GAME BOARD AND METHOD OF USING

A game board including a top panel and a plank and a game that comprises one or more of the game boards. A plank extends from the back end of the game board. The top surface of the game board is flat and includes a surrounding area and one or more target areas. A projectile comprising a weighted ball is thrown by players onto the top panel or plank surface. A method for playing the game involves two to four players who will throw or roll the balls to land on the desired location of the top panel or plank area to score points toward winning the game. The game includes multiple rounds.

BACKGROUND

Currently available yard games use a board and bags tossed from a distance to score points by passing the bag through a hole. These games are generally played with 4 players, with 2 players on each team, having a varying distance between two boards to adjust the difficulty depending on the skills of the players.

SUMMARY

In general terms, this disclosure is directed to a game board and a method of using the game board.

In some examples, the game board does not have a hole on the board, but instead has a fixed or retractable board or plank on one end. In some examples, the game board is used to play a game in which players try to land a projectile onto the fixed or retractable board or plank to score points. In addition, in some examples, the top panel of the game board includes different colors to identify lower and higher points that players may earn when landing the projectile on that position of the game board. The game can be played indoors or outdoors or when floating on the water.

In some embodiments, and by non-limiting example, the game board includes a top panel comprised of a square platform with a frame. In some examples, the frame is tapered or angled to make it easier for the projectile to stay on the top panel from longer distances. A plank extends out from the back panel of the board which, in some examples, is the intended landing target for players to receive the most points. The back panel in this embodiment would have a slot which would allow the plank to be extended out from the back of the top panel for playing the game or retracted to minimize storage space when not in use.

In some embodiments, the top panel is not angled, but instead is oriented such that it is parallel with a support surface upon which the game board is placed. In such examples, the game board includes side panels that are of equal height to provide stability for the top panel.

In some embodiments, the top panel will have no side panels with the plank fixed in the extended position while laying flat on the ground indoors or outdoors.

In some embodiments, the plank board will extend or slide from the back panel via hardware, such as cabinet slides, hinges, or a slit under the top platform.

In some embodiments, the shape of the top platform may be rectangular, square, circular, triangular or any other shape. In addition, the shape of the plank may be rectangular, square, circular, triangular, or any other shape.

In some embodiments, the material selection will be wood, plastic, metal, or any combination of materials to allow use indoors and outdoors.

In some embodiments, the base of the game board will include an inflatable pad or tube which will allow use of the game in the water.

In some embodiments, the features on the top surface may have various configurations to change the points scored by landing the projectile on different positions.

In some embodiments, a method for playing the game will involve four players using two game boards with one player from each team standing in a specific position to maintain a fixed distance from the other board for each player. Landing a projectile on the plank may score five points, landing the projectile on a color coded circle in the center of the board may score three points, and landing on any other position of the board may score one point. In other examples, different numbers of points are scored for landing the projectile on different portions of the game board. In some examples, one player from each team will throw three projectiles and the player with the most points in the color coded circle will subtract the total points from the other team and add this amount to their team score. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, a method for playing the game will involve two players using one or two game boards using the same point system.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, a method for increasing the difficulty of the game will include adjusting the length of the legs to adjust the angle of the top panel. In some example, adjusting the length of the legs includes replacing the legs with longer legs. In other examples, the legs need not be replaced to adjust the length of the legs. For example, telescopic legs may be used. In addition, the distance that the plank extends out from the back of the top panel can be increased or decreased to vary the difficulty in scoring the maximum points.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Game Board and Projectiles

FIG.1depicts an example game comprising an example game board100and one or more projectiles112. In some examples, the game comprises multiple projectiles of different colors, such as, for example, multiple red projectiles112rand multiple blue projectiles112b.

FIGS.2-6depict an example of the game board100ofFIG.1. In some examples, the game board100includes a top panel102, a frame109, and a plank106. In some examples, the game board100includes a front side101and a rear side103(labeled inFIG.3). As shown inFIGS.1-6, the top panel102is arranged above the frame109. In some examples, the frame109comprises one or more side panels104, and a rear panel105. In some examples, the one or more side panels104are arranged such that a side panel104extends beneath the top panel102along each of a left side and a right side of the top panel102. In some examples, the rear panels105is arranged such that the rear panel105extends beneath the top panel102along the rear side103of the top panel102. In some examples, the plank106extends from a rear side103of the game board100. In some examples, the plank106is arranged approximately parallel with the top panel102, such as, for example, parallel with the top panel102. In other examples, the plank106is arranged coplanar with the top panel102. In some examples, as depicted inFIGS.3-4, the plank106is arranged in a plane that is lower than that of the top panel102. In the examples ofFIGS.3-4, the plank106is arranged such that a portion of the plank106is arranged beneath the top panel102. In some examples, the game board100comprises one or more buoyant elements that enable the game board100to float on water.

In some examples, the top panel102is a planar surface. In some examples, the top panel102is a rectangular surface. In some examples, the top panel102is a square surface. In some examples, the top panel is sized approximately 2 feet by 2 feet, such as, for example, two feet by two feet or twenty three and three quarter inches by twenty three and three quarter inches. In other examples, the top panel is sized approximately sixteen inches by sixteen inches such as, for example, sixteen inches by sixteen inches. In some examples the top panel102includes a target area108and a surrounding area110. In some examples, as shown inFIG.2, the top panel102includes a single target area108in the form of a circle arranged approximately in the middle of the top panel102. In other examples, the top panel102may include additional target areas108arranged in different locations on the top panel102. In some examples, the target area108and the surrounding area110are different colors as to distinguish between the target area108and the surrounding area110. In some examples, the target area108is colored red.

In some examples, the surrounding area is divided into multiple surrounding areas111,113. In some examples, the multiple surrounding areas111,113include a first surrounding area111and a second surrounding area113. In some examples, both of the first surrounding area111and the second surrounding area113are blue colored. In some examples, the first surrounding area111is a lighter blue color than the second surrounding area113.

In some examples, the first surrounding area111is formed in a generally triangular shape. In some examples the first surrounding area111extends along the top panel102from the front side101of the game board100to the target area108. In some examples, the target area108extends over a rear vertex of the first surrounding area111. In some examples, the first surrounding area111includes two front vertices that are arranged near corners of the top panel102at the front side101of the game board100.

In some examples, the second surrounding area113extends along a top surface of the top panel102and covers the remainder of the top surface of the top panel102outside of the target area108and the first surrounding area111.

In some examples, the top panel102comprises one or more indicia elements115arranged thereon. In some examples, the one or more indicia elements115comprise a logo, a QR code, or a website address. In some examples, the one or more indicia elements115direct a player of the game board100to a website with rules for the game or a storefront to purchase additional pieces for the game.

In some examples, the top panel102comprises a glossy finish on the top surface. In other examples, the top panel102comprises a matt finish on the top surface. In other examples, the top panel102comprises a semi-gloss finish on the top surface, such as, for example, an approximately 70% gloss and 30% matt finish. In some examples, the semi-gloss finish on the top surface reduces scuff marks on the top panel102while simultaneously reducing glare from light on the top panel102.

In some examples, the top panel102comprises a wood material. In some examples, the top panel102comprises an aluminum composite material. In some examples, the aluminum composite material comprises a composite inner layer with an aluminum sheet upper layer and an aluminum sheet lower layer. In some examples, the top panel102is magnetic such that projectiles including magnetic material are magnetically attracted to the top panel102.

In some examples, the top panel102includes laser etched surface, etched by, for example, a carbon dioxide laser. In some examples, the top panel102includes a screen printed surface. In some examples, the top panel102includes a digitally printed surface.

The side panels104and the rear panel105form a frame for supporting the top panel102. In some examples, the side panels104include a left panel, and a right panel. In some examples, the rear panel105includes a slit therein for receiving the plank106. In some examples, the plank106may be slid a variable distance out from the slit in the back panel.

FIGS.7-8are bottom views of the game board100. As shown inFIGS.7-8, the plank106may be slid between an extended position (FIG.7) and a retracted position (FIG.8). In some examples, the plank106remains arranged below the top panel102in both the extended position and the retracted position. In some examples, the plank106is arranged on top of the frame109in both the extended position and the retracted position. In some examples, the plank106is held in the extended position by one or more engagement features, described with reference toFIG.9.

In some examples, the plank106comprises a wood material. In some examples, the plank106comprises an aluminum composite material such as the aluminum composite material described with respect to the top panel102above. In other examples, the plank106comprises a plastic material.

In some examples, as shown in the example ofFIGS.7and8the game board100includes one or more feet116. In some examples one foot116is located at each of the corners of the game board100. In some examples, the feet116prevent portions of the frame109or the top panel102of the game board100from directly contacting a surface upon which the game board100is placed. In some examples, the feet116comprise rubber disks that are approximately one quarter of an inch thick, such as, for example, one inch thick.

FIG.9is a perspective view of the plank arranged within the slit of the rear panel105of the frame109. In the example ofFIG.9, the plank106is shown in the extended position with engagement features120holding the plank106in the extended position.

In some examples, the engagement feature120comprises a knob122and a gate124. In some examples, the knob122is arranged on a bottom side of the plank106and the gate is arranged on a front face the rear panel105. In some examples, the knob122comprises a flexible rubber knob. In some examples, the knob122comprises a hole extending therethrough through which a fastener is extended to attach the knob122to the bottom side of the plank106. In some examples, the gate124comprises an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic material. In some examples, the gate124is formed through 3D printing. The gate124comprises two extending arms126and a back wall128. In some examples, the extending arms126extend from the front face of the rear panel105towards the front side101of the game board100. In some examples, the back wall128is attached to and rests against the front face of the rear panel105. In some examples, the back wall128comprises a hole therethrough through which a fastener is extended to attach the gate124to the rear panel105.

In some examples, when the plank106is slid into the extended position, the knob122moves with the plank106and is directed into a space between the two extending arms126. In some examples, the width of the space between the extending arms126is smaller than the width of the knob122such that as the knob122is moved into the space between the extending arms126, the knob122is deformed. In some examples, the deformed knob122is held within the space between the extending arms126to secure the plank106in the extended position.

In other examples, rather than including the knob122and the gate124, the engagement feature120comprises a screw or a locking nut that is mounted on the frame. In some examples, the screw or locking nut is turned to press against the bottom side of the plank106and secure the plank106in an extended position. In some examples, the screw or locking nut is received within a hole in a bottom side of the plank106.

FIG.10is a perspective view of the frame109of the game board100. As previously noted, in some examples, the frame109comprises a rear panel105and side panels104. In some examples one side panel104is arranged on each of the left side and the right side of the frame109. In some examples, the frame109further comprises the gate124, one or more intermediate panels130, a middle panel132, and one or more front panels134. In some examples, the panels of the frame109comprise a grid for supporting the top panel102of the game board100.

In some examples, the side panels104comprise a left side panel1041and a right side panel104r. In some examples, the side panels104are triangularly shaped with the short side of the triangle arranged adjacent to the front surface of the rear panel105. In some examples, the apex of the triangle is arranged toward the front side101of the game board100. In some examples, one of the long sides of the side panels104is configured to be arranged adjacent to a support surface of the game board100while the other long side of the side panels104is arranged to be adjacent to a bottom side of the top panel102. In some examples, each of the side panels104are designed substantially similarly to each other and are arranged on the game board100substantially parallel to each other.

In some examples, the intermediate panels130comprise a left intermediate panel1301and a right intermediate panel130r. In some examples, the intermediate panels130are designed substantially similar to the side panels and are arranged substantially similarly on the game board100as the side panels104. In some examples, the intermediate panels130are arranged within the space of the frame109between the side panels104. In some examples, the frame109comprises a space between the intermediate panels130. In some examples, the space between the intermediate panels is slightly larger than the width of the plank106, such as, for example, approximately eight inches.

In some examples, the rear panel105extends along substantially the entire width of the game board100. In some examples, the rear panel105comprises a notch136in the middle of the top side of the rear panel105, between a left and a right end thereof. In some examples, the notch136is approximately eight inches long and extends down from a top side of the rear panel by approximately three quarter inches.

In some examples, the rear panel105further comprises a felt strip138arranged on a top side of the notch136. In some examples, the felt strip138extends substantially along the entire length of the notch136. In some examples, the felt strip138is adhesively attached to the top side of the notch136.

In some examples, the middle panel132extends from the left side panel1041to the right side panel104rin approximately the middle of the game board100between the front side101and the rear side103. In some examples, the middle panel132extends between notches formed in the intermediate panels130. In some examples, the middle panel132comprises a notch140arranged in the middle of the top side of the middle panel132, between a left and a right end thereof. In some examples, the notch140is approximately eight inches long and extends down from a top side of the middle panel132by approximately three quarter inches.

In some examples, the middle panel132further comprises a felt strip138arranged on a top side of the notch140. In some examples, the felt strip138extends substantially along the entire length of the notch140. In some examples, the felt strip138is adhesively attached to the top side of the notch140.

In some examples, the front panels134comprise a left front panel1341and a right front panel134r. In some examples, the front panels134are arranged at the front side101of the game board100. In some examples, the left front panel1341extends from the left side panel1041to the left intermediate panel1301. In some examples, the right front panel134rextends from the right side panel104rto the right intermediate panel130r.

In some examples, the frame109is made from any one or more of plastic, wood, metal, or aluminum composite materials. In some examples, the frame109is manufactured by vacuum forming or rotational molding.

FIG.11is a top perspective view of the frame109with the plank106arranged thereon. In some examples, the plank106is arranged on the frame109in the space between the left intermediate panel1301and the right intermediate panel130r. In some examples, the plank106rests on the felt strips138arranged on the top surfaces of the notches136,140formed on the rear panel105and the middle panel132.

In some examples, as shown inFIG.11, the plank106further comprises felt patches142arranged thereon. In some examples, the felt patches142are adhesively attached to a top side of the plank106. In other examples, the felt patches142are adhesively affixed to the bottom side of the top panel102.

In some examples, the top panel102is arranged over the plank106and the frame109shown inFIG.11. In some examples, each of the top sides of the rear panel105, the side panels104, the intermediate panels130, and the front panels134are attached to the bottom side of the top panel102. In some examples, each of the top sides of the rear panel105, the side panels104, the intermediate panels130, and the front panels134are adhesively attached to the bottom side of the top panel102. In some examples, the top sides of the rear panel105, the side panels104, the intermediate panels130, and the front panels134each comprise a piece of adhesive tape, such as, for example, 3M VHB tape, which forms a seal against the bottom side of the top panel102when it is arranged over the frame109. In other examples, the top sides of the rear panel105, the side panels104, the intermediate panels130, and the front panels134each are attached to the bottom side of the top panel102using glue or epoxy. In other examples, the top sides of the rear panel105, the side panels104, the intermediate panels130, and the front panels134each are attached to the top panel102using fasteners.

FIG.12is a bottom perspective view of the plank106arranged between the frame109and the top panel102. In some examples, as shown inFIG.12, the plank106is arranged within a slit144formed within the game board100. In some examples, the slit144comprises a space between the top panel102and the notch136formed in the rear panel105. In other examples, a second slit comprises a space between the top panel102and the notch140formed in the middle panel132(seeFIG.10).

In some examples, as shown inFIG.12, when the top panel102is arranged over the plank106and the frame109, the felt strips138are arranged between the plank106and the frame109. Likewise, the felt patches142are arranged between the plank106and the top panel102. In some examples, the arrangement of the felt strips138and the felt patches142between the plank106and the frame109and the top panel102dampens the noise when a projectile112contacts the plank106. Likewise, the arrangement of the felt strips138and the felt patches142also serves to protect the plank106from scuffs and scratches as it is slid between the extended and retracted positions.

In some examples, the game comprises of two game boards100that are placed at a distance of twenty feet apart. In other examples, the distance may vary based on chosen difficulty level. In some examples, the plank106extends approximately eight inches out from the rear side103of the game board100, such as, for example, eight inches. In other examples, the plank106extends approximately ten and a half inches out from the rear side103of the game board100, such as, for example, ten and a half inches. In some examples, the plank106is approximately seven and three quarter inches wide, such as, for example, seven and three quarter inches wide. In some examples, the plank106is approximately twenty four inches long, such as, for example, twenty four inches long. In some examples, the plank106is approximately one half inches thick, such as, for example, one half inches thick. The game board100is typically constructed such that the top panel102and plank106are tilted with a frame to make it easier to see the playing surface when facing the front side101of the game board100, but may also be flat in an alternate embodiment. The front edge of the top panel102on the front side101of the game board100may rest directly on the ground to allow the projectile to roll or bounce onto the top surface of the top panel102of the game board100.

FIG.13is a bottom view of another embodiment of an example game board200with a plank206in a retracted position.FIG.14is a bottom view of the example game board200ofFIG.13with the plank206in an extended position.FIG.15is a top perspective view of the example game board200ofFIG.13with the plank206in the extended position and a top panel202removed.FIG.16is a bottom perspective view of the example game board200ofFIG.13with the top panel202removed.

In some examples, the game board200includes a top panel202, a plank206, and a frame209. In some examples, the frame209further comprises a rear panel205and side panels204. In some examples, the top panel202, plank206, rear panel205and side panels204are formed substantially similar to the top panel102, plank106, rear panel105and the side panels104described with reference to the game board100ofFIGS.1-12.

In some examples, the game board200further includes a right brace252rand a left brace2521. In some examples, the right brace252rand the left brace2521are formed as elbow shaped panels. In some examples, a portion of the right brace252ris connected to the right side panel204rand a portion of the right brace252ris connected to the rear panel205. In some examples, a portion of the left brace2521is connected to the left side panel2041and a portion of the left brace2521is connected to the rear panel205.

In some examples, the game board200further includes a slide panel254. In some examples, a top side of the slide panel254is connected to the bottom side of the right brace252rand the bottom side of the left brace2521. In some examples, the slide panel254is also connected to the rear panel205. In some examples, the slide panel254includes a groove256with a sliding portion258, an extended locking portion260, and a retracted locking portion262.

In some examples, when assembled, the plank206rests on top of the slide panel254such that the knob222extends into the groove256of the slide panel254. In some examples, the plank206can be moved between an extended position and a retracted position while the knob222slides within the groove256. In some examples, as the plank206is moved into the extended position, the knob222locks into place within the extended locking portion260. Likewise, in some examples, as the plank206is moved into the retracted position, the knob222locks into place within the retracted locking portion262. In some examples, each of the extended locking portion260and the retracted locking portion262are formed as constrictions in the groove256.

In some examples, the left brace2521, the right brace252r, and the slide panel254and the top panel202define a channel within which the plank206can be slid.

The dimensions of the components recited herein may be scaled up or down as desired for different embodiments of this disclosure.

FIG.17is a front view of example projectiles112that may be used with the game board100. As shown inFIG.17, in some examples, the projectiles112are a 4-inch diameter inflated balls. In some examples, the projectiles112are weighted, which allows the projectiles to roll less than a typical ball and land on the top panel102or plank106. In addition, in the embodiment where the front edge of the top panel102rests on the ground (with no front panel lifting it up), the projectile112can be rolled onto the top panel102or plank106if desired to knock an opponent's projectile112off the game board100or specific point position or for improved accuracy. Players may throw a projectile112at an opponent's projectile112already on the top panel102or plank106to remove the opponent's projectile from the playing surface. In some examples, the projectiles112are at least partially filled with sand. In some examples, the projectiles112are at least partially filled with a magnetic material. In some examples, the projectiles112are at least partially filled with air. In some examples, the projectiles112comprise a plurality of projectiles of different colors, such as, for example, a plurality of red projectiles112rand a plurality of blue projectiles112b. In some examples, the projectiles112are configured to float.

Method of Playing

FIG.18shows an example game setup using the game board100and projectiles112. While the example game is described herein with reference to the game board100ofFIGS.1-12, in some examples, the example game is played using the example game board200in a substantially similar manner. In some examples, the game comprises throwing one or more projectiles112and landing one or more of the projectiles112onto the game board100. In some examples, the front edges of the game boards100are arranged a distance D apart from each other, as shown inFIG.18. In some examples, the distance D is 20 feet. In other examples, the distance D is varied to vary the difficulty of the game.

In some examples, the object of the game is to score the most points. In other examples, the object of the game is to score a certain number of points without exceeding an upper limit of points. In some examples, the winning team must land at least one projectile on the plank106over the course of the game. The game may be played with two players (one player per team) or four players (two players per team). In some examples, the game comprises multiple rounds, with each team receiving three projectiles for each round of the game.

In some examples, points are earned by landing the projectile on different portions of the game board100. In some examples, landing the projectile112on the plank106is with the most number of points, landing the projectile on the target area108is worth the next most points, and landing the projectile on the surrounding area110is worth the least number of points. In some examples, landing the projectile112on the second surrounding area113is worth more points than landing the projectile112on the first surrounding area111.

In some examples, landing the projectile112on the surrounding area110on the top panel102is worth one point. In some examples, landing the projectile on the first surrounding area111is worth one point, while landing the projectile on the second surrounding area113is worth two points. In some examples, landing the projectile on the target area108on the top panel102is worth two points. In other examples, landing the projectile on the target area108is worth three points. In some examples, landing the projectile on the plank106is worth five points.

In some examples, each team throws three projectiles per round. Scoring each round comprises subtracting the score of the team with the lower score for that round from the score of the team with the higher score for that round. The difference in the scores for that round is then recorded as the score for the higher scoring team for the round. In some examples, the team with the higher score throws first the next round. In some examples, if the teams each earn the same score for a given round, the team that earned the higher score in the previous round will throw first for later rounds until the team that earned the lower score in the previous round earns a higher score than the team that earned the higher score in the previous round.

In some examples, the first team to reach a winning score wins. In some examples, the winning score is 15 points. In other examples, the winning score is 21 points. In some examples, a team must have landed at least one projectile on the plank106to win the game. In other embodiments, a team does not need to land on the plank106to win the game. In some examples, when one team reaches the winning score and has landed at least one projectile112on the plank106, the other team is allowed one additional round to tie the score (but also must have landed at least one projectile112on the plank106in any round to tie). If a team reaches the winning score but has not yet landed a projectile on the plank106, that team must continue to play the game until the team lands a projectile112on the plank106. In some examples, the scoring stops at the winning score unless the game goes into extra rounds, such as, for example, if the teams tie at the winning score. In some examples, if the game results in a tie score, extra rounds are played until one team scores more points than the other team on a given round. In some examples, the team that scores the most points during the extra rounds wins the game.

FIG.18is a side view of the game boards100arranged for playing the game. As shown inFIG.18, in some examples, the game boards100are placed on a relatively flat surface on the ground. In some examples, the game boards100are placed on any other surface that can support the game board100indoors or outdoors or in some embodiments on a floating surface on the water. In some examples, each team is given three projectiles112to throw during each round. In some examples, the projectiles112assigned to each team are all the same color. In some examples, the projectiles assigned to the different teams are differently colored. For example, a first team is assigned red projectiles112rwhile a second team is assigned blue projectiles112b.

In some examples, while playing the game, one player from each team stands behind the front edge of a first game board100while throwing at a second game board100opposite the first game board.

In some examples, players decide which team will throw their first projectile112in the first round. After a first player from a first team (standing behind the front edge of a first game board100) throws their first projectile112in the first round onto a second game board100opposite the first game board100, a first player from a second team (also standing behind the front edge of the first game board100) throws their first projectile112in the first round onto the second game board100. The first players of the first and second teams then alternate turns throwing projectiles until all three of the projectiles112are thrown for each team onto the second game board100. After the first round, the team with the highest score in the preceding round goes first for the subsequent round. In some examples, where each team consists of only a single player, the players will move behind the front edge of the second game board100and throw the projectiles112onto the first game board100during the next round. In other examples, where each team comprises where each team consists of more than one player, the second player of each of the first team and the second team stand behind the front edge of the second game board100and throw projectiles112onto the first game board during the next round. In some examples, the teams continue to take turns alternating which game board100to throw the projectiles112onto during subsequent rounds.

In some examples, the game is played using a single game board100. In such examples, the game board100is set up a distance D from a throwing location. Rather than throwing from behind the front edge of another game board100, the players take turns throwing projectiles112at the single game board100from behind the throwing location. In such examples, all of the players from each team throw the projectiles112at the same game board100from behind the throwing location.

In some examples, players may throw the projectile112to aim for the surrounding area110(including the first surrounding area111or the second surrounding area, as shown inFIG.2), the target area108(as shown inFIG.2), or onto the plank106(as shown onFIG.2) for 5 points. If a player crosses over the front edge of the game board100when throwing a projectile112, that projectile112is removed from the top panel102or plank106and worth no points for the round. A player may also throw a projectile112aimed for the opposing team's projectile112to remove the opposing team's projectile from the game board100. After all six projectiles112have been thrown, the score for each team is calculated and the lower score is subtracted from the higher score and team with the higher score adds this net score for the round to their total score after the round.

In some examples, when a team lands a projectile112on the plank106during any round, that team is eligible to win the game after scoring a winning number of points. In other examples, a team need not land a projectile112on the plank106to win the game. In some examples, after a first team scores a winning number of points, the second team gets one additional round to obtain the winning number of points and tie the score. In some examples, when the score is tied, the game will go into extra rounds and the team that won the last round will go first in the next round. In some examples, if the game remains tied, the team that throws first will alternate for each future round. In some examples, if one team lands on the plank106during an extra round and the other team does not, the team that landed on the plank106will win the game. For example, if one team lands one projectile112on the plank106during an extra round and the other team lands all three projectile112on the target area108, the team that landed a projectile112on the plank106may still win the game even though that team may have scored less total points during that extra round.

In some examples, if a team exceeds the winning number of points, that team's score resets to an intermediate number of points. In some examples, the intermediate number of points is fifteen points. In other examples, the intermediate number of points is ten points. In some examples, if a team exceeds the intermediate number of points by landing a projectile112on the plank106, then the team's score does not reset to the intermediate number of points. In other words, a team can win the game by exceeding the winning number of points by landing a projectile on the plank106.

In some examples, if a team lands a projectile112on the plank106during the first or second throw of a round to cause the team's score to exceed the winning number of points, then the team may continue to add points to their score by landing additional projectiles112on the game board100without causing its score to reset to the intermediate number of points. In doing so, the team is able to position itself so as to prevent the opposing team from earning points and potentially tying the game at the winning number of points.

In some examples, a team may land a projectile112on the game board100on a line between a target area108and the surrounding area110, or a line between the first surrounding area111and the second surrounding area113. In some examples, if the projectile lands on one such line, and more than half of the projectile112is in a given region of the game board100, then the throwing team receives the number of points attributable to the region that more than half of the projectile112landed on.

In some examples, if the projectile112lands on one such line and is evenly split between two adjacent regions on the game board100, the team receives the greater number of points attributable to either one of the regions of the game board100along which the projectile is split. For example, if the projectile112lands on a line and is evenly split between the target area108and the first surrounding area111, then the team that threw the projectile receives the number of points attributable to the target area108.