US20100078885A1

US20100078885A1 - Multiplayer dice game and method thereof

Info

Publication number: US20100078885A1
Application number: US12/546,727
Authority: US
Inventors: David Thielbar
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-10-01
Filing date: 2009-08-25
Publication date: 2010-04-01

Abstract

One embodiment of a dice game may include a plurality of dice and a plurality of stones. The dice may include a first set, a second set and a third set that may be rolled in a round of the dice game by a player of a plurality of players. Total values for the first set and the second set may be computed from the rolled dice. The third set may be used to determine an order of playing the dice game by the players. At least one stone of the plurality of stones may be assigned to each of the players. Total values of the first set and the second set may determine a score of the player in the round.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/101,719 filed on Oct. 1, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to a dice game, and more particularly, to a multiplayer dice game based on science fiction.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally, people get involved in recreational activities, such as playing games, to entertain themselves. Most games available in the market, such as card games, dice games, and the like, use traditional stories or subjects as a background. Typically, in the games available these days, dice games are hugely popular due to perception of luck factor.
However, dice games that are based on traditional stories or subjects may be boring for some people. Further, most dice games are board games that restrict number of players who can take part at a time. Due to this limitation, some people may not be able to participate. Furthermore, other varieties of games, such as card games may require extensive reading of game manuals for understanding the rules of playing the games. Still further, the card games may use cards that may be numbered into hundreds and may be complex to play.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One embodiment of a dice game may include a plurality of dice and a plurality of stones. The dice may include a first set, a second set and a third set that may be rolled in a round of the dice game by a player of a plurality of players. Total values for the first set and the second set may be computed from the rolled dice. The third set may be used to determine an order of playing the dice game by the players. At least one stone of the stones may be assigned to each of the players. Total values of the first set and the second set may determine a score of the player in the round.
One embodiment of a method for playing a dice game by a plurality of players may include rolling a plurality of dice by one of the players for a round of the dice game. The dice game may include the plurality of dice and a plurality of stones. The dice may include a first set, a second set and a third set. The first set, the second set and the third set may be capable of being rolled in the round of the dice game by the one of the players. The first set may include a plurality of first symbols. Each first symbol may be associated with a value. The rolled first set may enable computation of a total value of the first set for the round. Further, the second set may include a plurality of second symbols. Each second symbol may be associated with a value. The rolled second set may enable computation of a total value of the second set for the round. The third set may enable determination of an order in which the players play the dice game. At least one stone of the plurality of stones may be assigned to each player. The method may further include computing the total value of the plurality of the second set based on the rolling of dice. Further, the method may include determining a score for the player based on the total value of the first set and the total value of the second set. Furthermore, the dice may be rolled by each of the plurality of players based on availability of the at least one stone with each player in the round.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a dice game, showing a plurality of dice having a plurality of faces; and

FIG. 2 is an exemplary flowchart of a method for playing the dice game of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The exemplary embodiments described herein provide detail for illustrative purposes, and are subject to many variations in composition, structure, and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to a dice game, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
The present disclosure provides a dice game and a method for playing the dice game by a plurality of players. The theme of the dice game may be based on science fiction. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dice game may be based on a story that involves the planet Mars, zombies and humans. The planet Mars may launch a fleet of saucers on the planet Earth by means of a ray, such as a pulse ray. The pulse ray may resurrect dead bodies (hereinafter referred to as ‘zombies’) from cemeteries on the planet Earth with a hunger for brains of living beings, such as human beings, living on the planet Earth. Further, the pulse ray may turn a plurality of small quartz rocks that may be located around the cemeteries into a plurality of translucent green stones. The cemeteries may be located in mountains of Romania. A green stone of the plurality of green stones may serve to boost health and stamina of the living beings (hereinafter referred to as ‘humans’). Due to this, the plurality of green stones may be also referred to as ‘Stam-Stones’.
A plot of the dice game may involve protecting the humans from the zombies. Specifically, the dice game may be based on a set of rules that require the players to protect the humans from the zombies. Each of the players may be assigned with at least one stone of the plurality of stones.
The dice game may be a board game, a computer game, an online game, and the like. Further, the dice game may be stored in a Compact Disc (CD) or assembled in a box, or an easy to carry pocket game, and the like. Furthermore, the dice game may include various audio-visual effects similar to a science fiction movie or a horror movie.
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary view of a dice game 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The dice game 100 includes a plurality of dice, such as a first set of dice 200 (hereinafter referred to as ‘first set 200’), a second set of dice 300 (hereinafter referred to as ‘second set 300’) and a third set of dice 400 (hereinafter referred to as ‘third set 400’), and a plurality of stones 500. FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of the dice.
The first set 200 may include a die 200 a, a die 200 b and a die 200 c. The second set 300 may include a die 300 a, a die 300 b and a die 300 c. Further, the third set 400 may include one die, hereinafter referred to as ‘die 400’. Each die of the first set 200 may represent a human. Each die of the second set 300 may represent a zombie. The players may try to protect the first set 200 representing the humans from the second set
Referring to FIG. 1, the plurality of dice may include a plurality of symbols. For example, each die may include six faces and each face may have one of the symbols thereon. One or more of the symbols may be displayed on one or more faces of any die in the first set 200, the second set 300 and the third set 400. Moreover, each symbol may be associated with one of the rules for playing the dice game 100.
Specifically, the first set 200 may include a plurality of first symbols, such as a symbol 202, a symbol 204, a symbol 206, a symbol 208, a symbol 210 and a symbol 212. Further, the second set 300 may include a plurality of second symbols, such as a symbol 302, a symbol 304, a symbol 306 and a symbol 308. Furthermore, the third set 400, i.e. the die 400, may include a third symbol, such as a symbol 402. Each of the first symbols is associated with a value. Similarly, each of the second symbols is associated with a value.
Specifically, the value associated with a first symbol may be utilized to determine a power of the humans and may be added to a score of a player playing a round of the dice game. For example, the symbol 202 represents a bullet and may have a value of 1 hit points (HP) associated therewith. The symbol 204 represents fog and may not have any value associated therewith. The symbol 206 represents a grenade and may have a value of 3 HP associated therewith. The symbol 208 depicts ‘click’ that represents a gun jam implying that the player's gun is jammed and may not have any value associated therewith. The symbol 210 represents a Molotov cocktail (also known as petrol bomb or gasoline bomb) that may have a value of 2 HP associated therewith. The symbol 212 represents a stam-stone and may indicate that the player may pick a stone, such as a stone 502, of the plurality of stones 500. One of the rules of the dice game 100 may indicate that picking up the stone protects the humans from the zombies. The symbol 212 may not be associated with a value.
Similarly, the value associated with a second symbol may be utilized to determine power of the zombies and may be subtracted from a score of the player. For example, the symbol 302 may represent a zombie and may have a value of 1 HP. The symbol 304 may represent lightning and may have a value of 2 HP. The symbol 306 may represent a grave and may not have a value associated therewith. The symbol 308 may represent a saucer, and may have a value of 3 HP.
The symbol 402 associated with the third set 400, i.e. the die 400, may represent a moon. The symbol 402 may enable the players to determine the order in which the players participate in the dice game 100. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third set 400 may be rolled by the players in a sequence. A first appearance of the symbol 402 upon rolling the third set 400 by a player of the players indicates that the player may be first to roll the plurality of dice while playing with the dice game 100. Thereafter, a second appearance of the symbol 402 upon rolling the third set 400 by a player of remaining players indicates that the player may be second to roll the dice, and so on. Alternatively, upon determination of the player who will be first to roll the dice, the order of playing the dice game 100 for the remaining players may be clockwise or anti-clockwise based on a seating arrangement of the players.
The plurality of dice may be utilized while playing the dice game 100. The dice game 100 and the rules for playing the dice game 100 are explained in more detail in conjunction with FIG. 2 as follows.
Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary flowchart of a method 600 for playing a dice game, such as the dice game 100 of FIG. 1, is shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the order in which the method 600 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation.
The method 600 begins at 602. At 602, a player of a plurality of players of the dice game may roll a plurality of dice, such as the plurality of dice explained in FIG. 1, for a round of the dice game. The dice game may include the plurality of dice and a plurality of stones, such as the plurality of stones 500. The plurality of dice of the dice game may include a first set, such as the first set 200, a second set, such as the second set 300 and a third set, such as the third set 400, as explained in FIG. 1. The first set includes a plurality of first symbols. Each of the first symbols is associated with a value. The second set includes a plurality of second symbols. Each of the second symbols is associated with a value. Further, the third set includes a third symbol. At 604, a total value of the first set and a total value of the second set are computed based on the plurality of dice rolled by the player. At 606, a score of the player for the round is determined based on the total value of the first set and the total value of the second set. The plurality of dice is rolled by each of the players based on availability of at least one stone of the plurality of stones with each of the players in the round.
Specifically, the plurality of dice is rolled by the players till the at least one stone is available with each player. A winner of the dice game may be determined when one of the players loses each of the stones assigned to that player.
As explained previously, the dice game may be based on science fiction or a horror theme. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the total value of the first set for the round is computed based on at least one of the first symbols that appear on the rolled first set. For example, on rolling the plurality of dice, the symbol 202, the symbol 206 and the symbol 210 may appear on the die 200 a, the die 200 b and the die 200 c, respectively. The symbol 202, the symbol 206 and the symbol 210 represent the at least one of the first symbols that appear on the rolled first set. A bullet, a grenade and a molotov cocktail are represented by the symbol 202, the symbol 206 and the symbol 210, respectively. Values associated with the first symbols of the rolled first set may be added to compute the total value of the first set scored by the player for the round. The total value of the first set for the round may represent defense by humans against zombies. Similarly, an attack by the zombies may be represented by the total value of the second set for the round.
The total value of the second set for the round is computed based on at least one of the second symbols that appear on the rolled second set. For example, on rolling the plurality of dice, the symbol 302, the symbol 304 and the symbol 306 may appear on the die 300 a, the die 300 b and the die 300 c, respectively. The symbol 302, the symbol 304 and the symbol 306 represent the at least one of the second symbols that appear on the rolled second set. Further, a zombie, lightning and a grave are represented by the symbol 302, the symbol 304 and the symbol 306, respectively. Values associated with the second symbols of the rolled second set may be added to compute the total value of the second set scored by the player for the round. The total value of the second set for the round may represent attack by the zombies on the humans.
As mentioned previously, the dice game may be based on a set of rules. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the rules may include one rule for initializing a total score of each player to a pre-determined value prior to rolling the plurality of dice for the first round of the dice game. For example, the total score of each player may be initialized to a pre-determined value of ‘0’ prior to beginning the first round.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the score of the player for the round may be determined by comparing the total value of the first set and the total value of the second set. Thereafter, the total score of the player is incremented by the total value of the first set when the total value of the first set is greater than the total value of the second set. Alternatively, the total score of the player is retained when the total value of the second set is greater than the total value of the first set. The total score represents a cumulative score of the player for the one or more rounds of the dice game.
In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, the rules may include a rule for determining an order of playing the dice game by the players. The order may be determined prior to rolling the plurality of dice. Specifically, the order may be determined by the players prior to beginning a first round of one or more rounds of the dice game.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the rules may include a rule for assigning at least one stone of the plurality of stones to each of the players. For example, each player may be assigned five stones. The at least one stone may be assigned to each player prior to beginning the first round of the dice game. Stones of the plurality of stones that are not assigned to the players form a set of unassigned stones.
In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, the rules may include a rule for transferring a stone from the at least one stone available with the player to the set of unassigned stones when the total value of the first set is less than the total value of the second set. For example, the player may roll the dice and get the total value of the first set as 3 and the total value of the second set as 4. The player may then transfer a stone, from the at least one stone available with the player, in the set of unassigned stones. Transferring of the stone in the set of unassigned stones may represent weakening of stamina and health of the humans.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, an unassigned stone of the set of unassigned stones may be assigned to the player when a first symbol representing a stone is rolled on a die of the first set. Assignment of the unassigned stone represents adding the unassigned stone to the at least one stone available with the player. Further, assignment of the unassigned stone may represent strengthening of stamina and health of the humans.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the rules may include one rule for re-rolling the first set and the second set by the player when the third symbol appears on the rolled dice. More specifically, the third symbol is indicated by the symbol 402, as explained in FIG. 1. The player may re-roll the first set and the second set when the symbol 402, i.e. a moon, appears on the third set.
As explained previously, the third set may be rolled by the players in a sequence. A first appearance of the third symbol, i.e., the symbol 402, upon rolling the third set by a player may indicate that the player may be first to roll the dice while playing the dice game. Thereafter, a second appearance of the third symbol upon rolling the third set by a player of remaining players indicates that the player may be second to roll the plurality of dice, and so on. Alternatively, upon determination of the player who will be first to roll the dice, the order of playing the dice game for the remaining players may be clockwise or anti-clockwise based on a seating arrangement of the players.
A winner of the dice game may be determined based on a plurality of total scores of the players. Specifically, the winner of the dice game may be determined from among eligible players of the dice game. An eligible player is a player who is eligible to be the winner of the dice game. A player of the plurality of players may be eligible to be the winner when the at least one stone is available with the player.
An eligible player may have a total score that is greater than total scores for the remaining players who are eligible to be the winner. The player with a greatest total score among the eligible players may be determined as the winner of the dice game. For example, among four players playing the dice game, one player loses all his stones and become an ineligible player (an ineligible player represents a player who has lost each of the at least one stone assigned to him/her). Remaining three players have total scores of 10, 15 and 20 respectively. A player who has the total score of 20 may be determined the winner of the dice game.
It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the dice game may include additional stories around the humans and zombies without deviating from the actual scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, various modifications may be made to the dice game without departing from the scope of the claims of the present disclosure.
Further, the exact dimensions and materials used for construction may vary based upon manufacturing of the dice game. Furthermore, the dice game may be manufactured as a boxed game, an easy to carry pocket game and may be converted to a computer CD or may be played online.
As described above, the present disclosure describes the dice game and the method of playing the dice game. The various embodiments may be utilized for providing fun and entertainment to a plurality of players of the dice game. The dice game does not pose any restriction on number of players who can play at a time. A plurality of symbols on the plurality of dice of the dice game may attract the players to play the dice game. Further, stacks of manuals are not required for understanding the dice game, thereby reducing time required by the players in understanding the dice game. Furthermore, the dice game is based on science fiction that provides an element of excitement to the dice game.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A dice game comprising:

a plurality of dice including,

a first set capable of being rolled in a round of the dice game by a player of a plurality of players, the first set comprising a plurality of first symbols, each of the plurality of first symbols associated with a value, the rolled first set enabling computation of a total value of the first set for the round;

a second set capable of being rolled in the round of the dice game by the player, the second set comprising a plurality of second symbols, each of the plurality of second symbols associated with a value, the rolled second set enabling computation of a total value of the second set for the round;

a third set capable of being rolled in the round of the dice game by the player, the third set enabling determination of an order of playing the dice game by the plurality of players; and

a plurality of stones, at least one stone of the plurality of stones assigned to each of the plurality of players,

wherein the plurality of dice is rolled by each of the plurality of players based on availability of the at least one stone with each of the plurality of players, and

wherein the total value of the rolled first set and the total value of the rolled second set enable determination of a score of the player in the round.

2. The dice game of claim 1, wherein the third set of dice includes a third symbol for determining the order of playing the dice game by the plurality of players.

3. A method for playing a dice game by a plurality of players, the method comprising:

rolling a plurality of dice by a player of the plurality of players for a round of the dice game, the dice game comprising,

the plurality of dice including,

a first set comprising a plurality of first symbols, each of the plurality of first symbols associated with a value,

a second set comprising a plurality of second symbols, each of the plurality of second symbols associated with a value, and

a third set, and

a plurality of stones;

[Note: A dependent claim for “assigning of at least one stone to each of the plurality of players” is already present.

computing a total value of the first set and a total value of the second set based on the plurality of dice rolled by the player; and

determining a score of the player for the round based on the total value of the first set and the total value of the second set,

wherein the plurality of dice is rolled by each of the plurality of players based on availability of the at least one stone with each of the plurality of players in the round.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising determining an order of playing the dice game by the plurality of players prior to rolling the plurality of dice, the order determined by rolling the third set.

5. The method of claim 3 further comprising assigning at least one of the plurality of stones to each of the plurality of players.

6. The method of claim 3 further comprising initializing a total score of each of the plurality of players to a pre-determined value prior to rolling the plurality of dice for a first round of one or more rounds of the dice game.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein the total value of the first set for the round is computed based on at least one of the plurality of first symbols appearing on the rolled first set.

8. The method of claim 3, wherein the total value of the second set for the round is computed based on at least one of the plurality of second symbols appearing on rolled second set.

9. The method of claim 3, wherein determining the score of the player for the round comprises,

comparing the total value of the first set and the total value of the second set,

incrementing a total score of the player by the total value of the first set when the total value of the first set is greater than the total value of the second set, and

retaining the total score of the player when the total value of the second set is greater than the total value of the first set,

wherein the total score represents a cumulative score of the player for one or more rounds of the dice game.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising transferring a stone from the at least one stone available with the player to a set of unassigned stones of the plurality of stones when the total value of the first set is less than the total value of the second set.

11. The method of claim 3 further comprising assigning an unassigned stone of a set of unassigned stones to the player when a first symbol representing a stone is rolled on a die of the first set, assigning the unassigned stone represents adding the unassigned stone to the at least one stone available with the player.

12. The method of claim 3 further comprising re-rolling the first set and the second set by the player when a third symbol appears on the rolled plurality of dice.

13. The method of claim 3 further comprising determining a winner of the dice game based on a total score of one of the plurality of players being greater than each of a plurality of total scores for a respective one of the plurality of players.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the winner is determined based on availability of the at least one stone with the plurality of players.