GB2153240A - Game apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus comprises a first pack of picture cards (10) which includes sets of three cards, each set having pictures of objects having a common factor, a second pack of cards each having a statement or challenge thereon to be completed by a player, and means such as three dice for use by each player in turn to determine the action to be taken by a player in respect of the first pack of cards. In particular, by a throw of the dice a player determines the number of picture cards that can be taken from the first pack or from opponents and the player has to collect a set together with an odd picture card. A rack (12) is provided for the hand of each player. When 12 one player has a set plus an odd card, another player has to take a statement card and can complete the statement thereon to attempt to identify the odd one out in the first player's cards. If unsuccessful, the first player wins the game, but if successful the other player wins. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Game This invention relates to a game of a type to be played by two or more players.

According to the present invention there is provided a game comprising a plurality of first playing pieces, each of which provides a display, and which include sets of the displays wherein there is to be found a common factor, means for use by each player in turn to determine the action to be taken by the respective player with respect to the first playing pieces, and a plurality of statement means, each of which provides a statement to be completed and used by a player, whereby each player has to obtain a number of said first playing pieces equal to the number of the latter in a set plus one, and has to collect a set together with an odd one of said first playing pieces relative to the set, and thereafter, when a player has such a collection, another player randomly chooses from the statement means and has to use the latter to attempt to identify the odd one of said first playing pieces retained by the first mentioned player, the result of which attempt can determine the conclusion of the game.

Preferably the first playing pieces comprise a pack of playing cards, each of which has a picture displayed thereon, Each set of the first playing pieces may comprise three pieces such that each player has to retain a maximum of four pieces in his possession throughout the game.

Preferably also the statement means comprises a pack of playing cards, each of which displays a statement requiring the player to identify which one of the playing pieces retained by the opponent is the odd one out and stating the reason displayed on the statement card.

Further the means for determining the action taken may comprise three dice which are to be thrown by each player in turn, with each player requiring to throw a predetermined arrangement of the dice before playing with the first playing pieces.

The invention also provides a game played in accordance with the rules as hereinafter described.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawing, the single figure of which shows the way in which certain of the game pieces are used.

Referring to the drawing, the game comprises a pack of picture cards 10, each card showing a picture of any kind of object, i.e.

animal, vegetable or mineral. The pack includes sets of three cards, each set being defined by cards having a common factor, for example a set comprising a lion, tiger and leopard, or a set comprising an alarm clock, wristwatch and grandfather clock. The game also comprises a further pack of cards each of which has written thereon a statement or challenge leaving a player to add a number to the statement so that, when read out, the statement indicates which picture card is the odd one out and for what reason, as hereinafter described. The game further comprises three conventional dice and preferably a plurality of card racks 12, each of which is in the form of a folded strip, one side being adapted to support four of the picture cards at separate locations.Each rack 1 2 is also numbered from one to four at respective locations below the picture card supports on said one side, and is also numbered similarly on the other side.

To play the game the pack of picture cards is shuffled and the picture cards are placed upsidedown in the middle of a table. The statement or challenge cards are also shuffled and similarly placed upsidedown in the middle of the table. A card rack 1 2 is then provided for each player and is stood on the table in front of each player with the picture card support locations facing the player.

Before the game commences, the players decide which sequence of dice will be required before a play can commence a turn by rolling an 'odd one out'. For example the players may decide that it is required for the dice to show two odd numbers and one even number, two even numbers and one odd number, or two numbers that match and one different number. Each player then takes a turn in sequence rolling all three dice to try and achieve the desired combination.

When the combination is achieved, the number the odd dice shows is the number of picture cards 10 to be taken by the player, and the required number of picture cards 10 may be taken from the pack, or a maximum of one card from those already held by each or any of the other players, with the remainder from the pack. A player is not allowed to look at an opponent's cards before taking one from the opponent, but, as the rack 1 2 is numbered on both sides, the player can identify which number of card is wanted from the opponent.As each player is only allowed a maximum of four picture cards in his possession at any one time, then if the odd dice indicates a number which, together with the number of cards already in possession of the player, is greater than four, the player has to decide which cards 10 to retain and then returns the others of the cards 10 under the pack.

The object is to collect a matching set of three picture cards 10 and one picture card which is the odd one out. When this is achieved a player will advise the other players. The player who has the following turn then takes the top card from the challenge pack and reads out the statement thereon, adding to the statement any number from one to four. The challenge could be for example a statement reading "I think that number 4 is the odd one out, as you could tell the time with it'', the player having selected the number 4. This statement may or may not be appropriate to the matched set of picture cards 10 which had been collected by the previous player, and, even if the statement is relevant to the matched set, the selected number may not correspond to the odd one out in the previous player's four picture cards 10.If the challenge is wrong then the previous player wins the game, but if the challenge happens to be correct then the challenger wins the game.

As an alternative, if the player who has to make the challenge decides that the challenge card cannot be appropriate, that player may decide to throw the dice and if he can achieve a matched set of numbers on the dice then this will automatically win the game. If the player does not throw such a matched set then the previous player will win the game.

The object of the 'odd one out' game is to provide, in addition to a card game, a challenge rule which can produce many inappropriate statements providing humour for the players taking part. It will be appreciated that the picture cards 10 may include virtually unlimited types of matched sets. It is also to be appreciated that the game can be played with three dimensional objects in place of picture cards or may be designed as a board game. In addition, an alternative to the dice may be used, providing an odd number is available at random.

Claims (9)

1. A game comprising a plurality of first playing pieces, each of which provides a display, and which include sets of the displays wherein there is to be found a common factor, means for use by each player in turn to determine the action to be taken by the respective player with respect to the first playing pieces, and a plurality of statement means, each of which provides a statement to be completed and used by a player, whereby each player has to obtain a number of said first playing pieces equal to the number of the latter in a set plus one, and has to collect a set together with an odd one of said first playing pieces relative to the set, and thereater, when a player has such a collection, another player randomly chooses from the statement means and has to use the latter to attempt to identify the odd one of said first playing pieces retained by the first mentioned player, the result of which attempt can determine the conclusion of the game.

2. A game according to claim 1, wherein the first playing pieces comprise a pack of playing cards, each of which has a picture display thereon.

3. A game according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each set of the first playing pieces comprises three pieces such that each player has to retain a maximum of four pieces in his possession throughout the game.

4. A game according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the statement means comprises a pack of playing cards, each of which displays a statement requiring the player to identify which one of the playing pieces retained by the opponent is the odd one out and stating the reason displayed on the statement card.

5. A game according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the means for determining the action taken comprises three dice which are to be thrown by each player in turn, with each player requiring to throw a predetermined arrangement of the dice before playing with the first playing pieces.

6. A game according to any of the preceding claims, wherein there are provided holders, each of which is arranged to hold a set of the first playing pieces.

7. A game according to claim 1 and played in accordance with the rules as hereinbefore described.

8. A game substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

9. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter herein disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the previous claims.