GB2199507A - Board game - Google Patents

Abstract

A board game suitable for affording a simple introduction to the stockmarket comprises a playing board having play zones marked to designate real or imaginary public companies, dice means to determine the movement of players' markers among the play zones, and rules allowing players to buy or sell notional shares in the companies at prices determined by the dice reading. <IMAGE>

Description

BOARD GAME The present invention is a board game, that is a game of the type wherein the success of the individual players of the game is deteined or influenced by the progress of markers corresponding to the players over the surface of a game board marked with a plurality of play zones. Board games of this type were originally all based on "boards" made of cardboard but the term is now used and is used herein to refer to playing surfaces of any material, including rigid and flexible synthetic plastics materials and paper.

The board game of the present invention is devised not only to provide entertainment but also to afford a modest introduction to the stockaarket and, to a greater or lesser degree as desired, to its method of working.

The board game according to the present invention comprises a playing board marked with a plurality of play zones, each of which is marked to designate a public company, markers to identify the individual players, dice means to determine movement of a marker from one play zone to another, and rules for playing the game, which rules include provision for players to buy shares in the public company designated by the play zone on which a marker lands, or to sell shares in any of the companies, at prices each determined by the dice means in determining movement of that marker to that play zone.

Thus, as a game is played, the prices of shares in the companies vary arbitrarily in response to the dice means but skill and judgement are required by each player in deciding whether or not to buy or sell the shares available as a result of a move of his marker, and how many shares to buy or sell.

The playing board may, as indicated, be rigid or flexible and may be made of any material having the appropriate characteristics.

In one convenient form, the board comprises cardboard with a printed playing surface attached to it and may be foldable for packing away and/or carrying.

The play zones, each designating a company, are distributed over the playing surface in a manner defining one or more pathways of movement between them. The play zones may, for example, define a closed rectangular pathway around the edges of a rectangular board, or a circular pathway on a circular or rectangular board, or any other desired shape of path. One or more additional paths across the centre of the board may be provided if desired.

The companies designated by the play zones may be imaginary companies or actual companies or a combination of real and imaginary companies. However significant added interest may be derived fran notionally acquiring shares in campaniles whose names are well knawn and it is therefore preferred to use such company names in the board game.

The markers may take any desired form provided that they are distinguished fran each other by shape and/or colour and are sufficiently compact to fit upon the play zones, especially wfien tWD or more markers occupy one play zone. Since the game is based upon the stock exchange and the acquisition of shares, the markers may, for example, be in the form of differently coloured top hats.

Any form of dice means may be used, including one or more dice as such or similar means for selecting arbitrarily fran a range of possible nutters. For example the dice means may be a spinner wherein an arrow is pivoted to rotate upon a numbered surface, or a spinning-top type number selector.

Rules are provided for playing the game and in particular for determining the price at which the available shares may be bought or sold. The rules require that, when a player's marker lands on a play zone designating a company, the player may buy shares in that company, or sell shares in any ccmpany, at prices determined by the dice reading which took the player to that play zone. In the most simple form of the game, the buying and selling prices may be the same and may be a direct multiple of the dice reading. However a more realistic game is played if the prices vary over a narrower range than a conventional six-spot dice would determine by direct multiplication.It is also preferred that the buying and selling prices should differ from each other at sane or all points within the range, the buying price being the higher one when that is so. To determine prices having the foregoing characteristics, it is preferred to provide a printed table in which the respective relationships of buying and selling prices to the dice reading are displayed.

The game may be played by recording the various transactions, and the individual players' holdings of shares and/or cash, in written form. However more pleasure in playing the game results from using tokens or notes representing money and fram using cards or other documents to represent share certificates.

In order to be able to acquire shares during the game, it is of course necessary to have cash. It is therefore appropriate for players to begin the game with a predetermined holding of cash and/or shares. It is preferred that players be guaranteed an income of cash and/or shares during the game by providing for each player to receive such income when passing a predetermined point in the sequence of play zones.

The game may be made more entertaining by introducing arbitrary events into the play. For example, when a player lands upon a suitably marked play zone he may be required by the rules to take a card fran a pre-shuffled stack of cards, each of which records an event or instruction affecting the play, for example "Shares fall in price; you lose 100" or "You receive dividend of 500". As illustrated by these examples, the event may be beneficial or disadvantageous to the player.

A further refinement of the game, making it not only more complex but also more closely resembling stock market dealings, may be achieved by introducing facilities for purchasing or otherwise acquiring options to purchase shares in specific groups of companies.

Such options may, as in the real market, be limited as to the time within which they may be exercised, for example by cancelling unexercised options at predetermaned points in the game. Another attractive optional feature may be the provision of opportunities to bid for a majority of the shares in a given company.

Further optional features of the game and in particular of the playing rules are illustrated by means of the follcwing specific example of one form of the game according to the present invention.

This example of the game is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 shows a board for playing the game; Fig. 2 shows a table of so-called "dealing levels" and Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 show, respectively, a Bid card, a Traditional Options card, a Traded Options card, a Fortune card and a Wealth card, all for use with the board of Fig. 1.

Using the illustrated board, table and cards, a typical set of rules may read as follows : - Riles for Playing "The Stock Exchange Game" INTRoDUCTICN THE STOCK EXCHANGE GAME is an entertaining and educational board game for adults and children aged 10 or over. It is loosely based on the real-life operations of the Stock Market, but requires no prior knowledge of Stock Market terms and procedures. Some simple Stock Market terminology is used, but all such terms are clearly explained.

2 - 6 players can play, but 3 or 4 is preferable. It is helpful to have a non-playing Banker but, if you prefer, one person can fulfil a dual role as player and Banker.

Basically, each player begins with a little cash and a few shares.

As the game proceeds, players have the opportunity to deal with the bank, buying or selling shares at a price level which is determined by the throw of a dice. The aim is to make as much money as possible, so it is obviously advantageous to buy at a low price and sell at a higher price.

Players also have the opportunity to buy Options or Bid cards, which can be used to change the share price level indicated by the dice. An Options card allows the player to raise or lower the share price by one level. A Bid card allows a 2-level change. Skilful purchasing and use of these cards can increase profits considerably.

From time to time players may also land on a Fortune or Wealth square, where they will be given a financial bonus or penalty.

As the players profit fram their investments, so the money in the bank dwindles. When there is no money left in the bank, the game is over. Players total up their assets and the player with the highest total is the winner.

The calculatIons involved in the game are very simple, but some players may find it helpful to have a calculator handy.

B m PLRY STARTING THE GXME First agree a banker and decide how much money the bank will hold.

Remember that the more noney there is in the bank, the longer the game will take.

All players are given 1000 in cash and 3 shares in any one campany of their choice. All players place their markers on the start square.

ORDER OF PLAY Play always progresses clockwise. Players take turns to throw the dice until one person throws a 6. That person then throws the dice again and, starting fran the Start square, moves his/her counter in the direction of the arrow.

THE DICE The throw of the dice indicates the n'itter of squares you may move and sets the 'level' for financial transactions, e.g. if you throw a 3, you may move 3 squares and then buy or sell at the Level 3 price.

DEALING LEVELS These are shown on the accompanying table (Fig. 2) THE BOARD The board consists of a number of different types of squares - Company squares, Options, Bids, Fortune and Wealth. The type of square you land on governs the type of trading you may indulge in.

COMPANY SQUARES These are the squares tich have a carry narte printed on them.

When you land on one of these squares you may purchase shares of the company concerned at the level indicated by the dice. You may purchase as many shares as you wish, subject to their availability.

Larder companies have 20 shares. All others have only 10 shares.

There is no penalty for landing on a company square whose shares are owned by another player.

N.B. - sqRTT-ING SHARES. At any time in the game, regardless of what type of square you are on, you may sell any or all of the shares you possess, if you feel the 'level' is to your advantage. However, you may only buy or sell shares at your turn of play and you may not do both on the same turn. You may, alternatively, choose to do nothing.

OPTS SXRE-S If you land on an Options square you may purchase up to 5 Options cards at 100 each. These enable you to alter the levels indicated by the dice by one level, e.g. if you wish to buy shares you can lower the price, or if you wish to sell shares you can raise the price.

Each Options card can only be used to buy or sell shares of one company and must be surrendered to the bank once it has been used.

There are 2 types of Options - Tradedand Traditional. Traded Options apply to the large canpanies which have 20 shares. Traditional Options apply to all the others. Options are not interchangeable, i.e. you may not use a Traded Options card to buy or sell shares in a company which requires Traditional Options - and vice versa.

possession of Options cards can be of great benefit; however it is wise not to hold too many, as one must be surrendered every time you pass the Start square, thus wasting its value.

It is also worth remembering that you may buy Options cards and sell shares on the same move.

BID STARE When you land on the Bid square you may buy up to 3 Bid cards at 500 each. These enable you to alter price levels indicated by the dice by 2 levels, provided you buy or sell at least 60% of the shares of a company (12 for a large company, 6 for a small one). Note, however, that selling prices must always stay within the 200-500 range and buying prices within the 250-500 range.

Bid cards also enable you to purchase the shares of any carpany whose squares you land on, even if these are owned by other players.

The other players must sell, even if the price is not to their lining.

You may not use a Bid card to buy and sell shares on the sate turn, and you may not use a Bid card in conjunction with an Options card to alter prices by 3 levels.

As with Options cards, Bid cards can only be used to buy or sell shares of one company and must be surrendered once they are used.

Skwever, Bid cards are not surrendered when passing the Start square and can therefore be saved indefinitely.

N.B. If you land on the Bid square, but do not wish to buy any cards, you may use any Bid cards already in your possession to bid for any company or catpnues you choose, up to a maximum of 3 - one card per Bid. In this case, you do not move your marker, but simply make the necessary transactions fram the Bid square.

It is also possible to purchase Bid cards and make Bids while on the Fortune and Wealth squares (See below).

FORIUNE AND L SQUARES If you land on one of these squares, take the top card fran the appropriate stack and follow its instructions. Replace the card at the bottan of the stack. If you do not have sufficient cash to fulfil the obligations stated by the card, you may sell shares at the level indicated by the dice in order to raise the necessary funds. You may not borrow money from other players.

If you wish, you may also purchase one Bid card while on these squares, at a cost of 500. Alternatively, if you do not wish to buy a Bid card and you already have your own card, you may Bid for one company as outlined above.

PASSING THROUGH THE START SQUARE DURING PLAY Once the game is under way, the following procedures apply every time you pass aver the Start square: a) Collect 250 fram the bank.

b) If youland on the Start square, collect 500 from the bank.

c) If you possess one or more Option cards you forfeit oneveither Traditional or Traded, when you pass the Start square - or 2 cards if you land on the Start square.

d) Bid cards are not affected by this square.

ENDING THE GXME As the game progresses the bank inevitably loses money. When the bank's money runs out, the game is over.

Players count up their cash and add 400 for every share they own.

Options cards count for 100. Bid cards have no value.

The player with the highest assets total is the winner.

If the bank starts with 50,000 a game will last for about 1 hour to 1 hours. A bank of 200,000 will make the game last 2 to 3 hours.

If you wish to play for a shorter period, you could end the game after a set number of turns for each player. A E200,000 game is ideal.

Claims (13)

1. A board game comprising a playing board marked with a plurality of play zones, each of which is marked to designate a public company, markers to identify the individual players, dice means to determine novennt of a marker fram one play zone to another, and rules for playing the game, which rules include provision for players to buy shares in the public company designated by the play zone on which a marker lands, or to sell shares in any of the companies, at prices each determined by the dice means in determining movement of that marker to that play zone.

2. A board game as claimed in claim 1, wherein the play zones are so disposed as to define a closed rectangular or circular pathway.

3. A board game as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the markers are in the form of differently coloured top hats.

4. A board game as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the dice means is a single die.

5. A board game as claimed in any of the preceding claims, including a printed table on which are displayed the respective relationships of buying and selling prices to the dice reading.

6. A board game as claimed in any of the preceding claims, including cards or other documents to represent share certificates.

7. A board game as claimed in any of the preceding claims, including tokens or notes representing money.

8. A board game as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the rules provide for players to receive notional money and/or shares when their markers pass over or land upon one or more of the play zones.

9. A board game as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the rules provide that, when a player's marker lands upon one or more of the play zones, an arbitrarily selected notional event occurs having an effect upon that player 's holding of notional money or shares.

10. A board game as claimed in any of the preceding claims, therein the rules provide for the acquisition of share options.

11. A board game as claimed in claim 10, wherein the rules provide that said options shall lapse at predetermined points in the game.

12. A board game as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the rules provide opportunities for a player to bid for a majority of the shares in a given ccçany.

13. A board game substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, the acctpnying drawings.