Abstract:
A word transforming game for fun, interaction and educational benefit for two or more players. This invention involves spelling, learning new words and the ability to discern changes in letter pronunciation. Contents include non-standard playing cards, a plurality of decks and a timer. The top of the front of each card contains one or two large-sized words, under which are additional words. The bottom of the card front contains a plurality of additional words. One player recites aloud to a second player the word(s) at the top of one card. Second player attempts to create another word by adding one letter to the given word. Second player says aloud their new word, demonstrating one letter was added and at least one letter from original word has a new sound. The new word earns points if it meets the above requirements and appears on the lower half of the card.

Description:
[0001]    I claim priority to my provisional application 61/398,015 filed on Jun. 21, 2010 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    None 
       BACKGROUND OF THIS INVENTION 
       [0003]    This invention relates to word making, changing or spelling games, and question-and-answer games, involving the use of non-standard playing cards and/or various other apparatus of play. Players win points by correctly creating words according to the rules and technique of play to be described. 
         [0004]    A plurality of word making/changing games exists. In certain of such games (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,199 to Hahn), players combine letters and earn points based on the length of words created. 
         [0005]    Among popular word games, “Quiddler”™ involves making words with the use of cards containing a single letter. Other games use cards containing both a letter(s) and a number(s). In “Boggle”™, words are created using dice. “Scrabble”™ involves making or changing words with the use of individual tiles placed on a crossword puzzle-like board. “Bananagrams”™ similarly a word-making game, uses individual tiles and a crossword puzzle-like arrangement, however without a board as the means to form words. 
         [0006]    Prior art includes word making games using letter cards drawn or dealt to players. To further understand the background of this invention, attention is called to U.S. patent Classification 273 Amusement Devices: Games; 273/272 Word or sentence; 273/292, Card or tile games or tiles therefor; 273/299, word, sentence or equation forming. 
         [0007]    In light of the above, there is a need for a new word making, changing or spelling game that enhances the enjoyment value of such games by the addition of a second dimension. Subject invention achieves said enhancement through the combination of two requirements heretofore not available: 1) Causing the creation of a new word(s) by the addition of one or more letters to a predetermined word(s) and 2) Said additional letter(s) causes the audible sound of one or more letters in the original predetermined word(s) to change. Hence, subject invention adds the dimension of sound change to otherwise one-dimensional game styles. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    Subject invention uses a plurality of decks of customized, standard game-sized playing cards. The game can be played by two or more players and does not require the addition of commonly used playing devices. 
         [0009]    Among the benefits of this invention relative to prior art is simplicity. This invention does not require a large playing space, a game board, movable game pieces, tiles, die or dice, spinners or any manner of electrical device. The lack of such accoutrements and its small size make the action of this game quicker and more enjoyable. In addition, it is easier to manufacture and package, carry about, store, gift-wrap and ship. Further, due to the small size and play space demanded, subject invention can be played in numerous stationary situations and various types of mobile transportation. 
         [0010]    Based on a rigorous search of prior art by the inventor, subject game has a method of play new to the field of card and word games. In the present embodiment players must change one or more predetermined 3-letter words into one or more predetermined 4-letter words by the addition of one letter to the 3-letter word(s). 
         [0011]    The unique challenge added by subject invention is that, in addition to creating said new word(s), at least one letter in the original word(s) must change how it is pronounced or sounded in said new word(s). Players, who successfully meet this requirement, and additional requirements explained in later sections of this application, are awarded points. In the preferred embodiment, an accumulation of points is used to determine a game(s) winner. 
         [0012]    An example of the requirement that at least one letter in a new word must change its sound or pronunciation from an original word is as follows: To the 3-letter word “lab” a player may add the letter m, thereby making the word “lamb.” In “lamb” the letter b is no longer pronounced (a legal change), thereby satisfying the game&#39;s requirement. 
         [0013]    In addition to a fun and challenging play experience, it is an object of subject invention to provide an educational game wherein players can expand their vocabulary through exposure to new words and the pronunciations thereof. 
         [0014]    It is a further object of subject invention to provide a game combining elements of skill and chance. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a plan view showing the non-front (back) side of the content cards used in subject invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a plan view showing the front of one content card style as used in subject invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a plan view showing the front of a second content card style as used in subject invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a plan view showing the front of a third content card style as used in subject invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    Subject invention relates to a game that uses customized, non-standard playing cards and a novel method for playing said game. 
         [0020]    Subject invention is an interactive, challenging and entertaining word-making and transforming game for two to six players (more if played as teams) ages 12 and up. Teams are a great way to get youngsters involved! Let them pick cards, read cards, keep score or become involved in other ways as determined by the players. 
         [0021]    In the current embodiment, game contents are one or more decks of customized cards, each deck having approximately 55 cards. Each deck is distinguishable from the others by having a different color  FIG. 1  on the non-front. A timer is provided to be used at players&#39; discretion. If the timer is used, time will begin as soon as the creating player is presented with a word(s) and clues. Players will supply a writing surface and a writing instrument. 
         [0022]    Unique to this word-making invention over previous word games is that in subject invention players are required to create new words that satisfy two stipulations. First, players must make new words from preexisting words per the preferred technique of play. Second, said new words must have a prescribed change in sound and pronunciation per the preferred technique of play. Thus, the current invention requires an age appropriate knowledge of spelling plus having or learning the ability to discern variations in pronunciation of letters and/or words, rather than merely spelling skills common to current word games. 
         [0023]    A further object that differentiates subject invention from previous word changing or transforming games is the requirement requiring that when at least one letter from each original 3-letter word  30  used must change its sound when used in a new 4-letter word  50 . 
         [0024]    For example, a player may be presented the 3-letter word “one.” Said player may add the letter d to make the 4-letter word “done.” In such a case, however, no original letter changed sound. (Note: “one” and “done” rhyme, indicating an identical sound.) If said player added the letter b to the word “one” making the 4-letter word “bone,” the pronunciation of the letter o has changed. (Note: “Done” and “bone” do not rhyme, indicating a different sound in the letter “o.” 
         [0025]    In the above example, one&gt;done will not score points, whereas one&gt;bone does score points. 
         [0026]    Further unique to this word-making invention in the preferred embodiment, over previous word games, is that in subject invention players in a broad range of ages and skill levels may enjoy said game because no words longer than four letters are used. 
         [0027]    In its present embodiment, this invention may contain one or more decks of like size, shape, material and thickness playing cards, each of said decks containing approximately fifty-five of cards. In a future embodiment, an alternative numbers of cards per deck may be used. Said cards shall be vertical in nature, with the narrowest dimension determining the top and bottom of each said card. 
         [0028]    This invention does not rely on the traditional playing card suits of hearts, clubs, spades and diamonds. Instead, the front and a back of each card described shall contain unique indicia. The fronts of all cards shall contain a plurality of information. Such information is similar in format on each card and presented in a common design, sequence, color, location and orientation on the card. However, the specific content on each card shall be different. No two cards included in this invention are identical as to all the data appearing on their fronts. 
         [0029]    Drawings ( FIGS. 1-4 ) herein described are representative of the cards used in said invention. These drawings are provided to help convey the technique by which the game is played and not to place limitations upon future iterations. Said drawings included in this document will use like numbers to identify similar parts. 
         [0030]    Each card provided with this invention has two sides, a back ( FIG. 1 ), and a front ( FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 ). The backs of all cards may contain indicia of a common design, shape and orientation on the surface of each card. The back of one deck provided shall be distinguished from another deck(s) by use of a unique color or color combination. For example, the back of one deck may be color A, while the back of another deck may be color X. Any indicia appearing on the back of each said card may or may not relate to the contents on the front of such card. 
         [0031]    The cards in subject invention shall be an uneven mixture of content styles as seen in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 . Said variations will be apparent on the fronts of said cards as follows: ( FIG. 2 ) A 3-letter word at the top and a 4-letter word at the bottom; ( FIG. 3 ) One 3-letter word at the top and two 4-letter words one above the other at the bottom;  FIG. 4 ) A pair of 3-letter words side-by-side at the top and a pair of 4-letter words side-by-side at the bottom. 
         [0032]    The exact contents on the fronts of every card in the one or more decks in this invention shall be unique from all other cards. In the present embodiment, each deck or decks of cards contains approximately the same percentage of card styles ( FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 ). 
         [0033]    To further describe the front of cards used in subject game,  FIG. 2 . is used as an example. Parallel with and nearest to the top of the front of a typical  FIG. 2  card shall be a 3-letter word  30 . The font size of 30 shall be larger than any other font used on said card. Beneath the 3-letter word  30  shall be a word or words  40  that may include a pronunciation aid and/or definition and/or an example of usage of the 3-letter word  30 . Approximately halfway between the top and bottom edges of said card shall appear a 4-letter word  50 . Beneath said 4-letter word  50  shall be a word or words  60  that may include a pronunciation aid and/or definition and/or an example of usage of  50 . 
         [0034]    To win points on a card such as  FIG. 2 , a “Guessing player” must attempt to transform 3-letter word  30  into 4-letter word  50  according to specific rules herein described. If said second player successfully creates said word appearing on subject card, he/she earns points. If said second player fails to do so, his/her turn ends. 
         [0035]    Subject invention includes a technique for playing said game, rules for playing, scoring and winning the game. The present embodiment of subject game shall include an optional timing device for setting a predetermined period of time for a player to make their guess(es) and to prevent players or teams from prolonging playing time unnecessarily. In an alternate embodiment, such timing device may be excluded or its design altered. 
       Preferred Technique of Play 
       [0036]    In order to more fully understand the technique of play the preferred rules are as follows: 
         [0037]    Subject invention may be played by two or more individual players, or a larger number of players formed into teams. 
         [0038]    A Player  1  is chosen by consensus of all players. Player  1  is the “Reader,” and the player to the left of Player  1  is Player  2 , hereafter referred to as the “Guesser” or “Guessing” player.
   1. Starting a game of two-players provides an example of the preferred technique of play. To begin, a predetermined player shuffles the cards in the deck(s) intended for play. Said player then places the shuffled deck front down in a stack, accessible to all players, said stack thereafter called the draw deck.
       a. As play proceeds, cards will be drawn from said draw deck.   
       2. Player  1  picks the top card from the draw deck. For demonstration purposes, said top card is like content style  FIG. 2 . Player  1  verbally indicates and spells aloud the 3-letter word  30  appearing at the top of said card to Player  2 . Any words (clues)  40  appearing beneath the 3-letter word may also be verbally indicated to Player  2 .   3. Continuing to play, the Guessing player may attempt to guess a 4-letter word  50  by adding one letter to the presented 3-letter word  30 , keeping the original three letters in the same sequence. Second player can create a 4-letter word by: Adding a letter before the first letter or adding a letter after the first, second or third letter.   4. Before attempting to guess a 4-letter word, Player  2  may ask to hear the words, or clues,  60  appearing beneath the 4-letter word  50  in approximately the middle of the card. Upon hearing the clues, the aforementioned timing device is engaged. Player  2  can then announce their created word to Player  1 . Player  2  will win a predetermined number of points if they guess the exact 4-letter word appearing on the card in play, which 4-letter word has been predetermined to satisfy each of the aforementioned requirements and do so before the timing device has expired.   5. In the preferred embodiment, players shall have one opportunity (chance) to make a point-winning word. An incorrect answer will end the player&#39;s turn. To widen players&#39; enjoyment of subject invention, they have the prerogative to permit more than one opportunity (chance) to create a winning word.   6. After Player  2  ends his/her turn, Player  1  places the card just used front down on a “discard deck.” To keep the game interesting, it is recommended not to reveal missed words.
       a. Player  2  then takes the top card off the draw deck and recites aloud to Player  1 , repeating the sequence described in Steps 1-4. If more than two players are in the game, Player  2  recites to Player  3 , and play continues as described above in a clockwise manner.   
       7. To demonstrate further, the next card drawn may be content style  FIG. 3 . Said card will have one 3-letter word on its top half  30  and two 4-letter words  50 / 70  on its bottom half. The order of these words is inconsequential to playing the game. Said card will thereafter be called a multi-answer card. In this example, the reading player indicates this fact to the receiving player such by saying “double up.” If the creating player first creates either word on a multi-answer card on their first attempt, said player shall receive points. The creating player may ask to hear the words, or clues,  60 / 80 , appearing beneath the 4-letter words on the bottom half of the card. An incorrect word ends said player&#39;s turn. If said player correctly made either of the two words on their first attempt, he or she may then attempt to create the second word. If they are again successful, said player shall receive additional points. An incorrect word ends said player&#39;s turn.   8. To demonstrate further, the next card drawn may be content style  FIG. 4 . The top half of said card will contain a pair of 3-letter words  82  and the bottom half of said card a pair of 4-letter words  90 . Said two 3-letter words shall be related in thought or meaning, for example, tin and can, or old and car. Beneath said 3-letter words may be a definition, pronunciation aid or usage example 84 of the pair of 3-letter words. The two 4-letter words  90  are not related to each other. However, in play, the guessing player must guess both words with one guess, one for each 3-letter word, and say both words aloud. If the guessing player correctly says both words  90  on the card in play, he/she will win a predetermined additional number of points.   
 
         [0049]    A game may end when all cards in the deck(s) being used are played. A designated scorekeeper shall have recorded the number of points achieved by each player/team on each turn. When a game ends, scorekeeper will announce which player(s) or team(s) accumulated the highest number of points, and said player or players will be declared the game winner or winners. Players are encouraged to then begin another game. 
         [0050]    Another winning option is available for use at the players&#39; discretion. In this option, a scorekeeper will record a score for each player in each of a plurality of games. At the conclusion of the agreed upon number of games, the player or players with the highest combined number of points shall be declared winner or winners. 
         [0051]    While the above two techniques of winning are preferred in this embodiment of subject invention, they shall not limit the creativity of players from using other techniques and determining game winners. 
         [0052]    The game primarily uses American English, meaning the English language used in the United States. Some abbreviations, acronyms and proper names are used, as are limited non-English, hyphenated and possessive words. 
         [0053]    Some words have more than one pronunciation. For example, u-s-e is sometimes pronounced ūz, as in “amuse” or ūs, as in “deuce.” The game cards identify which pronunciation is intended. 
         [0054]    When some 3-letter words become 4-letter words, an original letter becomes silent, meaning it no longer has a sound. Consider the word “cob” becoming “com b .’ In this example, the letter b in “cob” is no longer heard when “comb” is pronounced aloud 
         [0055]    Some 3-letter words have several possible correct answers. (For example, Bid can make Bird, Bind or Bide.) However, only the word(s) on the card in play will earn points. Words that otherwise meet the game&#39;s requirements may appear on other cards later in the game. 
         [0056]    A “deck” as described herein may consist of one deck of a plurality of cards, or two or more individual decks intermingled to create a deck having a larger plurality of cards 
         [0057]    The inventor of subject invention declares that wording used herein to describe aspects of this invention shall be for demonstration purposes and shall not restrict the use of alternate language in other embodiments. 
         [0058]    To add flexibility and offer a wide variety of playing options, were subject invention to contain four decks of cards as herein described, said decks would enable players to play 15 different games by using one deck up to four decks without repeating a contest. Here&#39;s how: