Abstract: The game consists of several boards, containing a large square divided into 16 smaller squares, in a 4×4 pattern. The result being: 4 columns, 4 rows and 4 quadrants of 4 squares. Included are several 4 different colored chips. Each board has some squares precolored. The remaining blank squares only have one possible way to satisfy the playing requirements of all 4 colors in each row, column and quadrant. The chips define the color of each of the remaining blank squares. The game can be played by any number of players who compete to complete their board first and thus score a point. If any other player believes the board is not correct he may challenge. If the challenger was correct he gets a point. Some boards are easier to complete then others. As a player's score goes up he must choose more difficult boards.

Abstract: A method of educating includes providing a collectible trading card game with a plurality of trading cards. Each card may contain educational information including a consonant, vowel, number or mathematical operator and the cards are used to form a properly spelled word or to form a mathematically correct equation. In some forms, the method includes providing a game with a playing field and a set of game components with game component types having a predetermined power for affecting play of the game by affecting a power, effect, or value of the game component. The level of skill necessary to play the game may be varied by selectively implementing or disregarding the predetermined power of the game components. An educational game includes first and second game components with different expressions, powers, point values, and identifiers for distinguishing game components and facilitating game play.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the presence and identity of a game piece placed at a sensing location by attaching one or more conductive rings at fixed concentric locations on the bottom of the game piece and sensing the presence or absence of the conductive rings by means of sensors that are insensitive to the rotational orientation of the game piece.

Abstract: A series of games are disclosed which test the ability of players to ascertain and identify the existence of relationships between topics in a structured fashion. Players can play against each other or against pre-established standards.

Abstract: A game set and method for playing a strategy game on a playing surface by one or more persons including a plurality of playing pieces, each playing piece having a predetermined number of edges, wherein each edge is at least one of a exterior edge and a connecting edge; a plurality of playing cards, each playing card containing an indicia corresponding to the shape of one of the plurality of playing pieces; and a playing surface. Each player randomly selects a plurality of playing cards; exchanges each of the playing cards for a corresponding one of a plurality of playing pieces, and places each playing piece obtained by the exchange on a playing surface by (i) orienting an exterior edge according to the exterior of the playing surface and (ii) orienting a connecting edge according to a corresponding connecting edge of an adjacent playing piece. The strategy game may be played in various configurations, including without playing cards, without a playing pieces, without a game board, or with a timer.

Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a wager input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game. The gaming machine further includes a display arrangement that is in communication with a controller. The display arrangement displays a plurality of positions and a range of awards associated with each of the symbol position. The controller is programmable to successively populate the plurality of positions with respective symbols, and, in response to the symbol at any of the plurality of positions being a special award symbol, provide an award randomly selected from the range associated with that position, and modify an expected value of the award randomly selected from the range as a result of each subsequent occurrence of the special award symbol.

Abstract: A board game device is disclosed in which each player has a board and a plurality of game pieces which movably cooperate with a series of fixed locations on the board. The arrangement is such that when a game is being played, movement of the game pieces between the fixed locations depends on a value indicated by a thrown die. The game device includes a plurality of the boards which are substantially identical to each other so that several players can interactively play the game with each player being assigned one of the boards. Each board has a first surface and a second surface which is disposed spaced and parallel relative to the first surface. The first surface of each board defines the series of fixed locations, the series including a base row for each of the player's game pieces. Each board defines a first interlocking portion and a second interlocking portion, the second interlocking portions being spaced relative the first interlocking portion.

Abstract: Children and adults are often seen collecting shells at the beach. Most don't know the name of the shell or anything about it. There's a need to create interest and education about seashells. There is literature which identifies seashells but nothing in the form of a game which would spark that interest. I've invented a seashell game geared for specific geographic locations that identifies indigenous seashells. The game consists of a plastic board with several indentations for specific shells to be placed into. A picture of that shell, its name and interesting information is printed next to the appropriate indentation. The object of the game is for players to fill each indentation with the proper shell within a time limit. The game provides a fun way to learn about seashells and occupy one's time while at the beach. Once filled, the game can be displayed in home, school or office.

Abstract: An improved tile-based game of chance and strategy playable by at least two players comprising a gridded RumBle game board, a plurality of square-shaped playable tiles, at least four tile racks which may retain the game tiles during play, and an opaque game tile bag for storing the game tiles. Players may alternate turns placing the game tiles from their hand onto the gridded RumBle game board to complete a set of at least three of the same number of different colors or a run of at least three consecutive numbered game tiles of the same color. Each set or run played by the player must interconnect with another run or set played prior to the player's turn. A round of RumBle game systems may end when one of the players has played every single tile from his or her hand.

Abstract: A program for rewarding players for gaming at a casino establishment provides a player with real-time incentives while the player is playing at a gaming machine in the casino. Information about the player and/or the player's gaming activity is collected while the player is at a gaming machine in a casino. This information is used by a marketing system to select an incentive to provide to the player. The incentive is then delivered to the player, for example manually by a casino employee or automatically using a printer or other mechanism at the gaming machine. Various types of incentives can be provided to a player, including incentives designed to provide the player with an experience that is favorable to the casino and incentives designed to keep the player gaming in a casino for a longer amount of time.

Abstract: A board game incorporating binary conversions to entertain and educate players, comprising a multi-tiered playing field, a plurality of counters, of control pads, and playing cards. The playing field comprises a plurality of rooms, doors, roof hatches, and lights. Players enter the values from the playing cards into the control pads. The control pads electronically communicate with the counters to display the binary conversions. Based on the binary conversions, the lights on the playing field indicate which doors and roof hatches are opened or closed allowing players to navigate through the playing field. The winning player wins by being the first player to exit the playing field. It is contemplated that the board game can extend to computer games, video games, theme parks or other similar gaming opportunities wherein players can compete to navigate through and be the first to exit the playing field.

Abstract: A card game apparatus includes a large-size panel display, a main control unit that controls screens on the large-size panel display, and a plurality of terminal apparatuses that are communicably connected to the main control unit. A game player purchases an integrated circuit card and, for example, eleven player cards on each of which, a soccer player's photograph is printed. When the game player arranges the player cards on a player card arrangement panel of one of the terminal apparatuses, card data recorded on the back of the player card will be read by an internal image sensor. Then, a team is organized by the player cards, and a game starts. The game player can direct a player's position and formation by changing placement of the player card.

Abstract: A card game system, including a plurality of terminal apparatuses, a card data reading unit for detecting unique data of each of cards when an operator arranges and manipulates a set of cards selected by the operator on a flat surface of the panel on the terminal apparatus, and a game execution unit which is arranged to organize a playing team in a virtual game space based on the data detected from the cards placed on the flat surface of the panel and to execute a game against another playing team organized on another terminal apparatus connected via a network. A progress of the game is controlled in response to manipulation by the operator with the cards on the panel, a main control unit to which individual game data is transmitted from the plurality of the terminal apparatuses, and a display connected to the main control unit.

Abstract: A customizable educational game having a plurality of quiz cards, a plurality of different modes the complexity under which the game is to be played, and at least two rule cards designating rules for at least two different modes of play.

Abstract: Provided are embodiments of instructional maps providing instructions for creating a finished product—such as a finished food product—and kits—such as baking or cooking kits—which include one or more such instructional maps. The instructional maps preferably include a recipe in the form of a series of step-by-step instructions for creating a finished food. The instructional maps may also include one or more activities to be completed while making the food, such as games, quizzes, puzzles, experiments, foreign language activities, social interaction activities, and instructions for doing one or more physical exercises. Some embodiments may also include two sides made up of instructions, activities, facts, etc. which are respectively designed for users of different ages, genders, interests, etc.

Abstract: A board game for two to four players comprising a playing board having twenty-five recessed square spaces arranged in a grid of five rows and five columns. One-hundred triangular chips in four colors consisting of twenty-five chips per color intended to removably fill said square spaces wherein four triangular chips capable of being snugly fitted within one square space. The objective is to fill the spaces with chips forming different forms or shapes as well as patterns corresponding to points or score wherein the first player that reached at least twenty-one points and calls “DEAL” wins. Players should therefore prevent each opponent from reaching the winning point. Any player, who calls “DEAL” whose combination of forms is below twenty-one points, commits “FALSE ALARM” and shall be penalized. In an event when no player has earned twenty-one points, the winner will be the player with the highest point.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a signal of light may be emitted from an illumination source of a first transceiver. A second transceiver may detect a signal of light from the first transceiver that exceeds a threshold luminosity; and activate, in response to the detecting of the signal of light that exceeds the threshold luminosity, an illumination source of the second transceiver to illuminate. An intensity of the illumination source of the first transceiver may then be reduced in response to the activating of the illumination source of the second transceiver to illuminate.

Abstract: A board game system comprises one or more game objects, a processing device, a memory device and one or more cameras. Each of the game objects comprise a unique visual marker positioned on a top surface of the game object, wherein the unique visual marker comprises a series of concentric rings that represent data that uniquely identifies the game object. As a result, during the course of game play, the location and identification of the game objects are able to be determined by the processing device by analyzing images captured by the one or more cameras of the visual markers of the game objects on the game board. The processing device is able to compare the data of the visual markers to a table stored in the memory device that associates the data with a specific game object.

Abstract: A game apparatus for play by at least two players, having game pieces that are manually rotated in at least four slideably mounted, apertured slats, each having at least four apertures with a rotating game piece, and a base assembly for slideably mounting the slats, such that the slats can be moved, and the game pieces rotated in the apertures, at the option of each of the players who take turns in playing the game. The game pieces are generally grouped in two different colors. The number of slats are generally the same as the number of apertures, and are preferably four or eight in number. The method of play by two players of apparatus involves each of the players taking turns that are selected from two possible moves: rotating a game piece in one of the apertures on one of the slats or linearly displacing one of the slats one stop. The game commences with all pieces on the board rotated to a neutral color, and with no home area for determining opening and winning of the game.

Abstract: It is provided a game system which includes 36 indexed elements, and a pattern structure having six hexagonal patterns arranged in a cycle such that each pattern has two neighboring patterns. Each element has an index of six different indexes. Two or more indexed elements are associated with each index. Each pattern has two sites shared with each of the two neighboring patterns, and one non-shared site. The system includes a cube for selecting a sub-set of 24 indexed elements. In a number version, the different indexes constitute a single arithmetic series. In a two-party game version, 12 pattern sites are associated with a first site index and 12 pattern sites are associated with a second index, six of the sites having the first site index and six of the sites having the second site index are shared sites, and the other sites are non-shared sites. A computerized two party game includes means for prohibiting a player from disposing an indexed element on a pattern site already having that indexed element.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the presence and identity of a game piece placed at a sensing location by attaching one or more conductive rings at fixed concentric locations on the bottom of the game piece and sensing the presence or absence of the conductive rings by means of sensors that are insensitive to the rotational orientation of the game piece.

Abstract: A collectable card game of strategy and skill that includes a plurality of collectable cards, each of which preferably comprise a character-specific collectable card. Each collectable card corresponds to a character and contains character specific information regarding the character, including attributes and capabilities of the character such as offensive and defensive characteristics and assigned values. Each collectable card is adaptable from a generally flat configuration to a folded configuration generally in the form of a “fortune teller” novelty piece that functions during play as a functional game piece. Once each player has configured his collectable card into the game piece configuration, the players engage in a battle that consists of a series of rounds. During each round, the players engage in a series of alternating offensive strikes and mitigating defensive plays, the combined net score of which is then deducted from a predetermined “life force” value assigned with each character card.

Abstract: The present invention is an adult role playing game that involves relationships and interaction. The game uses fashion jewelry with figures to communicate visually and indicate which role(s) are available for play as the roles vary by figure as to levels of play and to be a player and initiate play one must consent. The game relies on communication, negotiation and agreement along with Choice, Chance and Opportunity to determine potential role(s) that are multiple and diverse and are assigned to the game apparatus by the players. The apparatus consists of communication by the numbers, spinning wheel, coins and others that will determine the specific role by chance.

Abstract: Teaching aid math games utilizing a mathematical matrix organized about x and y axises where the game is played by correctly associating numbers with their corresponding stations. The matrix comprises a first string of stations and a second string of stations where the first and second strings have the same number of stations. Each station is associated with a numerical value, and each station on the first string is parallel to a corresponding station on the second string where each corresponding station pair add up to the same numerical value. The display of the matrix provides visual associations for mathematical relationships.

Abstract: A target game with, for example, weighted game pieces or unweighted game pieces and game boards onto which the weighted or unweighted game pieces are dropped is disclosed, The elements of the game may include, for example, playing surface, targets and playing pieces. The target areas may be used to progress throughout the game using one or more game pieces.

Abstract: A board game for stimulating infants and for use by two or more players or teams for use with an infant as an active part of the board game. The game board sized to allow an infant to be placed thereon, having score/progress/position indicia thereon and two or more score markers for placement at or on the indicia to indicate the position/progress/score of each player/team. In one form, the game also includes a ball-like element to be placed upon the infant so that when the players/teams vie for the attention of the infant and get the infant to turn in their direction, the ball-like element rolls or slides off the infant toward the player(s) to earn a point or advancement. Preferably, the game board is covered in a soft fabric, similar to a baby blanket, and is sized similarly to a baby blanket or larger.

Abstract: An apparatus for spectator amusement and direct marketing of goods and/or services. The apparatus comprises a support; a plurality of first generally cylinder-like structures of a first size, each structure being open at one end and closed at another and opposite end, being arranged side-by-side in a selected series along the support, and in a first generally uniform plane relative to one another; and a plurality of second generally cylinder-like structures of a second size, each structure being open at one end and closed at another and opposite end, and being arranged side-by-side in a selected series, each structure bridging and balancing between adjacent cooperating edges of one of the first structures at the open end thereof, the second structures being in a second generally uniform plane relative to one another, and the first and second planes being in relatively parallel relation to one another.

Abstract: The Table Topper is a lightweight, storage, organization, and functional device that creates an ergonomic surface suitable for reading, writing, and drawing and is especially suitable for the playing of Bingo. The system consists of a one-piece slanted playing surface with optional well inserts and spacing inserts. In organizing and using the system, the topper is sloped to facilitate viewing and marking the sheets/cards, is large enough to hold multiple cards, and has wells on the upper portion of the top sized to accommodate supplies, beverages and personal items during use. It is equipped with a lip that fits over the edge of a table or other flat surface and secures the device. The topper can be used as a single side, with back-to-back units, and with flat inserts to complete the covering of the table.

Abstract: A play set having a main panel section and a pair of side panel sections, each of which is pivotably connected to tile side lateral edges of the main panel section. When the play set is in a first orientation, the main panel section and the pair of side panel sections are oriented generally co-planar to each other such that the upper main surface and upper side surfaces define a play surface having a perimeter, and when the play set is in a second orientation, the side panel sections are adjacent each other and in a plane parallel to the main panel section to define a play set case. When in the first orientation, one of the panel sections includes an elongated member extendable therefrom in a telescoping manner to define an additional play surface outside the perimeter of the main panel sections and side panel sections.

Abstract: A game includes an adversarial figure with at least two portions that cooperatively present a figure-holding chamber. A captured figure is removably positioned in the chamber and operable to enter and exit the chamber. The holding figure also has a latch assembly that holds the portions in a closed condition where figure ingress and egress is restricted. The latch assembly can be shifted to open the portions and permit figure ingress and egress to and from the chamber. The game has an objective of freeing the captured figure from within the chamber by having a player position a rescuing figure in a game area, and releasing the captured figure from control of the holding figure as a result of a releasing act of the rescuing figure.

Abstract: A board game for between two and seven players comprising a board comprising a large outer circle disposed thereon; a center circle disposed in the large circle; fourteen stripes each extending radially from the center circle to the large outer circle, each stripe labelled with a deadly sin or a chakra of enlightenment; twenty one dividing lines extending radially from the center circle to the large outer circle; and seven concentric circles extending outwardly from the center circle to the large outer circle, wherein one or more boxes are labeled with a command; a plurality of playing pieces; a first wheel for determining how many boxes a player can move a playing piece; a second wheel for determining how many playing pieces a player can move; and a plurality of cards that display a phrase.

Abstract: A game system comprises a game board having a playing area and game pieces for playing a game on the game board. Each game piece comprises a mobile robot for sensing and decoding a position-coding pattern printed on the game board. Each game piece is in communication with a computer system. The computer system is configured to send instructions for moving each game piece relative to the playing area in response to position information corresponding to the game pieces.

Abstract: It is disclosed a board game including patterned graph boards, sets of grouped index elements, and disparate successful arrangements. Each patterned graph board has graph patterns associated with several nodes of the same number for all the graph patterns. Two nodes of a given graph pattern are shared by two graph patterns. Each set of grouped index elements includes three or more groups, each having two or more identical index elements of certain numerical value unique to the each group. The disparate successful arrangements are successful arrangements that differ from each other by an arrangement result value, or by being a Latin arrangement, and by being associated with certain patterned graph board. The successful arrangement has an arrangement result value, the same for all graph patterns of a given patterned graph board under a given pattern operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing aspects of how a child learns includes a toy-like base having upstanding pegs. The child is encouraged to place donut shaped hand pieces onto the pegs. The hand pieces test the ability of the child to discriminate between different colors, and separately between different textures and different shapes and also tests the child's abilities in perception and creativity. The base also is able to test the child's ability to discern and copy tones and rhythms. Information of the child's performance is automatically collected within the apparatus and then compared with a normative baseline. Remediation focuses on activities related to the learning channels where the child is least astute and periodic retesting measures the ability of the child to improve in those channels to enable improvement of remediation approaches.

Abstract: A balancing mechanism for an equilibrium game wherein a hub is connected to a tripod by a universal joint. A plurality of radially extending arms having cups on their outer ends are connected to the hub. A depending pointer is connected to the hub and extends downwardly therefrom to a Cartesian coordinate graph positioned centrally of the tripod. A plurality of weights are placed in the cups to cause the pointer to become positioned at a certain X,Y point on the graph.

Abstract: Ball game having a two-sided tower, one side associated with each playing competitor. The tower has a base supporting two sets of five tubes, each associated with one team. The tubes have five key holes aligned vertically. Each team has twenty five keys numbered from 1 to 25. Each team has five balls; four unmarked, one marked. The teams place the keys into key holes on its tubes. Next, the teams place one ball in each tube, the balls prevented from falling through the tubes by ball-blocking portions of keys. The teams alternate directing their opponents to remove one key. The removed key is surrendered to the requesting team, who places the key into its key track. Once all five keys have been removed from one tube, the ball falls through the tube, onto a ramp and into the team's ball pit. The object is to guess the correct combination of keys to be removed to release the opponent's marked ball.

Abstract: A game assembly and its method of play. The game assembly has a game board. A three-dimensional underlay is positioned under the game board. Openings are formed through the game board that enable a person to see into the underlay. The underlay is comprised of a basin that is partially occupied with fill material. Search objects are mixed with the fill material. Sometimes the search objects are covered by the fill material, at other times they are not. Cover structures are provided. The cover structures selectively cover the openings in the game board. To play the game, a player selects a search object. A player also selects a cover structure. The cover structure selected by the player is removed and the player looks through the exposed opening for the selected search object. The game is won when a predetermined number of search objects are found by a single player.

Abstract: An open rectangular prism with rotating cubes on dowel rods, two 12-sided dice, and three 20-sided dice invented with an accompanying method of use to function as a game to assist students in remembering the basic math facts including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for conducting a secondary game at a gaming device. In various embodiments, a player may acquire equity in the secondary game in such forms as a location of a game character, a number of symbols aggregated, a degree of completion of a puzzle, or a defensive provision. Certain symbols or outcomes in a primary game, however, may cause the player to lose equity in the secondary game.

Abstract: A game apparatus for a strategic pattern building board game with a feature for ejecting playing markers is defined. The game board has a multiplicity of channels having a first end and an opposite second end for receiving and ejecting playing markers respectively. The multiplicity of channels may be disposed between a first wall having a multiplicity of first apertures that define a matrix within the first wall and a second wall having a multiplicity of second apertures juxtaposed relative to the first wall. One or more openings disposed at the second end allow a player to eject playing markers. A retainer may be used to maintain playing markers in the matrix, and the retainer may comprise a pivoting and shifting set of bars that allows or prevents ejecting and emptying the matrix of playing markers. Some playing markers have indicia that define game play.

Abstract: A board game is presented that includes a game board or playing surface having an even plurality of precisely cut game piece sockets, each socket having a unique shape, and a plurality of game pieces, each game piece precisely engaging only one of the even plurality of game piece sockets. The game presents a contest for two or more players to be the first to fit all of their allocated, precisely cut pieces, each into their corresponding socket and then announce the name of the game, Pajaggle™. The board game may also be played individually against the clock to engage all of a pre-selected number of pieces in their respective sockets on a given board or playing surface.

Abstract: A board game system comprises a touch screen, a computing device and a robot arm. The computing device comprises a processor and a memory. At least one type of board game program is stored in the memory so that the processor can execute the board game program present a corresponding board game interface on the touch screen. The robot arm controlled by the computing device can touch the touch screen and play the board game with a user.

Abstract: The use of tiles, colored on both faces, white side up is to locate the given spots. The placing of the remaining colored tiles for the unknown spots is simplified by the use of the colors on the remaining tiles.

Abstract: This invention is a networked board game apparatus and method of playing a customized game for 2 or more players on recursively organized boards, and a method for applying the aforementioned to leadership, communications, and team building education, and further to apply the aforementioned to the specific form of Chess. Applied to form of Chess, the first board is identical to a chessboard. The second board is an 8× multiple of the first board. Tartary boards follow this exponential growth. Players alternate moving pieces to a game-ending condition. Two players lead, the next 32 players play on a second board. Each first board move changes the positions of a second board player's pieces by a uniform transformation where the first board piece's new position is a function moving the second board player's pieces, which then continue from their new positions, potentially affecting deeper levels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to solve sudoku. A gameboard contains a sudoku grid, with its rows, columns, and boxes identified, and means of mutually distinguishing its boxes. A group of tokens corresponding to each box is provided, along with means to associate each group of tokens within a unique box. Setup tokens are emplaced on the gameboard to mirror the setup identifiers of a sudoku puzzle to be solved. Then tokens are emplaced in home cells, straddling cells they could possibly wind up in, at or straddling heads or feet of rows or columns they may end up in, or off-board in queue waiting movement to a more defined position. A breakthrough board is disclosed wherein possible token positions may be erasably inscribed. A method to return the gameboard to pre-trial-and-error configuration using the breakthrough board is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides playing cards which allow a code to be read reliably from the cards shot out at various speeds. Playing cards (1) are provided with a code (2) not readable under a lighting condition of visible light, but readable under lighting conditions other than the visible light. The code (2) comprises four code elements (3) arranged in two rows and two columns and represents suit and rank information of the playing cards (1). The code elements (3) include at least two types of mark which differ in length in a column direction corresponding to a reading direction of the code (2). Row-by-row combinations of the code elements (3) arranged in a row direction orthogonal to the code reading direction can be identified uniquely and the suit and rank information of the playing cards (1) represented by the code (2) can be identified based on the row-by-row combinations of the code elements (3).

Abstract: A game in which a number of players can participate comprising a playing surface and number of playing pieces, the playing surface having a track comprising a number of lanes in a one to one correspondence with the playing pieces, each playing piece being associated with one of the lanes, each lane comprising an equal number of spaces extending from a start to a finish space, in use the playing pieces being moveable sequentially along the spaces or their respective lane from start to finish, the game apparatus further comprising a set of playing tokens divided into a number of subsets also in a one to one correspondence with the number of playing pieces, each playing piece being associated with one of the subsets of playing tokens, the playing surface further comprising a set of stations representing an outcome of the passage of at least one of the playing pieces from its start to finish on the track in accordance with the disposing of a token, the stations being associated with reward tokens which can be pla

Abstract: An entertainment system includes a playing surface divided into discrete fields each having distinct indicia such as a color. The system includes a plurality of game pieces, such as letter tiles, each having an indicia corresponding to a respective field as well as having an alphanumeric or user-choice indicia. The entertainment system includes an input device for actuating a timer or processor. A display is included for displaying instructions, aesthetic elements, or even a sound emitter. A method of playing the entertainment system includes a plurality of players initially selecting a predetermined number of game pieces and then, in turn, arranging game pieces on playing surface fields having like color indicia to form words, selecting additional game pieces or taking other actions relative to game pieces, and rearranging game pieces to form other words. Electronic components are included to provide elements of chance, instructions, or aesthetic appeal.

Abstract: A toy play set for containing at least one predetermined board game includes a generally elongated body having a hollow interior, first and second opposing longitudinal ends, and a generally curved side wall extending around the hollow interior between the first and second ends. The first and second ends and side wall generally surround the hollow interior in a closed configuration of the body. The body has an open configuration in which the hollow interior is at least partially accessible. A playing surface is operably engaged with the body and is configured to play the predetermined board game. The playing surface is shaped and sized to enable the playing surface to be completely stored within the hollow interior of the body with the body in the closed configuration. The playing surface is accessible at least with the body in the open configuration for playing of the predetermined board game.

Abstract: A method for playing a game by first and second players includes assigning first type characters and second type characters to the first and second players. At a first turn, random numbers relating to each of the first type characters are used to concurrently or simultaneously position the first type characters on a game board. Similarly, at a second turn, random numbers relating to each of the second type characters are used to concurrently or simultaneously position the second type characters on the game board. A game play event, such as a battle or contest, may be initiated between the first and second players based on the relative positioning of the first and second players at the game board. In other examples, the first characters may have attributes or resources that can be developed and used in game play events, or in achieving an end goal of the game.