DICE GAME KIT AND METHOD OF PLAYING A DICE GAME USING THE SAME

Abstract

A kit and method for playing a dice game including a bag resembling a soft-shelled beverage cooler; rolling bins each configured to resemble a beverage can; and a set of dice in each bin, the dice including six groups of six dice, where each group is of a different color. The game includes arranging players about a playing surface; providing a bin and set of dice for each player; and each player: shakes their bin to mix the dice; takes a first throw of their dice onto the playing surface; sorts their set of dice into subsets based on color to form color subsets; sorts each of the color subsets into number groupings based on a number marking provided on an upwardly facing face of each die in the subsets; selects one or more of the number groupings to play; and arranges the selected number groupings into a predetermined pattern.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention relates generally to games. More particularly, this invention relates to a game utilizing dice. Specifically, this invention is directed to a dice game in which a set of dice are sorted according to color, then sorted according into number groupings based on number markings on upwardly facing faces of the dice, then selecting particular number groupings, and arranging those number groupings into a predetermined pattern, particularly a pyramid shape.

2. Background Information

There are a wide variety of games that are played for entertainment, for education or for enhancing memory or brain function. Such games include video games, board games, card games and dice games.

While there are many such games, there is always a need in the art for a new game for families and friends to play.

SUMMARY

A kit and method for playing a dice game including a bag resembling a soft-shelled beverage cooler; rolling bins each configured to resemble a beverage can; and a set of dice in each bin, the dice including six groups of six dice, where each group is of a different color.

The dice game including the steps of:

• • a) arranging a plurality of players about a playing surface;
  • b) providing a set of colored dice and a bin for each player; and wherein each player:
  • c) places their set of dice into their bin;
  • d) mixes their set of dice up inside their bin;
  • e) takes a first throw by tipping their set of dice out of their bin and onto the playing surface;
  • f) sorts their set of dice into subsets based on color to form color subsets;
  • g) sorts each of the color subsets into number groupings based on a number marking provided on an upwardly facing face of each die in the subsets;
  • h) selects one or more of the number groupings to play; and
  • i) arranges the selected number groupings into a predetermined pattern.

Preferably, the predetermined pattern includes forming a first pattern element, a second pattern element and a third pattern element. The first pattern element is a numerical sequence of number markings, from 1-6, where the dice are either all of the same color or one of each color. Preferably that numerical sequence is built from dice rolled in the first thrown of a round. However, if that is not possible, a player may progressively build the numerical sequence before the end of the game.

The second pattern element preferably is a pyramidal or right-angled triangle shaped pattern comprising six rows. The first row includes a single die of a first color and with a first number marking thereon. The second row includes two dice of a second color with a second number marking thereon. The third row includes three dice of a third color with a third number marking thereon. The fourth row includes four dice of a fourth color with a fourth number marking thereon. The fifth row includes five dice of a fifth color with a fifth number marking thereon. The sixth row includes six dice of a sixth color with a sixth number marking thereon. During play, a player may collect as many dice on each level as they wish but ultimately they want to end up with the pattern as described above. Players may also shift the dice from one row of the pattern to another as they collect dice of the same number marking and color during play. At any time during play, a player may discard some of the additional dice they have collected to ensure that at the end of the game they only have the second pattern element described above.

The third pattern element comprises six dice, all of the same number marking but each dice being a different color.

The step of arranging the number groupings into the prescribed pattern occurs through playing several rounds of the game, wherein each round comprises steps c) through i) above. Between rounds of the game, the method further includes the step of each player gathering up their unplaced dice into their bin; and passing the bin with the gathered-up dice to another of the plurality of players. The bin preferably is passed to the player seated on the left of the player.

The game further includes the step of calling out a predetermined word or phrase when the predetermined pattern is completed. Preferably, that word is “MEAZY”. At this point, play is immediately terminated for all the players. At this point, the only thing the other players can do is to rearrange rows of dice on their pyramid for the best scoring (or for the least deduction of points). The players are not permitted to remove dice from the second pattern element, i.e., their pyramid, and incorporate those dice into their first pattern element 23 or third pattern element 29. Furthermore, if any of the other players have extra dice in any of rows 28-38 on their second pattern element 26 they will be docked points, so it is important for players to watch what is going on with other players so they can discard dice if someone is getting close to completing their first, second and third pattern elements 23, 26, 29.

The players then score the round by assigning point values to each dice used in the predetermined pattern, adding up the assigned point values for all of the dice used in the pattern and deducting any additional dice retained by the player; to give a point sub-total for the pattern. The point sub-totals for each of the plurality of players are compared and the winner is the one of the plurality of players with the highest point sub-total.

Several rounds of the game may be played. The point sub-totals for the various rounds are added together to get a final total. The player with the highest final total is the winner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

An example embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a first example embodiment of a dice game kit;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a second example embodiment of the dice game kit shown with the lid of kit's packaging removed to reveal the components of the game;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rolling bin from the first example embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a top view of one set of dice used in the dice game;

FIG. 4A is a top view of a first example of a first pattern element built during the dice game;

FIG. 4B is a top view of a second example of a first pattern element built during the dice game;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an example of a second pattern element built during the dice game;

FIG. 6 is a top view of an example of a third pattern element built during the dice game;

FIG. 7A is a top view of an example of a color subset of dice thrown during play of the dice game;

FIG. 7B is a top view of a number grouping of the color subset of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a schematic view of an example of a first round of play of the dice game;

FIG. 8B is a schematic view of an example of a second round of play of the dice game;

FIG. 8C is a schematic view of an example of a third round of play of the dice game; and

FIG. 8D is a schematic view of an example of a fourth round of play of the dice game.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-8D, the following description relates to a game kit for playing a dice game and a method of playing the dice game.

The dice game is played using a kit generally indicated at 10 (FIGS. 1A and 1B). Kit 10 may be assembled for any desired number of players but for the purposes of this disclosure, the kit 10 is assembled for 4 players. Thus, kit 10 includes four rolling bins 12 and four sets 14 of dice. Kit 10 further includes some form of suitable packaging 16 into which all of the bins 12 and sets 14 of dice are inserted for sale of the game and/or for storage after play. The packaging 16 may take any desired form including but not limited to a bag (FIG. 1A) or a box (FIG. 1B). As will be understood, if the kit 10 is to be used with a larger number of players, six, for example, then it would include six rolling bins 12 and six sets 14 of dice and packaging 16 that would accommodate the same.

FIG. 1A illustrates a packaging bag 16 which preferably is configured as a soft-shelled cooler-type of bag which would typically be used to transport and cool beverages. The bag 16 includes a base 18A, a lid 18B and a zipper 18C which joins base 18A and lid 18B and allows the bag to be opened and closed. Rolling bins 12 preferably are configured as a “four-pack” of cans which resemble beverage cans. When the kit is initially assembled, the “four-pack” of cans preferably are secured together by a plastic retention device in much the same fashion as a six-pack of soda is retained together. Each can preferably includes a soft sleeve (not numbered) which resembles a device for keeping the contents of the beverage can cool. As illustrated, the soft sleeve preferably includes indicia thereon in the form of images and/or text. A set 14 of dice is retained within an interior cavity 20 (FIG. 2) of each can. The set 14 of dice may be accessed by removing the lid 12c of can 12. Preferably, lid 12c is configured to be reusable so that set 14 of dice can be stored therein when not in use.

FIG. 1B illustrates packaging 16 as a box having a base 18A and a lid 18B. Lid 18B is shown removed from base 18A to reveal bins 12 and sets 14 of dice. Kit 10 may further include one or more smaller containers, such as plastic bags 17 for storing one or more of the sets 14 of dice therein within the packaging 16.

Kit 10 may further include a pad of score sheets 18. If score sheet 18 is provided, it will be included in packaging 16 along with bins 12 and sets 14 of dice. Kit 10 may further include rules of play (not shown) which may be a separate pamphlet included in kit 10 or may be provided on the back of score sheets 18 for easy reference.

Rolling bins 12 are of any desired configuration. An example of one such configuration is illustrated in FIG. 2 where rolling bin 12 is shown as a generally cylindrical container that is easily held in a player's hand. Bin 12 includes a side wall 12a and bottom wall 12b. Bin 12 may further include a replaceable lid 12c, as described above, although lid 12c may not be provided in the second example of the kit 10 shown in FIG. 1B. Bin 12 further includes cavity 20 which is bound and defined by side and bottom walls 12a, 12b. During play, each set 14 of dice is placed into the cavity 20 of a player's bin 12 and that bin 12 is shaken to mix up and “shuffle” the set 14 of dice.

It will be understood that the kit may be differently configured from either version shown in FIGS. 1A and 1b. For example, the rolling bins could resemble coffee cups and the packaging could take the form of a carrying tray into which the bottom regions of the cups are inserted. The dice would be received into the interior of the cups and a cup-lid would be placed on the cup to hold the dice in the interior thereof. It will further be understood that bin 12 may alternatively be a box that is cubic in shape or is configured in any way, and that differently shaped bin will define a cavity for receiving the set of dice therein during play.

FIG. 3 illustrates one set 14 of dice for use by a single player during play of the dice game. Preferably, each set 14 includes thirty-six individual dice 22. Thus kit 10 includes (36×4) i.e., one hundred and forty four dice 22 in total. Each die 22 is a standard six-sided die with each face of the die being provided with one of six sequential numbers thereon. Thus, the first face has a marking thereon representing the number “1”, the second face has a marking thereon representing the number “2”, the third face has a marking thereon representing the number “3”, the fourth face has a marking thereon representing the number “4”, the fifth face has a marking thereon representing the number “5”, and the sixth face has a marking thereon representing the number 6.

Each set 14 of thirty-six dice 22 includes six subsets of differently colored dice. In particular, a first subset 24a is made up of six red dice; a second subset 24b is made up of six blue dice; a third subset 24c is made up of six green dice; a fourth subset 24d is made up of six orange dice; a fifth subset 24e is made up of six yellow dice, and a sixth subset 24f is made up of six black dice. It will be understood that any other combination of differently colored subsets 24a-24f of dice may be utilized to form set 14. At the beginning of a game, each player will be handed one of the rolling bins 12 and a set 14 of thirty-six dice 22 made up of six different colors, with six dice of each different color being included in the set 14, i.e., each player will be handed a set 14 of dice having subsets 24a-24f.

The group of players (not shown) are then seated around a generally flat, horizontally-oriented playing surface 27 (FIG. 5) and each player plays in a region of the playing surface 27 immediately in front of them. The object of the game is for the players to make a predetermined pattern with their dice 22 on the playing surface 27 over several rounds of the game. The predetermined pattern includes a first pattern element (examples of which are shown in FIG. 4A or 4B), a second pattern element (examples of which are shown in FIGS. 5 and 8D, and a third pattern element (an example of which is shown in FIG. 6).

The first pattern element 23 (FIG. 4A or 4B) comprises a numerical sequence of dice 22, i.e., a sequence of number markings 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. The first pattern element 23 can be comprised of dice of the same color subset such as in FIG. 4A (also termed a “Super Strike”); or dice that are each of a different color, such as in FIG. 4B (also termed as a Regular Strike). These numerical sequences may be thrown in the first throw of the game. A Super Strike will be assigned a point total that is higher in value than that of a Regular Strike.

Alternatively, if the player only throws a part of either of the above numerical sequences in the first throw, that player is able to accumulate the remaining dice necessary to complete the sequence over several subsequent throws during the game. This type of gradually-accumulated numerical sequence is termed a “Spare”. A Spare is awarded a point total that is lower than a Regular Strike.

The players start to build the second pattern element 26 from the first throw and continue to build onto the same during subsequent throws until at least one player has completed the second pattern element 26 and a third pattern element 29. Second pattern element 26 (FIG. 5) is organized into a particular configuration. Preferably, the particular configuration is generally that of a pyramid. Each player strives to assemble this generally pyramidal shape on playing surface 27 out of the dice they roll during play. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the pyramidal configuration or pattern is an example of a type of two-dimensional pattern that may be assembled during play to aid the player. Other suitable configurations may be used instead. For instance, the players may assemble a right-angled triangle instead of a pyramid.

FIG. 5 shows that the pyramid of second pattern element 26 comprises a plurality of individual dice 22 arranged in six rows laid on the flat, horizontal playing surface 27. In particular, the pyramid comprises a first row 28, a second row 30, a third row 32, a fourth row 34, a fifth row 36, and a sixth row 38.

In the first row 28 there is a single first die having a first face facing upwardly. The first face shows, by way of example only, a first marking representing the number “1”. (It will be understood that the single first die can have any first marking representing other numbers thereon.)

In the second row 30 there are two second dice each having a second face facing upwardly and showing thereupon a second marking representing the number “2”. (It will be understood that the two second dice can have any second marking representing any other numbers thereon but that second marking cannot be the same as the first marking of the single first die in first row 28.)

In the third row 32 there are three third dice each having a third face facing upwardly and showing thereupon a third marking representing the number “3” or any other number thereon.

In the fourth row 34 there are four fourth dice each having a fourth face facing upwardly and showing thereupon a fourth marking representing the number “4” or any other number thereon.

In the fifth row 36 there are five fifth dice each having a fifth face facing upwardly and showing thereupon a fifth marking representing the number “5” or any other number thereon.

In the sixth row 38 there are six sixth dice each having a sixth face facing upwardly and showing thereupon a sixth marking representing the number “6” or any other number thereon.

The first die 22 in the first row 28 is of a first color, both dice 22 in the second row 30 are of a second color, all of the dice 22 in the third row 32 are of a third color, all of the dice 22 in the fourth row 34 are of a fourth color, all of the dice 22 in the fifth row 36 are of a fifth color, and all of the dice 22 in the sixth row are of a sixth color.

In FIG. 8D the first color is represented by the reference character “Y” to indicate the die in the first row 28 is YELLOW. (It should be understood the colors used in the figure are by way of example only.) The second color is represented by the reference character “O” to indicate the two dice in row 30 are orange. The third color is represented by “G” to indicate the three dice in row 32 are green. The fourth color is represented by “R” to indicate the four dice in row 34 are red. The fifth color is represented by “K” to indicate the five dice in row 36 are black. Finally, the sixth color is represented by “B” to indicate the six dice in row six 38 are blue.

It should be understood that the number markings in row 28-38 in second pattern element 26 do not necessarily need to be in sequential number order going through rows 28-38 as illustrated in FIG. 5. So, for example, row 28 may include a single dice of a particular color with a number other than “1” marked on it. Row 30 may include two dice of a second color with a number other than a “2” marked on it and so on. The specific order of the colors of dice in second pattern element 26 may also differ from that illustrated in FIG. 8D.

The object of building the second pattern element 26 is to build a pattern, preferably a pyramidal shape, over several rounds of the game and in which each color subset 24a-24f is represented in a single line 28-38 on the pyramid and each number marking on a standard die (i.e., numbers 1-6) is represented in a single line 28-38 on the pyramid. Neither the colors nor the numbers are repeated in the rows 28-38 of the pyramidal pattern unless that is decided by players before play commences.

In a first variation of the game, the colors in the rows in the pyramid may be in random order and decided by each individual player during play based on the throws of the dice that they personally make. So, for example, a first player may decide to have red dice in row 28, blue dice in row 30, green dice in row 32, yellow dice in row 34, black dice in row 36, and orange dice in row 38. A second player may decide to have black dice in row 28, green dice in row 30, blue dice in row 32, red dice in row 34, orange dice in row 36, and yellow dice in row 38. Any combination of colors and rows will be suitable in this variation of the game. All that is needful is that each color is represented in one row only and each number be represented in one row only.

In a second variation of the game, the order of the colors of the dice in the various rows 28-38 must be in accordance with a specific order of colors set out in rules of play (not shown) which will be included in kit 10. So, for example, the rules of play may indicate that row 28 must be black, row 30 red, row 32 orange, row 34 yellow, row 36 blue and row 38 green. In this variation of the game all that is needful is that the players must comply with the color order set out for the various row in accordance with the specified order indicated in the rules. The number order in each of the row can be decided by individual players or can be specified in the rules of play.

In yet another variation of the game, the numbers on the dice in the various rows 28-38 may be required to be in a specified order. So, for example, the die in row 28 may be required to include a number “1” marker, the dice in row 30 include a number “2” marker, the dice in row 32 include a number “3” marker and so on so that the numbers “1” to “6” are in numerical order across rows 28-38. Alternatively, the numbers on the dice may be in reverse numerical order so that the die in row 28 includes a number “6, the dice in row 30 include a number “5”, and so on, so that the numbers “6” to “1” are in reverse numerical order across the rows 28-38. In this variation of the dice game the numbers across the rows 28-38 are required to be in a particular sequence specified in the rules of play. In a still further alternative variation of the game, the numbers on the dice across the rows 28-38 may be required to be in a specified numerical order in addition to the colors of the dice across the row 28-38 being in a particular order. So, for example, row 28 may be required by the rules of play to include a number “1” marker and the die be green in color; row 30 may be required to include a number “2” marker and the dice be blue in color, and so on.

As indicated previously, each player strives to assemble their own pyramidal second pattern element 26 on playing surface 27. When a player has successfully completed their second pattern element 26, they are permitted to begin building their third pattern element 29 (FIG. 6). The third pattern element 29 (an example of which is shown in FIG. 6) is termed a “Rainbow”. A player will only start to build third pattern element 29 when they have completed the second pattern element 26. In the third pattern element 29 each dice bears the same number marking but the dice are all differently colored. The third pattern element 29 is built from dice that are still in play and have not been placed into either of the first and second pattern elements 23, 26.

The first player to build all of the first, second and third pattern elements 23, 26, 29 is required to call out a specific word or phrase to declare themselves the winner of the game. Without calling out this specific word, the player will not be declared the winner and play continues until one of the players calls out the specified word or phrase. In particular, the desired word or phrase is “MEAZY” but it will be understood that other words or phrases could be used instead. At this point, play is immediately terminated for all the players. The only thing the other players can do is to rearrange rows of dice on their second pattern element, i.e., their pyramid, for the best scoring (or for the least deduction of points). The players are not permitted to remove dice from the second pattern element and incorporate those dice into their first pattern element or third pattern element. Furthermore, if any of the other players have extra dice in any of rows on their second pattern element they will be docked points, so it is important for players to watch what is going on with other players so they can discard dice if someone is getting close to completing their first, second and third pattern elements.

The players will total their scores for each of the first, second and third pattern elements 23, 26 29. If any player has been unsuccessful at completing the first pattern element 23, they cannot count the score for the second pattern element.

The first and third pattern elements 23, 29 have set scores that are specified in the rules of play that form part of kit 10. Each of the first pattern element 23, second pattern element 26, and third pattern element 29 is scored separately and those scores are added together to give a sub-total for that game. A player has to have completed a first pattern element 23 by the end of the game in order for the score of the dice in completed rows of their second pattern element 23 to be counted. Preferably, first pattern element 23 should be built in the first round of the game, i.e., off the player's first throw. If this occurs, a higher score will be attributed to that player. If the first pattern element 23 is built over the course of several rounds, the score for the first pattern element 23 will be lower.

The second pattern element 26 has a score for each dice played in a completed row of the pattern. The score depends on the row 28-38 the dice is played in the pattern. For example, a die 22 in the first row 28 preferably counts 10 points. The dice 22 in second row 30 preferably each count 20 points. The dice 22 in third row 32 preferably each count 30 points. The dice 22 in fourth row 34 preferably each count 40 points. The dice 22 in fifth row 36 preferably each count 50 points, and the dice in sixth row 38 preferably each count 60 points.

If a player has not completed any rows in their second pattern element but has failed to discard the dice in the incomplete rows, then the total number of dice in that incomplete row is multiplied by the point score for that row and the total row score is then deducted from the player's total score for the round. So, for example, if the player has failed to complete the fourth row 34 but has two dice in that row, then the points deducted from their score for the second pattern element 26 will be 2×40=80 points. If the player has also accumulated extra dice in a row during play and has failed to discard those extra dice, the score of the extra dice will also be deducted from the player's score for the game.

In some variations of the game, particular dice may be attributed with different values and the row total may be multiplied by those point values for the row. So, for example, black dice may be given a dice value of 10 and blue dice may be given a dice value of 30. So, having blue dice in sixth row 38 would score higher points than having black dice in sixth row 38. Blue dice in sixth row 38 would score 30×60 points per dice, while having black dice in sixth row 38 would score 10×60 points per dice.

Referring to FIGS. 5-8D the dice game is played in the following way by four players. (It will be understood that less than four players may play the game as individuals or more than four players may play in teams.) Each player places their own set 14 of dice 22 into their rolling bin 12. They shake the bin 12 and all players simultaneously tip their entire set 14 of dice onto playing surface 27. This is considered to be the first throw in a first round of the game. In particular, each player tips their dice into an area of playing surface 27 immediately in front of them.

Since this is the first throw, each player will try to immediately form the first pattern element 23. If a player manages to form first pattern element 23, they will take the dice that form that first pattern element 23 and set it apart from the remaining dice on the area of playing surface 27 immediately in front of them.

All players regardless of whether or not they have formed the first pattern element 23 will start to build second pattern element 26. (It will be understood that in some variations of the game, a player will not be able to proceed with building second pattern element 26 unless and until they have built first pattern element 23.)

Each player sorts their remaining dice 22 of set 14 of dice into six subsets based on color, i.e., into subsets 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, and 24f (FIG. 3). Once that is done, the players sort each of their six subsets 24a-24f into number groupings based on the number marking on the upwardly facing faces of the dice 22. In other words, the player groups dice 22 of like number markings within each color subset 24a-24f. So, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, if the red subset 24a has two dice with the number marking “1” facing upwardly, three dice with the number “5” facing upwardly and one die with the number “4” facing upwardly; the player will sort the red subset 24a by grouping the two dice with the number “1” together to form a first number grouping 40a (FIG. 7B), will group the three dice with the number “5” together as second number grouping 40b, and will leave the one die with the number “4” by itself as a third number grouping 40c. The player will thus have three number groupings 40a, 40b or 40c in the red dice subgroup 24a. The player will similarly sort each of the other color subgroups 24b-24f into number groupings in order to move forward into the next phase of the game.

The player then reviews the various number groupings across all of his or her color subsets 24a-24f and selects which of those particular number groupings could be used to form at least part of one of the rows 28-38 of the pyramid formation of second pattern element 26. The player has to keep in mind that each row 28-38 of the pyramid formation has to be made from a number grouping of a different color so that all colors are represented only once in the pyramid. The player further has to keep in mind that each number marking on the dice can only appear in one of the rows of the pyramid. Thus, all colors and all numbers markings have to be represented only once in the pyramid.

After the player has selected which number groupings they wish to build with, they will separate those number groupings from the rest of his or her set 14 of dice and place the selected number grouping(s) into the appropriate rows to start forming the pyramidal shape.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate several rounds of play of the dice game. In these figures the dice being used to form the pyramid are grouped and identified by the reference character “26” (as a potential second pattern element). Non selected dice are returned to rolling bin 12 after each round of play as will be described. In FIG. 8A these returned dice are indicated by the reference character 14a.

In FIG. 8A, the player has placed the number grouping 40b of red dice sorted and grouped in FIGS. 7A-7B as one of the rows of the pyramid formation 26 they are building. In particular, the number grouping 40b is placed as row 32 of the pyramid 26. The short arrow beneath each die indicates the die has been placed on surface 27 into the pyramid formation 26.

FIG. 8A also shows the player has selected a number grouping of two blue dice with the number “2” thereon as another of the rows of the pyramid, specifically, row 30. The player can select to place dice 22 in as many rows as possible into their pyramid formation on the first throw of set 14 of dice. Consequently, the player in question has also selected one yellow die having a number “6” marking thereon and has placed that single yellow dice as the first row 28 of the pyramid. Additionally, the player has placed two black dice with the number “3” thereon in row 34. Row 34 requires four dice of the same color to be placed in the row. The player does not have sufficient black dice bearing the number “3” but has placed two dice there in the hopes they will throw additional black dice with the number “3” thereon in subsequent rounds.

Once each player has placed as many rows in their own pyramid formation 26 as they wish from their first throw, they will gather up all of the remaining unplaced dice from the set 14 and return those remaining unplaced dice into their rolling bin 12. As indicated above, the remaining unplaced dice from the first throw are represented by the reference character 14A in FIG. 8A.

In accordance with an aspect of the game, the players then pass their rolling bin 12 to another player, preferably the player on their left, in order to begin the second round of the game. Since we are tracking the play of one particular player, the rolling bin in FIG. 8A is represented by the reference character 12A to distinguish it from the bin 12 that they passed to the player on their left. The players will each shake the rolling bins they have received and will simultaneously throw the dice for a second time by tipping the dice from their bins onto surface 27 immediately in front of them. This begins the second round of the game.

Obviously, because the player we are tracking did not place that group of dice into bin 12A, the mix of dice in bin 12A will be very different to the remaining unplaced dice 14A they had put into their previous bin 12. This makes it possible for the player to more easily build onto their pyramid formation on surface 27 with the dice contained in bin 12A.

Once the tipped out dice from the second throw are positioned on surface 27, each player will sort their tipped-out dice into color subsets 24a-24f and subsequently sort the color subsets into number groupings as before. The player we are tracking will determine which color and number marking rows of dice they are missing or are incomplete in their pyramid formation 26 and will try and find appropriate dice to place in those missing or incomplete rows. So, for example, in FIG. 8B, the player in question has kept dice 22Y and 22B in rows 28 and 30 unchanged from FIG. 8A. The player has also tipped out one additional red die 22R having number “5” marking thereon. Thus, the player has four red dice 22R with the number “5” thereon, so they will slide that group of dice down into fourth row 34. This movement of a row of dice is indicated in FIG. 8B by the letter “B”. The player has also tipped out and placed two new black dice with the number “3” marking thereon and has moved those black dice all down to row 36. Thus the player has two rows, 34 and 36, each with four dice therein. The player gathers all unplaced dice 14B and returns them to bin 12A.

Players are permitted to keep additional dice that bear the same number markings and colors as dice in rows 28-38. This will be done to try and build the larger sets of dice such as those in rows 34, 36 and 38. However, if they fail to discard these additional dice before the end of the game, the scores for those additional dice will be deducted from the player's score for the round.

The players then gather all unplaced dice 14B from in front of them, put them into their bin and pass the bin to the player on their immediate left. The player we are tracking now has bin 12B (FIG. 8C) in his or her possession. All players shake their bins and tip the dice therein onto surface 27, i.e. they throw dice for the third time in a third round of play of the game. The dice are then color sorted and subsequently number grouping sorted by each player. The player we are tracking selects which of dice to place in pyramid 26. As shown in FIG. 8C the player has thrown three green dice having the number “1” marking thereon and has decided to place them into line 32. The player has also decided to shift the two blue dice 22B having the number “2” marking thereon into row 38. The player has also throw three orange dice having the number “4’ marked thereon and has placed them into row 30. The player has also thrown one additional black dice having the number “3’ marking thereon and has placed this dice into row 36. The player gathers up the remaining unplaced dice 14C and places them in bin 12B.

The rolling bins are, once again, passed to the left; thus, the player we are tracking comes into possession of bin 12C (FIG. 8D). The players shake their bins and tip the unplaced dice therein onto surface 27. This is the fourth throw in the fourth round of the game. Players color sorts their tipped-out dice and then number grouping sorts the color subsets; and then places appropriate dice into pyramid 26 to complete or fill missing rows therein.

FIG. 8D shows the player has tipped out and placed four blue dice 22B having the number marking “2” thereon into row 38 of pyramid 26. Thus, row 38 is now complete. The player has discarded one of the orange dice in row 30 as there were two rows of three dice. The discard is shown by the reference character “C” in FIG. 8D. The pyramid 26 is thus complete and includes six rows, each of a different color, with the dice in each row having a different number marking represented thereon. The player has therefore completed the second pattern element 26.

The player now has to complete the third pattern element 29 (FIG. 6) in subsequent throws. The player cannot accumulate the dice for this third pattern element 29 until after they have completed the second pattern element 26. As soon as all three pattern elements are completed, the player then ends the game by calling out the required word or phrase, such as “MEAZY”. This ends the game.

The players all score their own first, second and third patterns 23, 26, 29 according to the rules of the game. If a score card 18 is included in kit 10, once the required word or phrase is called and play has ceased, a point value is then given to each die, e.g. 10 points per die. Each player will add the point value of the dice within their own pyramid formation 26 and deduct the point value of any additional dice to reach a sub-total for that round. The sub-totals of all the players are computed in this fashion and are then compared with each other. The person with the highest (i.e. biggest number) sub-total is declared the winner of that round. This person may be the player who called out the final word or phrase, such as “MEAZY”, but that may not be the case. The players may play several rounds and add the sub-total scores from those several rounds to arrive at a final total score. Preferably, the game includes six such rounds. The player with the highest final total score after six rounds is declared the overall winner of the game. Between each round the players will need to sort out all of the dice on surface 27 to once again form a set 14 of dice for each player—with each player's set 14 including six dice of each of the six color groupings.

In a variation of the game, instead of a point value being placed on each die, such as 10 points per die, the number marking or face value on each die may be used as the score for that particular die in order to work out a final total. So row 38 containing dice that have a number marking “1” thereon will tally up to a score for that row of (6×1) i.e., six. However, if row 38 had dice with a number marking “4” thereon, row 38 would tally up to a score of (6×4) i.e., twenty-four. The color of the dice may also be used as a weighting factor in determining the score, so each color will be assigned a weighting value that is multiplied by the face value or point total for each die. So a row 38 containing blue dice with the number marking “1” thereon may be scored as (6×1)x a weighting value, e.g. five—therefore (6×1×5)=30. The same row 38 containing black dice with the number marking thereon may be multiplied by a weighting factor of thirty, for example. In this instance the score for row 38 would be (6×1)×30=180.

It will be understood that the rules of play will set out the point value for each die, the weighting factors for the various rows in the pyramid, the weight factor for the color of each die, and any other such variables. Alternatively, the players themselves may come up with variables or scoring systems along with the basic method of play. Any other suitable scoring systems preferably will be set out on the rules of play (not shown) or on score card 18.

In yet another variation of the game, after each player has calculated their total score for the round, all of the unused dice (i.e. all dice not played in first, second, and third pattern elements) of all of the players are gathered together by the winner of the round. The winner is permitted to roll the dice one last time and is permitted to form any bonus combinations set out in the Rules of Play with those dice. Some possible bonus combinations include a bonus pattern element termed a “Split” or “Super Split”. A Split is six dice, three of one number and color and three of another number and color. A Super Split is three dice of one number and three dice of another number but where all six dice are of the same color. Yet another bonus combination is termed the “Banana Split” which comprises pairs of dice with the same number markings but in three different colors. The bonus pattern elements will score bonus points at the end of the game.

In accordance with yet another variation of the game, the players may additionally be required to throw a numerical sequence of the number markings on the dice or come up with particular number groupings in play that may be used to add to the final total referenced above. Alternatively, they may simply be given additional points for accidentally or purposefully throwing or building particular number groupings. A first example is a number sequence from “1” to “6” in a single color such as the dice 22R in FIG. 7A. A second example is the number sequence from “1” to “6” in six different colors, such as dice 22R, 22B, 22G, 22Y, 22O, 22K in FIG. 7B. The number groupings can be two sets of three dice of the same number marking and same color; or two sets of three dice of the same number marking and two different colors; or two sets of three dice of the same color and two different number markings. Additional point values may be given for throwing six dice of the same number marking and color (e.g. six black dice having the number marking “6” thereon), or six dice of the same number marking but one of each of the six different colors. There may also be penalties (i.e. deductions) for throwing particular number marking and/or color combinations.

If score card 18 is used, these numerical sequences and/or color combinations will be set out and scored according to the rules of the game. So, for example, a sequence of one color (FIG. 7a) thrown in one round may be an additional 50 points or a sequence in six colors (FIG. 7b) may gamer the player an additional 40 points. A plurality of differently configured score sheets 18 may be provided in kit 10 for scoring different variations of the dice game. Alternatively, score sheet 18 may be omitted from kit 10 and the players may simply keep score on a sheet of paper utilizing the guidelines for scoring provided in the rules of the game or that the players have decided amongst themselves.

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the dice game as described above may be played with fewer color subsets than the six color subsets 24a-24f illustrated in FIG. 3, or the game may be played with more than six color subsets if desired. Furthermore, it will be understood that each color subset may comprise a different number of dice 22 than the six dice disclosed herein. That different number of dice 2 may include fewer than six dice or more than six dice.

Additionally, instead of the players placing remaining unplaced dice into their rolling bin and passing that pin to the player on the left, the bin may be passed to players in a different fashion—to the player on the right or to the opposite player, for example. Still further, the bins may not be passed to another player at all but the player holds onto their own bin and own set of dice throughout the game and tries to build their pyramid formation 26 from the original set 14 of dice.

Still further, in variations of the game, the winning player may be permitted to collect all remaining dice that are not in pyramid formations and places them in his or her bin and throws one last throw of dice. Any of the bonus point dice groupings that are being considered for that variation of the game which are built up on this bonus throw, are scored and added to the winner's sub-total for the round.

It will also be understood that kit 10 may include subsets of dice that are of not only different colors but of different sizes. Additionally, the dice may not be standard 6-sided dice but may be of a different configuration having a different number of sides thereon. Still further, the bonus dice/color combinations may be playable at particular times in the rounds or at particular times in the game overall.

In a variation of the game for younger children, the game comprises only building the second pattern element 26 to develop color and number recognition in younger players. In a first version of the game for younger children, they player must put one dice with a “1” on it in the first row of the second pattern element, two dice with a “2” on them in the second row; three dice with a “3” on them in the third row; four dice with a “4” on them in the fourth row; five dice with a “5” on them in the fifth row; and six dice with a “6” on them in the sixth row. The dice can be in different colors. This format of play helps younger children with numbers and just making sure they are in different colors can be quite an accomplishment for them. This game does not need to be scored. Whoever completed the pattern first is declared the winner.

In a more challenging level for younger children, the children can vary which row of the second pattern element 26 dice having different numbers can be placed—in other words, the second pattern element is constructed in a similar manner to that of the adult version of the game. No scoring is needed and the winner is simply the person who finishes the second pattern element 26 first.

It will be understood that the kit 10 may be used to play a variety of other dice games in addition to the one set out herein. So, for example, players can play dice games based on the bonus combinations set out above, such as throwing and scoring “Mirror Splits”—two sets of three dice having the same number marking and the same color; “Color Splits”—two sets of three dice having the same number marking but of different colors; “Number Splits” two sets of three dice having different number markings but the same color; and “Total Splits” two sets of three dice having different number markings and different colors. After forming all of the above during several rounds of the game, the player has to form a “Banana Split”—three sets of two dice having the same number marking and different colors. When a player has completed the four types of splits and the Banana Split, the game is won. In this alternative game the players will gather their dice in their bins 12, shake the bins 12, toss out the dice 22 onto playing surface 27, color and number sort the dice and then form the above described splits pattern elements. The game may be played over several rounds with players gathering up unplaced dice between rounds, putting those dice into their bin 12, and then passing the bin 12 to the next adjacent player. The winner can be simply the player who completes all splits first or each split combination can be scored according to the Rules of the Game provided in kit 10.

In a variation of the game, once a player has called out the specified word or phrase, the game is terminated, the remaining players will only play the dice that remain on the playing surface 27 at that time (i.e., they cannot take any additional dice throws) and will do what they can to complete the first pattern element 23, and as much of the second pattern element 26 as they can. If a player has completed the first and second pattern elements 23, 26, they will try and complete the third pattern element. When nobody can make any additional plays, the players will total their scores for each of the first, second and third pattern elements 23, 26 29.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Claims

1. A dice game comprising the steps of:

a) providing a set of colored dice and a bin for each of one or more players; and wherein each player:

b) takes a first throw by tipping their set of dice out of their bin and onto a playing surface;

c) sorts their set of dice into subsets based on color to form color subsets;

d) sorts each of the color subsets into number groupings based on a number marking provided on an upwardly facing face of each die in the subsets;

e) selects one or more of the number groupings to play; and

f) arranges the selected number groupings into a predetermined pattern.

2. The dice game as defined in claim 1, wherein step f) includes:

forming a first pattern element of the predetermined pattern by selecting a number grouping comprising a numerical sequence of number markings 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

3. The dice game as defined in claim 2, further comprising the steps of:

forming the first pattern element in the first throw; and

scoring a first pattern point amount of a first value because the first pattern element is thrown in the first throw.

4. The dice game as defined in claim 2, further comprising the step of forming the first pattern element from a single color subset.

5. The dice game as defined in claim 2, further comprising the step of forming the first pattern element by selecting each of the number markings from a different color subset.

6. The dice game as defined in claim 2, wherein the step of forming the first pattern element occurs over several additional rounds of the game after the first throw; and further comprises the step of scoring a first pattern point amount of a second point value because the first pattern element is not thrown in the first throw.

7. The dice game as defined in claim 1, wherein the step of arranging the number groupings into the predetermined pattern occurs through playing several rounds of the game, wherein each round comprises steps a) through f).

8. The dice game as defined in claim 2, wherein step

f) further includes: forming a second pattern element of the predetermined pattern; and wherein the second pattern element is formed over several rounds of play of the game.

9. The dice game as defined in claim 8, further comprising the step of scoring a second pattern point amount for forming the second pattern element.

10. The dice game as defined in claim 9, wherein any player not forming the first pattern element before the end of the game is not permitted to count their second pattern point amount.

11. The dice game as defined in claim 8, further comprising:

forming a third pattern element of the predetermined pattern after the second pattern element is formed.

12. The dice game as defined in claim 11, wherein the third pattern element comprises a plurality of tiles in numerical sequence order, and each tile is of a different color.

13. The dice game as defined in claim 28, wherein the step of indicating includes:

calling out a predetermined word or phrase when the predetermined pattern is completed.

14. The dice game as defined in claim 13, wherein the step of calling out the predetermined word or phrase includes the step of:

calling out the word “MEAZY”.

15. The dice game as defined in claim 12, further comprising the step of:

terminating play of the game by all of the plurality of players.

16. The dice game as defined in claim 15, further comprising the step of all of the players attempting to form their first pattern element, second pattern element and third pattern element from their tiles remaining on the playing surface when the predetermined word or phrase is called out.

17. The dice game as defined in claim 16, further comprising the step of developing a final point amount total for each of the players by adding a point value for one or more of the first pattern element, second pattern element and third pattern element played by each player.

18. The dice game as defined in claim 16, further comprising the step of:

declaring a winner of the game as that player having the highest final point amount.

19. The dice game as defined in claim 17, further comprising the step of deducting a face number value of each unplayed tile not discarded by a player during the game.

20. The dice game as defined in claim 8, wherein between a first and a second round of the several rounds of the game, the method further includes the step of each player:

j) gathering up their unplaced dice into their bin; and

k) passing the bin with the gathered-up dice to another of the plurality of players.

21. The dice game as defined in claim 9, wherein the step of passing the bin further includes the step of:

passing the bin to the player on the left.

22. The dice game as defined in claim 9, further comprising the steps of repeating steps j) and k) between successive rounds of the game.

23. The dice game as defined in claim 8, wherein the step of arranging the number groupings into a second pattern element includes the step of:

arranging the dice of the number groupings into either a pyramidal or right-angled triangle shape.

24. The dice game as defined in claim 1, wherein the predetermined pattern includes the formation of one or more patterns consisting of:

i) two sets of three dice; where the dice all have the same number marking and are all of the same color;

ii) two sets of three dice; where the dice all have the same number marking but the dice in each of the two sets are of different colors;

iii) two sets of three dice; where the dice in each of the two sets have different number markings but all the dice are of the same color;

iv) two sets of three dice; where each of the two sets of dice having different number markings and are of different colors; and

v) three sets of two dice; where each of the three sets of dice have the same number marking and are of different colors.

25. A kit for playing a dice game comprising:

a bag resembling a soft-shelled beverage cooler;

a plurality of rolling bins, each bin resembling a beverage can; each of said bins including a removable lid and defining an interior cavity;

a set of dice selectively receivable within the cavity of each bin.

26. The kit as defined in claim 25, wherein the set of dice includes thirty-six dice comprising six groups of six dice, where each of the six groups of dice is of a different color from the other five groups of dice.

27. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein step a) is preceded by the step of:

arranging a plurality of players about a playing surface;

28. The dice game as defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of:

indicating when the predetermined pattern is completed.