through a network interface or adapter 653. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 620 may include a modem 654, a wireless link, or other means for establishing communications over the wide area network 652, such as the Internet. The modem 654, which may be internal or external, is connected to the system bus 623 via the serial port interface 646. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 620, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing communications over wide area network 652 may be used.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Claims
1. A method of playing a competitive crossword game, the method comprising:
- providing a crossword puzzle;
- determining an order in which players will play; and
- a first player completing a first answer.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the second player completing a second answer.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining a score for the first answer.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein determining a score for the first answer includes a pre-determined number of points for each of the blank crossword boxes completed by the first player.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the pre-determined number of points is 10.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein determining the score for the first answer includes at least one of:
- doubling the score if the first answer takes greater than 5 blank boxes; or
- tripling the score if the first answer takes greater than 7 blank boxes.
7. The method of claim 4 further comprising awarding additional points to the first player when the word is played on at least one box with a marking.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the additional points include doubling the player's score for the first answer.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the additional points include tripling the player's score for the first answer.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the additional points include doubling the pre-determined points for the letter in the box with the marking.
11. The method of claim 7, wherein the additional points include tripling the pre-determined points for the letter in the box with the marking.
12. A system for playing a competitive crossword game, the system comprising:
- two or more boxes in a grid, wherein: at least one of the two or more boxes is blocked; and at least one of the two or more boxes is blank;
- a first marked box;
- a second marked box;
- a third marked box; and
- a fourth marked box; and
- one or more clues, wherein the one or more clues is configured to provide information allowing a player to insert the appropriate answer in the at least one blank box.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first marked box is green.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the second marked box is yellow.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the third marked box is red.
16. The system of claim 12, wherein the fourth marked box is blue.
17. A system embodied on a computer-readable storage medium bearing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor operatively coupled to memory on a computer, carries out a method for providing a competitive crossword game, the system comprising:
- a processor;
- a monitor, wherein the monitor is configured to display graphics to a user; and
- one or more computer readable media, wherein the one or more computer readable media contain a set of computer-executable instructions, the set of computer-executable instructions configured to: provide a crossword puzzle, wherein the crossword puzzle includes: two or more boxes in a grid, wherein: at least one of the two or more boxes is blocked; and at least one of the two or more boxes is blank; a first marked box; a second marked box; a third marked box; and a fourth marked box; and at least one clue, wherein the at least one clue is configured to provide information allowing a player to insert the appropriate answer in the at least one blank box; determine an order in which players will play; allow each player to study the crossword puzzle for a pre-determined amount of time; allow a first player to complete a first turn; allow a second player to complete a second turn; and determine the score of the first player; and determine the score of the second player.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising:
- a third player completing a third turn; and
- determining the score of the third player.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein each turn includes allowing the player to complete a pre-determined number of answers.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein each turn includes allowing the player to complete as many answers as possible within a pre-determined time limit.
21. The method of claim 17, wherein the crossword includes a bonus word, wherein the bonus word is located outside the grid.
22. The method of claim 17, wherein the crossword includes a bonus word, wherein the bonus word is located inside the grid.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 5, 2012
Publication Date: Jul 11, 2013
Inventor: T. Ashok Shenoy (Macungie, PA)
Application Number: 13/344,516
International Classification: A63F 3/00 (20060101);