Abstract:
A game is played on a billiard type table using balls with indicia of chess pieces. A cue stick is used to strike the balls following rules of movement that vary with the indicia on the ball to be moved. Game rules control movement and pocketing of balls are representative of the movement and capture of chess pieces, but are modified for use on a billiard table. The game is also adaptable to other playing surfaces including electronic displays.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates primarily to billiard type games. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for playing a billiard type game that adapts rules and indicia from the game of chess to create a new and enjoyable billiard type game. 
         [0002]    For many years the game of billiards has been a popular game played in the home, at billiard clubs, pool halls, bars, and at recreational facilities. Further, the popularity of billiards is demonstrated by the amount of sales of billiard related items, and also the many billiard tournaments, some of which are even televised. As such, various types of billiard games have been introduced into the marketplace and the prior art provides many examples of these various billiard games including various table shapes, sizes, various numbers of balls, including many colors and designs, and various rules for playing a variety of games. The prior art also shows examples of billiards combined with other games such as football, golf, and word spelling games. 
         [0003]    Chess is a game with an even longer history of popularity. Chess has been played for over a thousand years and remains popular in the home, at school, and is the subject of chess clubs, tournaments, books and news articles. To date, no one has found a way to combine these two popular games in such a way as to be enjoyable and entertaining. Combining chess and billiards would have the advantage of combining the physically dexterous aspects of billiards with the intellectual and strategic aspects of chess. 
         [0004]    With the increased popularity of billiard games, and leisure activities in general, many people are willing to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on billiard tables and accessories. The accessories may include multiple cue sticks and various sets of balls and racks for playing various games. Additionally, billiard tables also are large and consume substantial floor space. Consequently, the substantial cost of a billiard table and the large amount of space they consume makes it desirable to get as much use from a billiard table as possible. It is therefore advantageous to purchase accessories that permit a billiard table to be used for multiple activities, and used more often, to thereby increase the enjoyment of such a large piece of equipment. Unfortunately, most billiard games are very similar to one another and consequently players may become bored with playing the same or similar games repeatedly. Similar problems apply to the electronics industry&#39;s game playing systems. In the electronics industry, many billiard games are now adapted to being played on electronic gaming systems, personal computers, and the like. The rules are substantially the same as the physical games, but the playing surface, balls, and cue sticks are virtual and are represented on an electronic display screen. It is therefore desirable to have new and entertaining games implemented on these electronic gaming platforms. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, a need exists for new games and related accessories for billiard tables that provide increased usage, more enjoyment, and more value for the billiard table owner. Similarly there is a need for new billiard games to be adapted to electronic gaming systems. Therefore, a game and related accessories for billiard tables are needed that provide the aforementioned advantages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0006]    The aforementioned drawbacks and disadvantages of the prior art billiard games and accessories have been identified and a solution is set forth herein by an inventive billiard game and method which comprises combining a billiard game with the classic game of chess. Billiard balls are provided for two players or teams. The balls contain indicia that are representative of a chess game piece. For example, a king, a queen, a pawn, a rook, a knight, or a bishop. The pieces also have markings to indicate to which player or team they belong. Player markings are, for example, indicated with white balls for the balls of a first player and dark balls for the balls of a second player. To start a game, the balls are positioned in predetermined positions on the playing surface in two rows at each end of the table. The balls with indicia of pawns are in the first row and the remaining pieces are in a second row. The placement of the balls is preferably accomplished using a specially designed rack and each player or team places their balls at their end of the billiard table. Players then take turns and use a cue stick to hit one of their balls. Opponent&#39;s balls are captured when they are propelled into a pocket of the billiard table. A player&#39;s turn is over, regardless of whether a ball is successfully pocketed or not, after the player strikes a ball. This is unlike traditional billiard games where a player resumes taking shots until a ball ceases to be pocketed, or the player scratches, or otherwise fouls. 
         [0007]    One feature of the present invention is the selection of balls to be used. One preferred embodiment uses sixteen balls, wherein, each player has three pawns, one king, one queen, one rook, one knight, and one bishop and no cue ball is required. Of course, one may be used if desired. A further feature is the reduced number of ‘pieces’ compared to a traditional chess game. The reduced number prevents the game from becoming too crowded on the limited space of the billiard table and adds to the enjoyment of the game. 
         [0008]    Another feature of the present invention are the rules controlling how a player may strike or play one of his own balls and how he may strike an opponent&#39;s ball. For example, each player is only permitted to hit his own balls with the cue stick and hitting a ball may be done to merely move the ball to another location on the table, or it may be used to strike an opponent&#39;s ball. The object of the game is to pocket the opponent&#39;s king after all of the opponent&#39;s other pieces have been pocketed. In addition, each ball has specific rules associated with how it may be played. 
         [0009]    Briefly, the rules for striking each ball are as follows. Balls designated as pawns may only move in the forward direction (i.e. toward the opponent&#39;s end of the table). A pawn may pocket an opponent&#39;s ball using a straight-in shot. That is to say, pawns may not use bank shots or combination shots. The rook may pocket an opponent&#39;s ball only with a straight-in shot. However, the rook may move in any direction. The knight may pocket opponent&#39;s balls only with combination shots and may move in any direction. The bishop may pocket an opponent&#39;s ball only with bank shots. No combination shots or straight-in shots are permitted. The bishop may move in any direction. The queen may pocket an opponent&#39;s ball using straight-in shots, combination shots, or bank shots. The queen may move in any direction. If the queen is pocketed, it may be returned to the table if a pawn reaches the opponents end of the table. Finally, the king may pocket an opponent&#39;s ball with straight-in shots. Since one preferred embodiment of the invention does not require a cue ball, a combination shot is defined as any shot using three or more balls. In other words, for example, when a player strikes a first ball with a cue stick and the first ball then strikes a second ball which then strikes a third ball (the object ball) that is intended to be pocketed. 
         [0010]    Yet another feature of one embodiment of the present invention are the weight and/or size of the balls designated as queens. These balls may be slightly heavier or of a slightly different size than typical billiard balls. For example, similar to cue balls in traditional billiards, the balls designated as queens are slightly different in weight or size so that they are returned to the players using coin operated tables. This may be needed, for example, so that the queen can be returned to the table in exchange for a pawn if a pawn reaches the opponent&#39;s end of the table. 
         [0011]    Another feature of the invention are rules limiting the distance a ball may travel when striking an opponent&#39;s ball. This limitation is advantageous in simulating the rules of chess. A king may attack an opponent&#39;s ball that is no further than one row away. A row is defined as the distance between the diamonds on the side rail. Additionally, whenever a player strikes his object ball with the cue stick for a position play, the ball must move at least one row. Finally, in one embodiment, all shots are required to be called in advance. In this embodiment, no pocketing on ‘slop’ shots are allowed. 
         [0012]    To address the goals stated above, the inventive billiard game with chess indicia and method combines the best attributes of both the game of billiards and the game of chess. By combining these two popular games the invention creates a new and interesting game for use on existing billiard tables. By solving the many difficulties associated with combining these two games, the invention provides a cost effective way to implement a new game for billiard tables around the world. The invention is applicable to any billiard table whether in a home, billiards club, bar, recreational facility, or elsewhere. 
         [0013]    The present invention includes a method of playing this new game which may include, among other things, rules for moving the balls, rules for striking opponents balls, specifications for various weights and sizes for the balls, initial positions of the balls, and the like to achieve the desired new and useful game. 
         [0014]    The invention comprises a billiard game having a plurality of balls, each of said balls having an indicia representative of a chess piece. The invention further comprises a playing surface and the plurality of balls positioned on the playing surface. The balls preferably each have an indicia of a chess piece. There is at least one pocket adjacent to the playing surface that is suitable for receiving said balls. In the preferred embodiment of a billiard table, there are obviously six pockets. The preferred embodiment includes a cue stick suitable for a player to strike one of the balls and thereby propel the ball on the playing surface. 
         [0015]    The invention further comprises rules governing the play of said balls, wherein the play of each of said balls is governed by said indicia on each of said balls. 
         [0016]    The game also comprises a playing surface; a plurality of balls, at least one ball having indicia indicative of a chess piece; at least one pocket adjacent to said surface, said pocket suitable for receiving at least one of said balls; and, rules of play controlling the play of said plurality of balls, said rules of play of each of said balls dependent on the chess indicia on each of said balls. 
         [0017]    A method of playing the game comprising the steps of: providing a playing surface; providing a plurality of balls having indicia representative of chess pieces; positioning said balls on said playing surface; providing at least one pocket adjacent to said playing surface, said pocket suitable for receiving at least one of said balls; and, wherein the play of each of said balls is governed by said indicia on each of said balls. 
         [0018]    Other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present disclosure so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the disclosures that will be described hereinafter which will form the subject matter of the claims. 
         [0019]    In this respect, before explaining the preferred embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangement set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The billiard game and method of the present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for description and not limitation. 
         [0020]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims are regarded as including such equivalent constructions as far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0021]    Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with the patent or legal terms of phraseology, to learn quickly, from a cursory inspection, the nature of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is intended to define neither the invention nor the application, which is only measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
         [0022]    These and other objects, along with the various features, methods, and structures that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the present disclosure, its advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of the invention. 
         [0023]    As such, while embodiments of the billiard game with chess indicia are herein illustrated and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    As a compliment to the description and for better understanding of the specification presented herein, ten pages of drawings are disclosed with an informative, but not limiting, intention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  illustrates a billiards table of one embodiment of the present invention with the balls in the initial position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  illustrates the rules for moving a pawn in one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  illustrates the rules for moving a rook in one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  illustrates the rules for moving a knight in one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  illustrates the rules for moving a bishop in one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  illustrates the rules for moving a queen in one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  illustrates the rules for moving a king in one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate indicia used on the billiard balls in one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  illustrates the invention implemented on an electronic gaming system in one embodiment of the present invention; and, 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  shows a cue stick used to practice the invention in one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  illustrates one embodiment of a rack used to practice one aspect of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0036]    The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of the preferred embodiment. Similar referenced characters designate corresponding features throughout the several figures of the drawings. 
         [0037]    For purposes of description herein, the terms “left” and “right” shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1  and viewed from above. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and methods illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
         [0038]    Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, these same referenced numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Like features between the various embodiments utilize similar numerical designations. Where appropriate, the various similar features have been further differentiated by an alphanumeric designation, wherein the corresponding alphabetic designator has been changed. Further, the dimensions illustrated in the drawings (if provided) are included for purposes of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
         [0039]    An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIG. 1 . While one preferred embodiment is a professional size billiard table, the invention is not meant to be so limited. Those skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be adapted to other size billiard tables, to game tables, electronic gaming systems, and the like. 
         [0040]    The components of the invention will first be briefly described and then described in detail. The billiard table  10  on which the invention is implemented is viewed from the top. Billiard table  10  includes a playing surface  11 , a left side rail  12 A, a right side rail  12 B, a first end rail  12 C and a second end rail  12 D. Six pockets  13 A- 13 F are adjacent to the playing surface  11 . The white balls  14  include rook  14 A, knight  14 B, three pawns  14 C, king  14 D, queen  14 E, and bishop  14 F. The dark balls  15  include rook  15 A, knight  15 B, three pawns  15 C, king  15 D, queen  15 E, and bishop  15 F. 
         [0041]    Hencefore, one preferred embodiment will be described. However, this is merely for description and the color, weight, indicia, and the like on balls  14  and  15  may be changed, as well as the particular rules of play herein explained, to suit the particular requirements of the game and the players. 
         [0042]    Billiard table  10  in one embodiment is a conventional billiard table with conventional playing surface  11 , rails  12 , pockets  13 , and diamond markings  16 . A specific advantage of the invention is that it is readily retrofited to existing billiard tables worldwide. However, those skilled in the art recognize the invention may be used on various sizes and types of tables and/or playing surfaces. 
         [0043]    All balls are typically of conventional size, weight and construction as conventional billiard balls. However, in one preferred embodiment, white balls  14  and dark balls  15  vary from traditional billiard balls in the color and indicia on each ball. One set of preferred indicia are shown in  FIG. 1  and are shown in detail in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . One purpose for coloring the balls is to indicate to which player the sets of (white) balls  14  and (dark) balls  15  belong. For example, the set of white balls  14  are played by a first player and the set of dark balls  15  are played by a second player. The purpose of the indicia is to communicate what chess piece each specific white ball  14  or dark ball  15  represents. Those skilled in the art understand that a wide range of indicia are possible. This is illustrated by the wide variety of designs for chess pieces. The variations in design are many: the purpose is to communicate the type of piece to the players. 
         [0044]    Queen balls  14 E and  15 E may also vary from the other white balls  14  and dark balls  15  in their weight or size. The queen balls  14 E and  15 E, in one embodiment, preferably weigh slightly more that than the other balls  14  and  15 . In this embodiment, queen balls  14 E and  15 E preferably weigh the same as cue balls used in commercial establishments and thereby facilitate the use of coin operated billiard tables. In another embodiment, the queen balls  14 E and  15 E are slightly larger than the other balls  14  and  15  and thereby facilitate the use of coin operated billiard tables. The added weight or size allows the balls to be returned to the players if it is sunk in a coin operated game table. 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is illustrated the play of a white pawn  14 C. As mentioned above, pawns are only permitted to move forward (i.e. toward the opposing player&#39;s end). Pawns  14 C and  15 C may only pocket an opponent&#39;s piece with a straight-in shot. White pawn  14 C is shown striking an opponent&#39;s bishop  15 F for a straight-in shot to side pocket  13 E. Pawns  14 C and  15 C can be exchanged for a previously pocketed queen  14 E or  15 E (see  FIG. 1 ) when the pawn  14 C or  15 C advances within an opponent&#39;s home zone as defined by the last row of diamonds on the side rails  12 A and  12 B. Pawns  14 C and  15 C can only pocket opponent&#39;s pieces that are up table (i.e. forward) of the pawn  14 C or  15 C. Pawns  14 C and  15 C are not allowed to make bank shots or combination shots. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is illustrated the play of a white rook  14 A. As mentioned above, rooks  14 A and  15 A are permitted to move in any direction. Rooks  14 A and  15 A may only pocket an opponent&#39;s piece with a straight-in shot. White rook  14 A is shown striking an opponent pawn  15 C for a straight-in shot to pocket  13 E. White rook  14 A is also shown with the option to pocket opponent&#39;s knight  15 B with a straight-in shot to corner pocket  13 A. Rooks  14 A and  15 A are permitted to pocket an opponent&#39;s ball at any distance. However, rooks  14 A and  15 A are not permitted to use bank shots or combination shots. 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is illustrated the play of a white knight  14 B. As mentioned above, knights  14 B and  15 B are permitted to move in any direction. Knights  14 B and  15 B may only pocket an opponent&#39;s piece with a combination shot. For example, white knight  14 B is shown striking a white pawn  14 C which then strikes opponent&#39;s pawn  15 C. Dark pawn  15 C is sunk in side pocket  13 E. Similarly, white knight  14 B may strike opponent&#39;s queen  15 E which then strikes opponent&#39;s rook  15 A. Dark rook  15 A is sunk in corner pocket  13 A. Knights  14 B and  15 B may use any balls (even opponent&#39;s) in sequence to make a combination shot. Knights  14 B and  15 B are also permitted to pocket an opponent&#39;s ball at any distance. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is illustrated the play of a white bishop  14 F. As mentioned above, bishops  14 F and  15 F are permitted to move in any direction. Bishops  14 F and  15 F may only pocket an opponent&#39;s piece using bank shots. Two shots are illustrated. In a first example, bishop  14 F is shown striking a dark pawn  15 C. Dark pawn  15 C banks off of rail  12 A and is sunk in side pocket  13 B. In another example, white bishop  14 F banks off of rail  12 A and strikes opponent&#39;s rook  15 A. Dark rook  15 A is sunk in corner pocket  13 A. Bishops  14 F and  15 F may use any balls (even opponent&#39;s) in sequence to make a bank shot. Bishops  14 F and  15 F are permitted to strike either a ball or a rail initially in executing a bank shot. Bishops  14 F and  15 F are also permitted to pocket an opponent&#39;s ball at any distance. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is illustrated the play of a queen  14 E. As mentioned above, queens  14 E and  15 E are permitted to move in any direction. Queens  14 E and  15 E may pocket an opponent&#39;s piece using any type of shot including straight-in shots, bank shots, or combination shots. Three shots are illustrated. In a first example, a combination shot is shown with queen  14 E striking a dark queen  15 E which strikes dark knight  15 B. Dark knight  15 B is sunk in corner pocket  13 F. In another example, a bank shot is shown with queen  14 E striking dark bishop  15 F. Dark bishop  15 F banks off of rail  12 D and is sunk in corner pocket  13 D. In a third example, queen  14 E uses a straight-in shot to strike dark pawn  15 C which is sunk in side pocket  13 B. Queens  14 E and  15 E may use any balls (even opponent&#39;s) in sequence to make a combination shot. Queens  14 E and  15 E are also permitted to pocket an opponent&#39;s ball at any distance. If the queen  14 E or  15 E is pocketed by an opponent, it may return to the table in exchange for a pawn residing in the opponent&#39;s zone. 
         [0050]      FIG. 7  shows the play of a king  14 D. Kings  14 D and  15 D may move in any direction, but may only pocket (i.e. sink) opponent&#39;s balls that are no further than one row away either up or down the table or to the sides. Rows are denoted by the diamonds  16  on the rails  12  (See  FIG. 1 ). No combination or bank shots are permitted. 
         [0051]    Additional rules may include: when a player strikes his object ball with the cue stick for a position play, it must move at least one row (i.e. the length between diamonds  16  on the rails  12 ); when a player strikes his object ball to pocket an opponent&#39;s ball, one of the balls must move at least the distance of a row, if the opponent&#39;s ball is not successfully pocketed; all shots must be called in advance (i.e. no pocketing by slop shots); and, player striking more than one ball on the table in addition to the balls he intended to legitimately strike during a shot is a foul. For example, a player intending to combinate a series of three balls with his knight is permitted the use of all four “object” balls to execute his move. If one of these balls veers off course and strikes two or more other balls, the player has fouled. Note that one collateral ball strike may be permitted per each move. 
         [0052]    Another way a player may commit a foul is if the player fails to strike his intended object ball and unintentionally strikes another ball. There is no penalty for either failing to pocket a ball or for simply advancing a ball without striking another ball. However, a foul does occur when a ball other than the object ball is first struck with primary ball acting as a cue ball. 
         [0053]    Since the balls may have a very specific manner in which each ball may be played, there exist several fouls related to errors in playing a ball correctly. For example, any ball that a player chooses to simply move for position during his turn (either to advance up or down the table or to block an opponent&#39;s ball) must travel at least into an adjacent zone as marked by the diamonds  16  on rails  12 . If the ball does not travel the required distance, then it is a foul. Pawns  14 C and  15 C may never move backward whether they are advancing for position or pocketing another ball. Kings  14 D and  15 D may only pocket an opponent&#39;s ball when it is within an area no further than one space as indicated by diamonds  16  on rails  12 . Finally, any piece that violates its own inherent mode of play is guilty of fouling. For example, a rook may not perform combination or bank shots. If a rook performs a combination or bank shot it is a foul. 
         [0054]    The penalty for fouling is as follows. Since all of a player&#39;s balls are, in effect, cue balls, the opponent is permitted to choose any one of his balls remaining on the table to place at any desired location on the table and resume playing. 
         [0055]    The rules for scratching may be as follows. During the course of the game, if a player should scratch (i.e. the ball he first contacts with his cue stick drops into a pocket) there is no penalty. An exception is if he is attempting to pocket an opponent&#39;s king  14 D or  15 D. A scratch technically qualifies as a foul, but since the player obviously loses one of his own balls in the process, no further action is warranted. Game play continues with the opponent taking his turn as usual. 
         [0056]    When a ball is knocked off of the table, the following rules apply. If the ball on the floor is the player&#39;s ball it is considered pocketed and is removed from the game. Game play continues with the opponent taking his turn. If the ball on the floor is the opponents ball, a foul is called against the player and the opponent may place his ball at any desired location on the table. The opponent is not limited to using this ball on his next turn. The opponent may use any ball on his next turn as would normally be the case. 
         [0057]      FIG. 8  illustrates one preferred indicia and coloring on pawns  14 C and  15 C, on rooks  14 A and  15 A, and on knights  14 B and  15 B. White pawn  14 C is essentially a white ball with a pawn indicia  80 A. The background  81  (i.e. the remaining portion of the ball) is white. Dark pawn  15 C is essentially a dark colored ball with a pawn indicia  80 A. The background  81  is dark. Many of the balls have two colors, one color indicative of team and one color indicative of the chess piece it represents. For example, rooks  14 A and  15 A have two tone colors. White rook  14 A includes a rook indicia  80 B, a team color half  82 , and a rook color half  83 . The team color  82  is white and the rook color  83  is red. Since the drawings are black and white, the red color is obviously represented as dark shading. Because half the ball is white in color and half the ball is red in color, players know the identity of the ball even if the rook indicia  80 B is not visible. Similarly, dark rook  15 A includes a rook indicia  80 B, a team color half  82 , and a rook color half  83 . The team color  82  is black and the rook color  83  is red. Knights  14 B and  15 B have a similar two tone color scheme. White knight  14 B includes a knight indicia  80 C, a team color half  84 , and a knight color half  85 . The team color  84  is white and the knight color half  85  is light purple. Again, since half the ball is white and half the ball is light purple, players can identify the balls even if the knight indicia  80 C is not visible. Similarly, dark knight  15 B includes a knight indicia  80 C, a team color half  84 , and a knight color half  85 . The team color  84  is black while the knight color  85  is light purple. 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is illustrated the preferred indicia and coloring for bishops  14 F and  15 F, queens  14 E and  15 E, and kings  14 D and  15 D. Bishops  14 F and  15 F have two tone colors. White bishop  14 F includes a bishop indicia  90 A, a team color half  92 , and a bishop color half  91 . The team color  92  is white and the bishop color  91  is yellow. Since half the ball is white in color and half the ball is yellow in color, the players can identify the ball even if the bishop indicia  90 A is not visible. Similarly, dark bishop  15 F includes a bishop indicia  90 A, a team color half  92 , and a bishop color half  91 . The team color  92  is black while the bishop color  91  is yellow. Queens  14 E and  15 E have a similar two tone color scheme. White queen  14 E includes a queen indicia  90 B, a team color half  94 , and a queen color half  93 . The team color  94  is white and the queen color half  93  is dark purple. Finally, kings  14 D and  15 D have a color scheme similar to pawns  14 C and  15 C. White king  14 D is essentially a white ball with a king indicia  90 C. The background  95  (i.e. the remaining portion of the ball) is white. Dark king  15 D is essentially a dark colored ball with a king indicia  90 C. The background  95  is dark. 
         [0059]    Turning now to  FIG. 10  there is illustrated the invention implemented on an electronic display screen  100 . Billiard table representation  101  is shown displayed on electronic display  100  along with white balls  14  and dark balls  15 . Cue stick representation  104  is also shown represented on display screen  100 . Those skilled in the art understand that representations of cue sticks in electronic games vary widely. Frequently the cue stick is merely represented with various arrows or target symbols to aid a player in striking a ball as desired. 
         [0060]    Keyboard  102  and game controller  103  are shown in communication with display screen  100 . Various user interfaces are envisioned that will permit a player to play the inventive game. Virtually any game controller device can be adapted and used to play the inventive game, including, but not limited to, voice commands, wireless controllers, and the like. 
         [0061]      FIG. 11  shows a conventional cue stick  110  used to play the inventive game. Cue stick  110  includes a tip end  110 A and a butt end  110 B. While this is a conventional cue stick, it is understood that virtually any cue stick may be used to practice the invention. 
         [0062]      FIG. 12  illustrates one embodiment of a rack for use in the invention. Rack  120  is designed and intended to properly position balls during game set-up. An aspect of rack  120  is the separation distance that rack  120  provides between adjacent balls and between balls and the end rails  12 C and  12 D. Rack  120  is preferably cut from a sheet of material such as wood or plastic that is preferably from ¼ inch to 1 inch thick. However, those skilled in the art understand that various thicknesses may be used and various materials may be used as long as the resulting rack is suitable for holding the balls in place. Rack  120  may also be assembled from multiple pieces of material to create the desired design. 
         [0063]    The elements shown in  FIG. 12  will be briefly listed, then discussed in more detail. Shown in  FIG. 12  are sides  121 , pawn apertures  122 , rook aperture  123 A, knight aperture  123 B, king aperture  123 C, queen aperture  123 D, and bishop aperture  123 E. 
         [0064]    Sides  121  include front side  121 A, right diagonal side  121 B, right vertical side  121 C, rear side  121 D, left vertical side  121 E, and left diagonal side  121 F. Rack  120  is placed snugly adjacent to a player&#39;s end rail  12 C or  12 D so that rear side  121 D is in contact with an end rail  12 C or  12 D along it&#39;s length. Rack  120  is aligned with the center of the end rail  12 C or  12 D. For a conventional size billiard table the following dimensions are preferred, but those skilled in the art understand that other dimensions may be used to practice the invention. Front side  121 A is 13½ inches, right diagonal side  121 B and left diagonal side  121 F are 8½ inches, right vertical side  121 C and left vertical side  121 E are 4¾ inches, and rear side  121 D is 23¾ inches. 
         [0065]    A significant aspect of rack  120  are the distances between apertures  122  and  123 , and the distances between apertures  123  and rear side  121 D. The distance between apertures is preferably 2½ inches. This distance provides adequate separation between the balls  14  and  15  so that a player may strike a ball without disrupting the other balls  14  and  15 . It is understood that these dimension are merely the preferred dimensions for a conventional size billiard table and that reduced sizes would be preferred for smaller billiard tables or smaller balls. Separation distances  124  are illustrated in  FIG. 12 . Separation distances  124  are all preferably 2½ inches. Separation distance  124 A shows the 2½ inch separation between pawn apertures  122 A and  122 B. Separation distances  124 B shows the 2½ inch separation between the first and second row apertures  122  and  123 . Separation distance  124 C shows the 2½ inch separation between the king aperture  123 C and rear side  121 D. Separation distance  124 D shows the 2½ inch separation between knight aperture  123 B and king aperture  123 C. Finally, separation distance  124 E shows the preferred 2½ inch distance between pawn aperture  122 B and front side  121 A. 
         [0066]    Apertures  122  and  123  are for retaining pieces  14  and  15  so that they are positioned precisely the same every time. Apertures  122  and  123  are slightly larger than the diameter of the pieces  14  and  15  and are preferably lined with felt to aide in the precise positioning of the pieces  14  and  15 . In some preferred embodiments, queen aperture  123 D is slightly larger than the other apertures  122  and  123  because some embodiments of the invention require the queen pieces  14 E and  15 E to be slightly larger than the other pieces  14  and  15 . Aperture diameter  125  is slightly larger than the diameter of the pieces  14  and  15 . The diameter  126  of queen aperture  123 D is slightly larger than the diameter of the queen pieces  14 E and  15 E. 
         [0067]    Legs  127  are for supporting rack  120 . Legs  127  are preferably only ¼ to ½ inches high for supporting rack  120  an appropriate height above the playing surface  11 . 
         [0068]    Those skilled in the art understand that these examples are illustrative of the invention and that many other configurations of playing surfaces, ball designs, numbers of balls used, and modifications of the rules of play can be extrapolated from these descriptions. 
         [0069]    These descriptions illustrate the advantage of the invention. For example, players must think about their shots. In a conventional billiard game, players merely choose the most advantageous or easy shot. However, in the invention, players must consider what types of shots are available to them. Some balls can only be used to make straight-in shots. Other balls can only make bank shots. Still other balls can only make combination shots. Players must also consider that some balls can only move in one direction and some balls can only strike balls that are within a limited distance. In addition, a player must consider what balls can be legally sunk (e.g. the opponent&#39;s king must be sunk last). Finally, a player must consider many tactical and strategic factors such as the value or power of a piece. For example, a queen may be a much more valuable ball than a mere pawn. 
         [0070]    An advantage is that the invention is easily adapted to billiard tables worldwide. Another advantage is that it may be adapted to various playing surfaces or display screens. Yet another advantage is that it eliminates that possibility of one player “running the table” and sinking all balls in one turn. Still another advantage is the appeal to all ages and skill levels. Yet still another advantage is an improved intellectual challenge in playing the game. 
         [0071]    The method of the invention follows from the description of the apparatus above. The method steps comprise: 
         [0072]    Providing a playing surface; 
         [0073]    Providing a plurality of balls having indicia of chess pieces; 
         [0074]    Providing a rack for enabling proper positioning of balls during set-up; 
         [0075]    Placing said balls on said playing surface in predetermined initial positions; 
         [0076]    Striking said balls according to rules of play adapted from the game of chess; 
         [0077]    Wherein said rules of play include at least one ball that can only sink an opponent&#39;s ball with a straight-in shot; 
         [0078]    Wherein said rules of play include at least one ball that can only sink an opponent&#39;s ball with a bank shot; 
         [0079]    Wherein said rules of play include at least one ball that can only sink an opponent&#39;s ball with a combination shot; 
         [0080]    Wherein at least one of said balls has indicia indicative of a king; 
         [0081]    Wherein at least one of said balls has indicia indicative of a queen; 
         [0082]    Wherein at least one of said balls has indicia indicative of a rook; 
         [0083]    Wherein at least one of said balls has indicia indicative of a knight; 
         [0084]    Wherein at least one of said balls has indicia indicative of a bishop; 
         [0085]    Wherein at least one of said balls has indicia indicative of a pawn; 
         [0086]    Wherein at least one of said balls with indicia of a pawn is permitted to only move forward toward the opposing player&#39;s side; and, 
         [0087]    Wherein at least one of said balls comprises two colors, one color indicative of the team and one color indicative of the type of chess piece the ball represents. 
         [0088]    The specific configurations and features of the invention may vary according to specific requirements. In the preferred embodiment, the invention is generally used on a conventional billiard table. However, the invention may be adapted to various billiard tables and playing surfaces. Further, although only a few embodiments of the invention have been illustrated, it is understood that many adaptations of the invention may be implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0089]    The solutions offered by the invention disclosed herein have thus been attained in an economical, practical, and facile manner. To whit, a novel game and method of play which is cost effective, easily adapted to most types of billiard tables, and quickly learned to play has been invented. While preferred embodiments and example configurations of the inventions have been herein illustrated, shown, and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. It is intended that the specific embodiments and configurations disclosed herein are illustrative of the preferred and best modes for practicing the invention, and should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, and it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.