Abstract:
Sets of white and colored billiard balls each displaying unique indicia of rank or type of ball are provided for playing chess, checkers and backgammon on a standard billiards table. Each of the games has a uniquely appropriate series of rules for playing such games in a billiards table environment keyed to the indicia marked on each of the billiard balls.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a Continuation-in-Part that claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/343,582, filed on Apr. 30, 2010. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention resides in the field of games relating to a combination of billiards and conventional board games, such as chess, checkers and backgammon. Specifically, the invention is a game that is played on a standard billiard table and utilizes a unique set of billiard balls displaying indicia markings depending on the type of game being played. 
         [0003]    The underlying object of a traditional game of billiards is to place the game balls, which are often numbered and colored, into the pockets of the game table by way of an impact initiated by the cue ball. The “8-ball”, a black billiard ball displaying the number 8, is usually the last ball that is placed into the pocket. Numerous variations of the traditional game of billiards have been played over the years. These variations include using different markings on billiard balls to provide players with reference points, using specialized tables that support a game that combines the concepts of pool and checkers, using a different quantity or quality of billiard balls to play specific games, and using different apparatus which are adapted to overlie a conventional billiard table to play specific games. Examples of these variations are discussed below. 
         [0004]    One example of a billiard game played with a different number of billiard balls on a conventional billiard table is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,134,965 [Deasy] entitled Process for Playing the Billiard Game of 5-Ball. This patent discloses a method for playing a billiard game, dubbed 5-Ball, that utilizes a billiard table, 5 object balls, a cue ball and no racking device. 
         [0005]    U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2006/0270481 A1 [Schmall] entitled Nine-Ball Billiard Game discloses a new design for billiard balls to be used in the game of nine-ball. This new set of billiard balls uses a striped configuration for all the balls, except the cue ball. These ball ‘markings’ provide the player with convenient reference points when aiming the cue ball, thus improving the probability of the ball being hit more accurately. The inventor asserts that using these ball ‘markings’ improves the player&#39;s game by allowing the player to modify the player&#39;s shots accordingly. 
         [0006]    Another example of a variation to a traditional game of billiards where the players use billiard balls with differing quantity and quality than used in a traditional game is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,803 [Fox and Mihalyo] entitled Billiards Utilizing Similar and Dissimilar Balls. This patent discloses a modification to billiard balls used in playing the game of billiards. Specifically, this invention provides for two sets of seven balls, each identical in mass distribution, such that the individual balls comprising each set of seven balls will be of dissimilar mass from one another. Moreover, a fifteenth ball is provided whose mass is equal to that of the median mass of the balls of the two sets. This difference in mass provides for several different possible outcomes when balls collide. The inventors suggest that this modification in the mass of the billiard balls increases the challenge of the game and the planning necessary to play it. 
         [0007]    Several disclosures also describe the adaptation of the game of billiards to other games, such as checkers or golf. This is often carried out by either the use of a specialized billiard table or the use of an apparatus adapted to overlie a traditional billiard table. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,284 [Maldonado] entitled Billiard/Checkers Game discloses a new and improved pool table capable of supporting a game that combines the concepts of checkers and pool. The playing surface has a plurality of rows of divots (preferred embodiment has 178 total divots) and a plurality of semicircular cutouts along the periphery. 
         [0008]    Another example is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,644,662 [Cao and Nguyen] entitled Billiard Type Game System. This patent discloses an apparatus and method for a playing a billiard type game on a specialized table. The game table has a tabletop comprising several consecutively numbered game pockets with corresponding numbered bumpers adjacent to each pocket. Two sets of numbered balls are utilized, where each set has the same color. The object of the game is for the player to be the first one to sink all of the balls in the player&#39;s set of balls into the correctly numbered pockets in the correct order. 
         [0009]    Examples of disclosures describing a game apparatus intended to overlie a traditional billiard table include U.S. Pat. No. 6,780,117 [Osborne] and U.S. Pat. No. 4,004,804 [Gholson]. U.S. Pat. No. 6,780,117 [Osborne] entitled Game Apparatus for Use with a Billiard Table discloses a game apparatus designed for use in conjunction with a standard billiard table. This game apparatus comprises a sheet of flexible material inscribed with markings that approximate the markings of a soccer pitch or a field hockey field. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,004,804 [Gholson] entitled Game Apparatus discloses a game apparatus simulating a combination of golf and billiards. The game apparatus includes a game top adapted to overlie the playing surface of a conventional billiard table. One or more players each having a cue stick, cue ball, and a set of sequentially numbered and colored billiards balls, attempt to drive their playing balls into a single marker in the fewest possible strokes without driving any of the billiard balls into a plurality of out-of-bounds markers. 
         [0011]    The present invention discloses a unique apparatus and method for playing chess, checkers and backgammon. A plurality of billiard balls displaying game specific indicia is provided that can be utilized in combination with a conventional billiard table to play these games. Important components of this invention are the design and use of specialized billiard balls along with instructions for playing specific games. None of the billiard games discussed in the aforementioned disclosures provide for playing chess, checkers and backgammon using specialized billiard balls on a conventional billiard table. 
         [0012]    It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide unique sets of billiard balls that can be used in conjunction with traditional billiard tables for play with a special instructional set of rules of play for chess, checkers and backgammon. It is a further object of this invention to provide a detailed method describing game objectives, table set-up, and game instructions. 
         [0013]    Other objects will appear hereinafter. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The present invention comprises several unique sets of billiard balls and detailed methods to play the games of checkers, chess, and backgammon (CCB) on a conventional billiard table. Two methods are provided for playing the game of checkers depending on whether the players are using conventional billiard balls or the specialized billiard balls displaying the indicia for checkers (CKB). The objective of the checker billiards game using conventional balls is to be the first player to pocket all 7 of your object balls into their assigned numbered pockets and then pocket the 8-ball into any pocket to win the game. The game is set-up with 15 conventional billiard balls in a triangle on one side of the table and the cue ball on the other. Additionally, 6 discs, numbered from 1 to 6, are placed at their respective pockets on the billiard table. Meanwhile, the object of the checker billiards game using CKB balls is to be the first player to pocket all 7 of your object balls into their assigned numbered pockets and then pocket the King Ball into any pocket to win the game. This game is set-up with 15 CKB balls in a triangle on one side of the table and the cue ball on the other side. The rules and methods of play for both games are more fully described below. 
         [0015]    Backgammon billiards can also be played with either conventional balls or with a specialized set of backgammon billiard balls (BGB). The object of the game using conventional balls is to be the first player to pocket all seven of your object balls and then the 8-ball into their assigned pockets to win the game. The set-up begins with clearing the billiard table of all balls and placing the solid #1 ball on the foot spot and placing the cue ball on the center spot at the head string. Additionally, six discs, numbered 1 to 6, are placed at their respective pockets. Two standard size dice are used to play the game. The dice must be of a different color, preferably a lighter-colored die and a darker-colored die. Once the dice are rolled by a player, the number displayed on the lighter-colored die will determine the number of shots (strokes) with the cue stick a player has to pocket the object ball. The darker-colored die will determine the assigned pocket number for which the player must pocket his object ball. If the player does not pocket the object ball, the object ball remains on the pool table at its final rest position. To play this game with the BGB balls, simply replace the eight ball with the King Ball and use the white or red BGB balls as the object balls. The rules and methods of play for both games are more fully described below. 
         [0016]    Chess billiards is played with a specialized set of chess billiard balls (CBB). The object of the game is for a player to be the first player to pocket the King Ball. This can be achieved in one of three ways. A player can pocket the King Ball off the break; a player can pocket his object balls from the lowest rank through the highest rank (Pawn ball, Rook ball, Knight ball, Bishop ball, Queen ball, to King ball); or a player can pocket the King ball by using the “Combination Piece to Rank” method. The set-up requires the players to place fifteen chess billiard balls on the Pool Table in a triangle at the ‘foot’ spot of the table, and to place two cue balls at the ‘head string’. The rules and methods of play for the game are more fully described below. Also, other variations of the aforementioned games will be described more fully hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of a billiards table configured for playing the billiards chess of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the colored set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a pawn, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the colored set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a castle or rook, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the colored set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a knight, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the colored set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a bishop, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the colored set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a queen, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a face and side view of the cue ball with markings on its face and side. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the white set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a pawn, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the white set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a castle or rook, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the white set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a knight, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the white set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a bishop, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side. 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a face and side view of a billiard ball from the white set with the indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a queen, on its face and the corresponding ranking indicia on its side. 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is a plurality of face and side views of a billiard ball displaying both colored and white indicia of a chess piece, i.e., a king, on its faces and the corresponding ranking indicia in opposing color schemes on its sides. 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a plan view of a billiards table configured for playing the billiards checkers of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a face view of a billiard ball from the white set with numeric indicia I for the checkers billiards game. 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a face view of a billiard ball from the white set with numeric indicia II for the checkers billiards game. 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  is a face view of a billiard ball from the white set with numeric indicia III for the checkers billiards game. 
           [0035]      FIG. 18  is a face view of a billiard ball from the white set with numeric indicia IV for the checkers billiards game. 
           [0036]      FIG. 19  is a face view of a billiard ball from the white set with numeric indicia V for the checkers billiards game. 
           [0037]      FIG. 20  is a face view of a billiard ball from the white set with numeric indicia VI for the checkers billiards game. 
           [0038]      FIG. 21  is a face view of a billiard ball from the colored set with numeric indicia I for the checkers billiards game. 
           [0039]      FIG. 22  is a face view of a billiard ball from the colored set with numeric indicia II for the checkers billiards game. 
           [0040]      FIG. 23  is a face view of a billiard ball from the colored set with numeric indicia III for the checkers billiards game. 
           [0041]      FIG. 24  is a face view of a billiard ball from the colored set with numeric indicia IV for the checkers billiards game. 
           [0042]      FIG. 25  is a face view of a billiard ball from the colored set with numeric indicia V for the checkers billiards game. 
           [0043]      FIG. 26  is a face view of a billiard ball from the colored set with numeric indicia VI for the checkers billiards game. 
           [0044]      FIG. 27  is a face view of a billiard ball from the white set with numeric indicia VII for the checkers billiards game. 
           [0045]      FIG. 28  is a face view of a billiard ball from the colored set with numeric indicia VII for the checkers billiards game. 
           [0046]      FIG. 29  is a face view of the cue ball with markings on its face for the checkers billiards game. 
           [0047]      FIG. 30  is a first and second side view of a billiard ball from the white set with side marking bands shown at 90° rotation between each view for the checkers billiards game. 
           [0048]      FIG. 31  is a first and second side view of a billiard ball from the colored set with side marking bands shown at 90° rotation between each view for the checkers billiards game. 
           [0049]      FIG. 32  is a plurality of face and side views of a billiard ball displaying numeric indicia of a billiards checkers piece on its faces split between both colored and white markings with side marking bands, all shown at 90° rotation between each view, with opposing color schemes on its respective top, bottom and sides. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0050]    The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. The description is not intended in a limiting sense, and is made solely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. The various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         [0051]    This invention provides a unique set of billiard balls with an accompanying method of playing chess, checkers, and backgammon all utilizing a standard billiard table. The unique set of billiard balls, provided herein, differ from the standard billiard balls by displaying various indicia in a colored or white, or both backgrounds. Some indicia are adapted from the game of chess, while others display a numeric symbols. Those skilled in the art will recognize that several modifications can be made to this configuration. For example, the size of numerals or indicia, and the color selected can vary. Additionally, the materials used to fabricate the balls can be any material suitable for the purpose. The set of billiards for each game will first be described and it is subsequently followed by a description of the method of play. 
       A. Description of Chess Billiard Apparatus 
       [0052]    Referring now to the drawings in detail,  FIG. 1  illustrates a plan view of a billiards table  10  configured for playing the game of billiards chess of the present invention. Table  10  is a standard billiards table that comprises six pockets located around the perimeter of the table. These pockets have the diameter and depth of pockets, as does a standard billiards table. Additionally, the pockets are numerically organized by the use of labels  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6  that identify each pocket on said table  10 . Also shown in  FIG. 1 , is a cue ball  101  located at the head string  18  of table  10 , and a set of chess billiards  100  located at the foot spot  17  of table  10 . Additionally, table  10  has a table rail  19 , which circumscribes the table  10 . 
         [0053]    The set of chess billiards  100  comprises 15 billiard balls, where 7 balls are colored, 7 balls are uncolored (white), and one ball having one hemisphere colored and the other hemisphere uncolored. Each ball displays particular indicia of a chess piece.  FIGS. 2-6  illustrate the colored subset of billiard balls. Specifically,  FIG. 2  depicts a face and side view of ball  110  with colored areas  111  and displaying the indicia corresponding to a pawn  113 . Ball  110  also has an uncolored stripe-like area  112 . The side view of ball  110  displays the corresponding ranking indicia  114  attributed to pawn  113 , in this case a blank space. There are a total of 3 colored pawn balls  110  in the set of chess billiards  100 .  FIG. 3  shows a face and side view of ball  120  with a colored area  121  and displaying the indicia corresponding to a castle or rook  123 . Ball  120  also has an uncolored area  122 , and a side view displaying the corresponding ranking indicia  124  attributed to a castle or rook  123 . The set of chess billiards  100  contains one colored castle or rook  123 . 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIG. 4  that illustrates a face and side view of ball  130  with a colored area  131  and displaying the indicia corresponding to a knight  133 . Ball  130  also has an uncolored area  132 , and a side view displaying the corresponding ranking indicia  134  attributed to a knight  133 . The set of chess billiards  100  contains one colored knight  133 .  FIG. 5  depicts a face and side view of ball  140  with a colored area  141  and displaying the indicia corresponding to a bishop  143 . Ball  140  also has an uncolored area  142 , and a side view displaying the corresponding ranking indicia  144  attributed to a bishop  143 . The set of chess billiards  100  contains one colored bishop  143 .  FIG. 6  depicts a face and side view of ball  150  with a colored area  151  and displaying the indicia corresponding to a queen  153 . Ball  150  also has an uncolored area  152 , and a side view displaying the corresponding ranking indicia  154  attributed to a queen  153 . The set of chess billiards  100  contains one colored queen  153 .  FIG. 7  shows a first cue ball  101  with an uncolored area  102  and displaying a single marking  103 , and a second cue ball  101 ′ with an uncolored area  102 ′ and the same indicia  103 ′. 
         [0055]      FIGS. 8-12  illustrate the uncolored (white) subset of billiard balls in the set of chess billiards  100 .  FIG. 8  depicts a face and side view of ball  110 ′ with a white area  111 ′ and displaying the indicia corresponding to a pawn  113 ′. Ball  110 ′ also has a colored area  112 ′. The side view displays the corresponding ranking indicia  114 ′ attributed to pawn  113 ′, in this case a colored band without any special marking. There are a total of 3 white pawn balls  110 ′ in the set of chess billiards  100 .  FIG. 9  shows a face and side view of ball  120 ′ with a white area  121 ′ and displaying the indicia corresponding to a castle or rook  123 ′. Ball  120 ′ also has a colored area  122 ′, and a side view displaying the corresponding ranking indicia  124 ′ attributed to a castle or rook  123 ′. The set of chess billiards  100  contains one white castle or rook  123 ′.  FIG. 10  illustrates a face and side view of ball  130 ′ with a white area  131 ′ and displaying the indicia corresponding to a knight  133 ′. Ball  130 ′ also has a colored area  132 ′, and a side view displaying the corresponding ranking indicia  134 ′ attributed to a knight  133 ′. The set of chess billiards  100  contains one white knight  133 ′. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIG. 11  that depicts a face and side view of ball  140 ′ with a white area  141 ′ and displaying the indicia corresponding to a bishop  143 ′. Ball  140 ′ also has a colored area  142 ′, and a side view displaying the corresponding ranking indicia  144 ′ attributed to a bishop  143 ′. The set of chess billiards  100  contains one white bishop  143 ′.  FIG. 12  depicts a face and side view of ball  150 ′ with a white area  151 ′ and displaying the indicia corresponding to a queen  153 ′. Ball  150 ′ also has a colored area  152 ′, and a side view displaying the corresponding ranking indicia  154 ′ attributed to a queen  153 ′. The set of chess billiards  100  contains one white queen  153 ′. For all of the chess billiards described, the  FIGS. 2-12  show only one face and one side, which faces and sides are duplicated on the other face and side of each of said balls. 
         [0057]    The set of chess billiards  100  also contains a partially colored ball  160  shown in  FIG. 13 , and displaying the indicia of the king chess piece.  FIG. 13  depicts each of four face and side views for ball  160  displaying both white areas  161  and  161 ′ and colored areas  165  and  165 ′, respectively, and displaying the indicia of a king  163  and  163 ′, respectively. The side views of ball  160  displays corresponding ranking indicia  164  and  164 ′, respectively, in opposing color schemes on each of its two sides. 
         [0000]    B. Description of Method of Play with Chess Billiard Apparatus 
         [0058]    The game of chess billiards may be considered as a hybrid of the games of billiards and chess. Ultimately, the object of the game is for one player to be the first to pocket the King Ball  160 . This can be achieved in one of three methods or combinations thereof. First, a player can pocket the King Ball  160  off of the ‘break’. The ‘break’ usually refers to the first shot taken by a player towards the billiard set  100  stacked in a triangular formation at the foot spot  17  of table  10 . Second, a player can pocket his ‘object balls’ from the lowest rank through the highest rank. The object balls refer to a player&#39;s lowest rank ball on table  10 . The order from lowest rank to highest rank is as follows: Pawn Ball  110 , Rook Ball  120 , Knight Ball  130 , Bishop Ball  140 , Queen Ball  150 , and King Ball  160 . The third method for a player to win the game is pocket the King Ball  160  by using the “Combination Piece to Rank” method, which will be discussed in more detail below. 
         [0059]    Table  10  is set up as depicted in  FIG. 1 . The players must place the fifteen chess billiard balls in ball set  100  on table  10  in a triangle at foot spot  17 . They must also place cue balls  101  and  101 ′ at the head string  18  of table  10 . The players can utilize different methods to determine who shoots first. One method is for both players to stand on the same end of table  10  and shoot their respective cue balls  101  and  101 ′ towards the opposite rail. The player who shoots his/her cue ball closest to the rail without touching it will have the choice of shooting first or second. The player that shoots first will be assigned the white balls and must pocket the object balls using the solid color cue ball  101  into pockets  2 ,  4 , or  6  (See,  FIG. 1 ). The player that shoots second will be assigned the colored balls, and must pocket the object balls using cue ball  101 ′ into pocket  1 ,  3 , or  5  (See  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0060]    The player that shoots first will break the chess balls with cue ball  101 , where said cue ball  101  is placed anywhere behind head string  18 . Cue ball  101 ′ is placed on the center spot of said head string  18 . The players will alternate turns throughout the game regardless if a player&#39;s object ball is pocketed or not. If a player pockets the King Ball  160  off of the break, said player immediately wins the game. During the game, each player shooting after the break must verbally announce his object ball and the number of the pocket into which he/she is attempting to shoot said object ball. Each player must pocket all of the object balls in sequence from lowest ranked ball through highest ranked ball to win the game. 
         [0061]    Alternatively, a player can utilize the “Combination Piece to Rank” strategy to pocket a ball other than his object ball. In this strategy, the player may shoot a combination shot by first shooting with his object ball to strike and/or to pocket another ball of the same rank or one higher rank which also applies to each additional ball involved in the combination. For example, if a player&#39;s object ball is a Pawn  110 , then he can pocket another Pawn  110  or Rook  120  in a combination shot. In another example, a player may also shoot the Bishop  140  (his object ball) to the Queen  150  to the King  160 , pocketing the King  160 , and win the game. If a player pockets balls other than his object ball(s), then said pocketed balls will be placed back on the table at or nearest behind said foot spot  17  immediately after that player&#39;s turn. A player cannot pocket more than one object ball in a single turn. 
         [0062]    Players can commit several different fouls while playing said chess billiards game. These fouls include the following:
       1. a player failing to call out his object ball and/or the pocket number before shooting;   2. a player shoots the wrong object ball;   3. a player shoots the object ball into the wrong pocket;   4. a player ‘scratches’ the cue ball (accidentally shoots the cue ball into a pocket);   5. a player misses the cue ball;   6. a player shoots with opponents cue ball;   7. a player uses the opponent&#39;s cue ball in a combination shot;   8. a player shoots any combination shot out of the succession of rank;   9. a player pockets the King  160  ball when it is not the object ball; and/or,   10. a player causes his cue ball to have contact with an opponent&#39;s ball(s) or any other ball before contacting his/her object ball.
 
There are several consequences to players who commit the aforementioned fouls. If a player fouls while shooting, the player will immediately discontinue playing and it will be the opponent&#39;s turn. Any pocketed ball(s) during the foul will be placed back on the table at or nearest behind said foot spot  17 . The other ball(s) on the table will remain at their final resting positions. Several fouls will result in immediate forfeiture of the game by the player committing the foul. If a player pockets the King Ball  160  without first pocketing all his object balls (only exception is the “Combination Piece to Rank”), said player will forfeit the game and the opponent will win. Additionally, if a player commits a foul and pockets the King Ball  160 , the game will be a forfeit and the opponent will win.
       
 
         [0073]    Some optional rules to this game are suggested to either alter the competitive level of the game or to alter the length of the game. To adjust the level of the game, the players can choose to play this game with one (or continue with two) cue ball(s) and to not alternate shots. Thus, a player&#39;s turn will only be over if he misses or fouls on a shot with his object ball. 
         [0074]    To shorten the game, players can have the option to play with nine of the balls in set  100  instead of the fifteen balls. The same rules will apply, except the players will use four colored balls (Rook, Knight, Bishop, and Queen) and four white balls (Rook, Knight, Bishop, and Queen) with the King Ball  160  in the center. This shortened format will require the balls to be placed into a nine-ball rack. 
       C. Description of Checkers Billiard Apparatus 
       [0075]    Another game described herein that may be considered as a hybrid of two games is the billiards checkers. Referring now to the drawings in detail,  FIG. 14  illustrates a plan view of a billiards table  10  configured for playing the game of billiards checkers of the present invention. Table  10  is a standard billiards table that comprises six pockets located on the perimeter of the table. These pockets have the diameter and depth of pockets on a standard billiards table. Additionally, the pockets are numerically organized by the use of labels  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6  that identify each pocket on said table  10 . Also shown in  FIG. 14 , is a cue ball  201  located at the head string  18  of table  10 , and a set of checker billiards  200  located at the foot spot  17  of table  10 . Additionally, table  10  has a table rail  19  that circumscribes the table. 
         [0076]    The set of checkers billiards  200  comprises 15 billiard balls, where 7 balls are colored, 7 balls are uncolored (white), and one ball having a semi-colored area. Each ball displays particular indicia resembling Roman numerals.  FIGS. 15-20  and  FIG. 27  illustrate the white subset of billiard balls. Specifically,  FIG. 15  depicts a face view of ball  210  with a white area  211  and displaying the numeric indicia  1213 . Ball  210  also has a circle  212  circumscribing its numeric indicia I.  FIG. 16  shows a face view of ball  220  with a white area  221  and displaying the numeric indicia II  223 . Ball  210  also has a circle  222  surrounding the indicia. Likewise,  FIGS. 17-20  and  FIG. 27  illustrate the face view of balls  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260  and  270 , respectively, with white areas  231 ,  241 ,  251 ,  261  and  271  respectively, and displaying the numeric indicia III  233 , IV  243 , V  253 , VI  263  and VII  273 , respectively. Additionally, balls  230 ,  240 ,  250 ,  260 , and  270  have circles  232 ,  242 ,  252 ,  262 , and  272  circumscribing their respective numeric indicia. Ball  260  in  FIG. 20  also displays a line  264  underlining the numeric indicia VI  263  to distinguish it from ball  240  in  FIG. 18  displaying the numeric indicia IV  243 . The side views of a typical white ball in the checkers billiards set  200  are shown in  FIG. 30 .  FIG. 29  shows cue ball  201  with an uncolored area  202  and displaying a single marking  203 . 
         [0077]    The 7 colored balls in the set of checkers billiards  200  are depicted in  FIGS. 21-26  and  FIG. 28 , illustrating balls  210 ′,  220 ′,  230 ′,  240 ′,  250 ′,  260 ′, and  270 ′, respectively. These balls comprise a colored region  211 ′,  221 ′,  231 ′,  241 ′,  251 ′,  261 ′, and  271 ′, respectively, displaying the numeric indicia I  213 ′, II  223 ′, III  233 ′, IV  243 ′, V  253 ′, VI  263 ′, and VII  273 ′. Additionally, balls  210 ′,  220 ′,  230 ′,  240 ′,  250 ′,  260 ′, and  270 ′ have circles  212 ′,  222 ′,  232 ′,  242 ′,  252 ′,  262 ′, and  272 ′ circumscribing their respective numeric indicia. Ball  260 ′ in  FIG. 26  also displays a line  264 ′ underlining the numeric indicia VI  263 ′ to distinguish it from ball  240 ′ in  FIG. 24  displaying the numeric indicia IV  243 ′. 
         [0078]    The side views of the balls comprising the checkers billiards set  200  are illustrated in  FIGS. 30 ,  31 . Ball  280  is a representative ball from the white subset of balls in checkers set  200 . Ball  280  displays markings  283 ,  284  separating opposing faces, and has white space  281 . Marking  284  is shown at a 90° rotation with respect to markings  283 . Also shown in  FIG. 30  are the circles  282  surrounding the indicia marking (not shown) on the respective faces of ball  280 . Per the colored subset of balls within the checkers set  200 , ball  280 ′, shown in  FIG. 31 , is a representative ball from the colored subset of balls in checkers set  200 . Ball  280 ′ displays markings  283 ′ and  284 ′ separating opposing faces, and has colored space  281 ′. Marking  284 ′ is shown at a 90° rotation with respect to markings  283 ′. Also shown in  FIG. 31  are the circles  282 ′ surrounding the indicia marking (not shown) on the respective faces of ball  280 ′. 
         [0079]    The set of checkers billiards  200  also contains a partially colored ball  290  shown in  FIG. 32 . Specifically,  FIG. 32  depicts a plurality of face and side views of ball  290  displaying the numeric indicia X  293  with a white area  291  and a colored area  294 . Ball  290  also has a circle  292  circumscribing the numeric indicia X  293 . The side view of ball  290  displays markings  295  and  295 ′, where said markings are shown at a 90° rotation between each view, and in opposing color schemes on its respective sides. 
         [0000]    D. Description of Method of Play with Checkers Billiard Apparatus 
         [0080]    The game of checkers billiards may be considered as a hybrid of the games of billiards and checkers. Ultimately, the object of the game is for a player to be the first one to pocket all 7 of his object balls into their assigned numbered pockets and then pocket the ball  290  (ball displaying numeric indicia X) into any pocket to win the game. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the 15 balls of the checkers ball set  200  are set-up in a triangle at foot-spot  17  of table  10 , and the cue ball  201  is placed at the head string  18 . Additionally, 6 discs, numbered from 1 to 6, are placed at their respective pockets, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0081]    The players can utilize different methods to determine who shoots first. One method is for both players to stand at the same end of table  10  and take turns shooting said cue ball  201  towards the opposite rail. The player who shoots cue ball  201  closest to the rail without touching it will have the choice of shooting first or second. The player who shoots first will be assigned the white balls and must pocket his/her object balls using said cue ball  201  into pockets  2 ,  4 , or  6  (See,  FIG. 14 ). The player that shoots second will be assigned the colored balls, and must pocket his/her object balls using cue ball  201  into pockets  1 ,  3 , or  5  ( FIG. 14 ). 
         [0082]    The player who shoots first will break the checkers balls with cue ball  201 , where said cue ball  201  is placed anywhere behind head string  18 . The player must pocket at least one of the object balls off the break to continue playing that turn; otherwise, the opponent will shoot next. If a player pockets ball  290  off the break, without fouling (as discussed below), then that player immediately wins the game. Alternatively, each player will proceed to call out the object ball number and the intended pocket number to place the ball therein, before attempting to pocket said object ball. If a player does not pocket one of the object balls or fouls during his/her turn, then the opponent will shoot next. Moreover, a player may perform a ‘combination shot’, whereby he/she can shoot the cue ball  201  towards that player&#39;s set of balls only (not the opponent&#39;s balls or ball  290 ), as long as said ball makes contact with the object ball. A player making a ‘combination shot’ must verbally announce “combination shot” followed by the object ball number and pocket number. If a player&#39;s object ball misses the pocket but rolls around the table and falls into the original pocket called, the shot will count. Once a player has pocketed all of his object balls into their assigned pockets, said ball  290  becomes the object ball, to be pocketed in any pocket, without fouling, to win the game. Additionally, a player can attempt to pocket more than one of his object balls in a single shot, provided that he/she calls out the additional object ball(s) and the assigned pocket(s) in order for that additional object ball(s) to remain pocketed. However, if the player misses or fouls on any of the object ball(s) that he/she called out in a shot, then that player will lose that turn and any pocketed ball(s) will be placed back on table  10  at or nearest behind the foot-spot  17 . 
         [0083]    Players can commit several different fouls while playing said checkers billiards game. These fouls include the following:
       1. a player failing to call out the object ball and/or the pocket number before shooting;   2. a player shoots the wrong object ball;   3. a player shoots the object ball into the wrong pocket;   4. a player ‘scratches’ the cue ball (accidentally shoots cue ball into a pocket);   5. a player misses the cue ball;   6. a player uses said ball  290  or the opponent&#39;s ball in a combination shot;   7. a player pockets said ball  290  when it is not the object ball; and/or,   8. a player causes the cue ball  201  to have contact with ball  290  or an opponent&#39;s ball(s) before contacting the called object ball.       
 
         [0092]    There are several consequences to players who commit the aforementioned fouls. If a player fouls while shooting, the player will immediately discontinue playing and it will be the opponent&#39;s turn. Any pocketed ball(s) during the foul will be placed back on the table at or nearest behind said foot spot  17 . The other ball(s) on the table will remain at their final resting positions. Several fouls will result in immediate forfeiture of the game by the player committing the foul. If a player pockets ball  290  (except when breaking) without first pocketing all his object balls, said player will forfeit the game and the opponent will win. Additionally, if a player commits a foul while attempting to pocket ball  290 , the game will be a forfeit and the opponent will win. 
         [0093]    Some optional rules to this game are suggested to either alter the competitive level of the game or to alter the length of the game. To decrease the level of play, the players can decide to use two cue balls instead of just one cue ball. However, the second cue ball shall have an identifiable, marking on it to distinguish it from the standard plain white cue ball  201 . The players with the colored balls will use the cue ball with identifiable markings, while the player with the uncolored balls will use the standard white cue ball. All the aforementioned rules will apply when playing with two cue balls with one additional rule; it will be a foul if a player shoots with the wrong assigned cue ball. 
         [0094]    To increase the level of play, a player can have the option to alternate turns and/or play with either one or two cue balls. However, each player must shoot and pocket their object balls in sequential order from I through VII. However, in a combination shot, a player can pocket any one of his/her balls with the called object ball. 
         [0095]    To shorten the game, players can have the option to play with nine of the 15 balls in the set of checkers billiards  200 . The same rule will apply except the players will use the colored balls I through IV and the uncolored balls I through IV with ball  290  in the center. This shortened game will require the balls to be placed into a nine-ball rack. It is also noteworthy that the previous optional rules to alter the level of play can also be applied. 
       E. Description of Backgammon Billiard Apparatus 
       [0096]    The game of backgammon billiards can be played on table  10  by utilizing the set of checkers billiards  200  described above. In addition to said set of checkers billiards  200 , the game of backgammon billiards requires the use of two standard size dice. The dice must have six dotted sides numbered from 1 through 6, and must be of a different color. Once the dice are rolled by a player, the white or uncolored die will determine the number of shots (strokes) a player has to pocket his/her object ball, while the black or colored die will determine the assigned pocket number for the player to pocket his object ball. For example, if a player rolls the dice and the outcome of the white die is 4 and the black die is 6, then the player must pocket his object ball into pocket number 6 within 4 shots (strokes) or less. Otherwise, the object ball remains on the pool table at its final rest position. 
         [0000]    F. Description of Method of Play with Backgammon Billiard Apparatus 
         [0097]    The game of backgammon billiards may be considered a hybrid of the games of billiards and backgammon. Ultimately, the object of the game is for a player to be the first one to pocket all 7 of his/her object balls into their assigned numbered pockets and then pocket ball  290  (ball displaying numeric indicia X) into any pocket to win the game. The table set-up starts with clearing said table  10  of all balls, and subsequently placing ball  210  or ball  210 ′ on the foot spot  17  of table  10  and cue ball  201  on the center spot of head string  18 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 14 , 6 discs, numbered from 1 to 6, are placed adjacent their respective pockets. 
         [0098]    The game starts with both players taking a turn at rolling the dice on table  10 , such that the player rolling the higher number will have the choice of ball color (either white or black), and the opponent will be assigned the other color. The player who has the white balls will shoot first, starting with ball  210 , while the other player will be assigned the black balls will shoot second, starting with ball  210 ′. Players will alternate turns throughout the game, unless a player either rolls doubles or is on ‘deck penalty’ (see below). 
         [0099]    The player will place his object ball on foot-spot  17  and the cue ball  201  on the center spot of head-string  18 . Then the player will roll the dice on the table (without interfering with the balls on the table), and subsequently place the dice on top of the table rail  19  in the same face-up position in which they landed on the table, thus showing the outcome of the roll. The player will then proceed to shoot his/her object ball into the assigned pocket (as determined by the outcome of the black die) within the number of shots as determined by the outcome of the white die. When the player&#39;s turn is over, independent of whether the object ball was pocketed, the other player will shoot next. The balls the players pocket are placed on or nearest the foot spot  17  upon completion of their turn. Otherwise, the ball(s) on the table will remain in their final rest positions. Additionally, a player can intentionally or not move or pocket any of their ball(s) or an opponent&#39;s ball(s) with only the use of their object ball within the number of shots assigned by the white die. Then the player can resume shooting his object ball. Each player will start their turn by repeating the aforementioned steps with their next numbered object ball, until all seven of their object balls have been played off the deck. 
         [0100]    If a player rolls doubles with the dice and he pockets his object ball into the assigned pocket within the number of shots determined by the dice, then that player can continue playing their turn with the next object ball. The player will attempt to pocket the next object ball into the same assigned pocket and in the same number of shots as the previous object ball. 
         [0101]    When a player has pocketed all seven of his object balls off the deck, and they still have balls remaining on the table, then that player will no longer place the cue ball at the head string upon their next turn. Instead, the cue ball will remain at its final rest position on the table for the player to shoot his object ball after he rolls the dice. The player will also have the option to shoot at anyone of his balls that remain on the table. Once that player picks his object ball, he/she cannot change object balls until the next available turn. After a player pockets all seven of his object balls, ball  290  (the King Ball) becomes the object ball. That player will proceed to play by placing ball  290  on said foot spot  17  and the cue ball  201  on the center spot at the head string  18 , and follow the aforementioned instructions until the game is won. However, once a player shoots ball  290  from the foot spot  17 , ball  290  will remain at its final rest position on the table  10  until a player wins or forfeits the game. 
         [0102]    The player&#39;s turn will be over immediately when said player either commits a foul (see below) or fails to pocket his object ball as determined by the outcome of the roll of the dice. In either event, place any pocketed ball(s) (except the cue ball) during that player&#39;s turn on the table at or nearest to the foot spot  17 . Otherwise, any other ball(s) on the table  10  will remain at their final rest positions. If a player pockets his object ball into the wrong pocket number, that player committed a foul and will be on “Deck Penalty”. When a player is on Deck Penalty, he will lose his next available turn to his opponent unless he rolls doubles with the dice, upon which event he/she can continue playing only with his object ball. 
         [0103]    The fouls a player can commit during the game are the following:
       1. A player fails to roll the dice against the table rail  19  (said player has two attempts per turn to roll correctly).   2. A player misses the cue ball.   3. A player scratches the cue ball (upon which event the cue ball is put on the center spot at head string  18 ).   4. A player shoots the wrong object ball.   5. A player shoots his object ball into the wrong pocket (Deck Penalty).   6. A player&#39;s cue ball fails to first make contact with his object ball.   7. A player pockets ball  290  when it&#39;s not his object ball (this results in a forfeit).   8. A player pockets ball  290  and commits any of the enumerated fouls (this results in a forfeit).       
 
         [0112]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as being illustrative and not restrictive, with the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing detailed description, as indicating the scope of the invention as well as all modifications which may fall within a range of equivalency which are also intended to be embraced therein.