Patent Publication Number: US-2021178248-A1

Title: Chess games with chance elements

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present disclosure is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/713,641, filed Dec. 13, 2019, currently pending and titled CHESS GAMES WITH CHANCE ELEMENTS, which in turn claims the benefit of U. S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/779,467, filed Dec. 13, 2018, currently expired, and titled CHESS GAMES WITH CHANCE ELEMENTS. These related applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a new game that includes new game pieces. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The chess industry needs innovation. It needs a model that can be monetized in order for the industry to sustain growth. Standard chess is the ultimate in strategy, yet it&#39;s that same fundamental quality which prohibits chess from mass appeal to player participation into chess tournaments. Unlike poker, the outcome to chess tournaments is restricted dramatically to the highest-ranking players taking part. As such, and unlike poker, the chess industry cannot enjoy the same rewards or exposure, despite an estimated 600+ million adult players chess players globally. Chess has its masters, but it needs its masses. 
     SUMMARY 
     A chess game is disclosed that includes rules and game components for a new game that has more elements of chance incorporated into it. The current disclosure focuses on the custom cards, custom dice, and kits that include the cards, dice, and other accessories that are made for the game, the rules of which are also disclosed herein. 
     A kit for playing a game is disclosed that includes a plurality of six-sided custom dice. Each side of every die within the plurality of six-sided dice includes a single image of six different possible chessmen. The disclosed kit for playing a game also includes a plurality of custom cards, each custom card having disposed thereupon a set number of images. The set number of images includes two, three, four, or five random images of the six different possible chessmen on a card where the six different possible chessmen are selected from a king, a queen, a bishop, a knight, a rook, and a pawn. Each of the plurality of custom cards has a different combination of the six different possible chessmen. In some embodiments, the disclosed kit can also include a standard chess set where the standard chess set includes a standard eight-by-eight chessboard and two sets of chessmen. Each set of chessmen can be a different color. In some embodiments, the disclosed kit also can include a doubling cube. The custom cards are described in more detail in Applicant&#39;s copending application, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/713,641, filed Dec. 13, 2019, titled CHESS GAMES WITH CHANCE ELEMENTS which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     In the present disclosure: 
     “CHEXI dice” and “custom dice” are used interchangeably in this disclosure; 
     “custom dice” refers to two or more six-sided dice wherein each die has a different image of six different chess men disposed upon each side; 
     “doubling cube” refers to a six-sided die that includes the numbers “2”, “4”, “8”, “16”, “32”, and “64” disposed upon each side; 
     “six different chessmen” include a king, a queen, a bishop, a knight, a rook, and a pawn; 
     “standard chess board” refers to a checkerboard playing surface with alternating light and dark squares having eight spaces in each direction; and 
     “standard chess set” refers to a standard chess board and two sets of chessmen, usually each set of a different color. 
     The disclosed kit for playing a game adds new dimensions and features to a standard chess game. These new dimensions and features level the playing field for players of different skill levels, adds elements of chance to the game, and provides additional dynamic features to the game. 
     Features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings are schematic illustrations and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration for a three-piece playing card according an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of a four-piece playing card according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a listing of all possible combinations for a three-piece playing card according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a is a schematic illustration for a two-piece playing card according an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a is a schematic illustration for a five-piece playing card according an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustrative embodiment of a custom die (one of a plurality of custom dice) according to the present disclosure that shows three sides of the die that, in the present illustration, have images of three of the six possible chessmen, one on each face. 
         FIG. 7  is an illustrative embodiment of a part of a kit of custom dice according to the present disclosure that shows one face of each of the plurality of custom dice wherein four of the set of eight that are illustrated are of one color (light) and the other four are of another color (dark). 
         FIG. 8  is an illustrative embodiment of a set of custom dice as a part of a kit of the present disclosure that includes four dark custom dice, three light custom dice, and a doubling cube. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying set of drawings that form a part of the description hereof and in which are shown by way of illustration several specific embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
     While the format of the game herein named, “CHEXI”, of the present disclosure is not only the way for the chess industry to sustain growth, but also a unique opportunity for the industry to take chess tournaments to the masses. The format of the game is simple and requires just basic knowledge in order to play. The main aspect of the gameplay is the introduction of the element of chance. This in itself is not only crucial to ensuring that anyone can beat anyone, but it does also so in a format with the flexibility to increase or decrease strategy or chance at will. 
     A sliding scale between strategy and chance is fundamental to attracting every chess player of every skill level. This can be achieved by how the disclosed cards are utilized and which of the rules are applied. The “Mix and Match” versions of the disclosed game can have the added option of “Twist,” a feature which allows a player&#39;s turn to be played with the element of chance or purely by optimum move. Moreover, “Twist”, can also allow for the ratio of alternate turns to increase from a ratio of one for one, two for one, three for one, or even higher. 
     As an example, a ratio of one to one will certainly allow for chess strategy to be more calculated. A ratio of two to one in favor of optimum play, would further increase strategic calculations. A ratio of three to or even four to one in favor of optimum play and strategic calculations become an even greater aspect of the game. Reverse the ratio to favor the element of chance, and the opposite would apply. 
     This flexibility to mix and match can introduce even more powerful advantages and additions to how tournaments are structured. The flexibility to allow for any of the versions to be utilized for a single tournament is clear, as is the fact that players can form preferences. In order to cater to every preference, a series of a dozen tournaments may implement a dozen different versions. There is, however, also the option to allow players to switch between versions on agreement. 
     As an example, one version of the disclosed game may act as default to a specific tournament, but only if players can&#39;t agree on any other version. The flexibility provided by the “Twist” and “Mix and Match” additions not only provide options, does so with the ability to cater to chess players from novices to masters. 
     New game elements disclosed herein include the introduction of “Twist” feature; i.e., alternate moves between moves governed by rolls of custom dice, and optimum play which allows players to choose a move as in standard chess. This is hugely important in allowing for different versions of CHEXI to be created and depending on the ratio of “twist”, offer a sliding scale between the element of chance and element of skill. This ratio is also flexible and can increase or decrease depending on player preference. A higher ratio of optimum moves compared to moves governed by the custom dice increase the skill element and vice versa. 
     Bonus rolls are now also optional as this allows for more versions to be created and also allow for custom dice to be utilized and in different ways. Moreover, the new options can allow the game play to be played with a set number of CHEXI dice between two, three, four, five, six or more CHEXI dice, and for these to determine number of future moves. As an example, rolling five CHEXI dice, will determine the next five possible moves allowed by players. These could also be played with all the CHEXI dice or selected number of CHEXI dice to be visible or not visible (secret) to the opponent. 
     The “Twist” feature can also be fundamental in adding to that sliding scale between the elements of skill and elements of chance. Furthermore, this also dramatically increases the number of versions that can be created by adding the “Mix and Match” feature detailed in the application. As explained in those details, the “Twist” feature can introduce another very powerful addition and unique format in which players may play one, two or more versions within one game or a series of games and tournaments. 
     With the chess industry eager to embrace innovation and chess variants, the CHEXI Cards and CHEXI Dice features not only introduce over three dozen versions, but players will also be able to create more versions. 
     Rules Overview 
     CHEXI Rules for Dice and Card Versions 
     1. All moves must be legal chess moves and all chess rules apply unless otherwise stated. 
     2. Castling may be allowed in some versions and not allowed in other versions. The en-passant rule may apply in some versions and not apply in other versions. 
     3. All moves are governed by the roll of CHEXI Dice or drawing or holding CHEXI Cards drawn or as otherwise stated, such as bonus roll or more than one roll to escape check. Both depict the chessmen allowed to move for that turn. Although four chessmen may be depicted on each card, these could be bracketed for versions requiring just two or three chessmen, as well as all four. 
     4. Players may move any chessman depicted, on occasions may be unable to move, or chose not to move any piece depicted if not beneficial to do so. 
     5. When placed in check, a player will have a certain number of turns ranging from one or two, three, four or more, depending on the CHEXI version, to directly escape from check, otherwise the player is “Diced Out” and the game is lost. The number of turns to escape check will vary between versions, but three turns may be chosen as default. 
     “Twist” Addition 
     The optional “Twist” feature addition to CHEXI refers to any version in which play can alternate between optimum moves versus moves governed by CHEXI cards or dice. This ratio between the two types of moves can increase or decrease. A higher ratio of optimum moves versus moves governed by CHEXI cards or dice, will tend to increase skill and strategy requirements. A lower ratio of optimum moves would tend to increase the element of chance. 
     Bonus Play Rules 
     (A 1), “Bonus Plays” can be applicable in any of the CHEXI versions by way of specific chessmen being depicted either on CHEXI dice or CHEXI cards but can also not apply in certain versions. When gaining a “bonus play” player would play again in accordance with the rules of the version in play. There is no limit to the number of consecutive bonus plays earned. When placing an opponent in check by way of a bonus play, check may be removed with subsequent bonus plays. 
     (A 2) When CHEXI dice or cards depict a trio, (three of a kind), after rolling dice or drawing cards by a player, then that player may move any of their pieces, not just the depicted piece, and play another turn. 
     (A 3) A player escaping from check with a bonus play will play another turn. 
     (A 4) A player may remove an opponent from check at any stage during any bonus plays. 
     Winning the Game 
     The following events will end a game of CHEXI: Check Mate; “Diced Out,” a player used all their allotted CHEXI card draws or CHEXI dice rolls and can not escape being in check; “Attrition”, leaving the opponent with just the King and Pawns remaining; opponent resigning; or achieving the required Point Score for any points version. 
     CHEXI Versions 
     An example of a deck of CHEXI Cards, for instance a deck with three chessmen depictions per card, contains at least fifty-six CHEXI Cards, which equates to each unique random outcome generated by rolling three CHEXI dice, with each CHEXI die depicting one of the six chess pieces on each of the six sides of the CHEXI die. Although this number may vary if additional CHEXI dice, or CHEXI cards that depict less or more chessman, are introduced into the game. To ensure against potential card counting and to offer equal mathematical probabilities, each player would draw CHEXI cards from two decks allocated to each player, or two or more decks shared by both players. 
     By using CHEXI cards or CHEXI dice, a variety of versions of CHEXI can be played. By using the rules stated, two or more dozen variations can apply, with each offering different levels of skill and chance. By increasing the number of CHEXI cards held or CHEXI dice rolled by players, the element of chance is reduced, and strategy is increased. This introduces a sliding scale that can be expanded by also introducing the “Twist” feature to any version. 
     Possible versions include, but are not limited to: 
     Two Chessmen depicted per card—offering two possible moves. 
     Three Chessmen depicted per card—offering up to three possible moves 
     Four Chessmen depicted per card—offering up to four possible moves 
     Bonus Plays are gained, depending on the version, when CHEXI dice or CHEXI cards depict pairs or trios of chessmen arising from a player&#39;s roll or draw. A bonus play could only be gained under the rule that the specified chessman, in the pair or trio is able to move. Moving any other chessman completes a turn. 
     A tournament format could offer a specific version as default, but players may be given the option to agree on any of the possible versions. This will allow for all chess players to at least be in a position to play the version of preference. 
     The default version may also vary and may or may not include the “Twist” feature addition. A “Mix and Match” version ensures the flexibility to add versions on demand. As an example, six versions could be offered with one default version. If players fail to agree on any of the other five versions offered, the default version will used. There is also an option to allow players to play a number of versions within one tournament. 
     Versions with Optional Twist. 
     A standard chess board and pieces are used to play chess in which moves are governed by the chessmen depicted on CHEXI cards or CHEXI dice. Bonus rolls can apply depending on the version utilized. In the following versions, each chessman on a CHEXI card will described as A, B, C, and D. In normal CHEXI there are six different types of chessmen. When referring to a two chessmen version, the two chessmen will be designated A and B. When referring to three chessmen, the three chessmen will be referred to as A, B, and C. For the four chessmen version, A, B, C, and D all four will apply. 
     Two Chessmen Version—One Card or Two Dice Version 
     Players, after drawing a card or rolling two CHEXI dice have three options; the player can move a piece depicted on the CHEXI card or CHEXI dice, be blocked from moving for want of a legal chess move or decline to move if there is no beneficial move available. In this two chessmen version, players may move chessman A or B as shown on the CHEXI card or CHEXI dice. If both chessmen form a pair, player may move any chessman and play again. If A or B depicts a pawn, a player gains a bonus roll if able to move a pawn. There is no set limit to the number of repeat bonus plays a player earns; this also applies if the player has placed the opponent in check; they may even remove opponent from check during a bonus play. A player placed in check, may draw or roll the number of CHEXI cards or CHEXI dice to escape check chosen by the players prior to the start of a game; three to four draws or rolls is the suggested ideal. A player failing to escape from check after the allotted draws or rolls is “Dice Out,” and the game is lost. 
     Chessmen Versions—with a “Twist.” 
     A “Twist” addition to the game refers to any version in which play alternates between optimum moves versus moves governed by a card. This ratio between optimum move and card move can be increased or decreased depending on player preference. 
     Three Chessmen Version—One Card or Three Dice with and without a “Twist.” 
     Players, after drawing a CHEXI card or rolling three CHEXI dice have three options; the player can move a piece depicted on the CHEXI card or CHEXI dice, be blocked from moving for want of a legal chess move or decline to move if there is no beneficial move available. In this three chessmen version, players may move chessman A, B, or C as shown on the CHEXI card or the three CHEXI dice. Any depicted pair earns a bonus play as long as the piece depicted in the pair is moved; moving the unpaired piece would complete the turn and no bonus play is earned. If a trio is depicted the player may move any piece and also earns a bonus play. There is no set limit to the number of repeat bonus plays a player earns; this also applies if the player has placed the opponent in check; they may even remove opponent from check during a bonus play. A player placed in check, may draw or roll a maximum of three times to escape check otherwise the player is “Diced Out,” and the game is lost. 
     Three Chessmen Version—Two Cards or Six Dice with and without a “Twist.” 
     Players, after drawing two CHEXI cards or rolling six CHEXI dice have three options; the player can move a piece depicted on the CHEXI card or CHEXI dice, be blocked from moving for want of a legal chess move or decline to move if there is no beneficial move available. In this three chessmen version, players may move chessman A, B, or C as shown on the two CHEXI cards or the six CHEXI dice. Any depicted pair earns a bonus play as long as the piece depicted in the pair is moved; moving the unpaired piece would complete the turn and no bonus play is earned. If a trio is depicted the player may move any piece and also earns a bonus play. There is no set limit to the number of repeat bonus plays a player earns; this also applies if the player has placed the opponent in check; they may even remove opponent from check during a bonus play. A player placed in check, may draw or roll a maximum of three times to escape check otherwise the player is “Diced Out,” and the game is lost. 
     Three Chessmen Version—Three Cards or Nine Dice with and without a “Twist.” 
     Players, after drawing three cards or rolling nine CHEXI dice, have three options; the player can move a piece depicted on the CHEXI card or CHEXI dice, be blocked from moving for want of a legal chess move, or decline to move if there is no beneficial move available. In this three chessmen version, players may move chessman A, B, or C as shown on the three CHEXI cards or the nine CHEXI dice. Any depicted pair earns a bonus play as long as the piece depicted in the pair is moved; moving the unpaired piece would complete the turn and no bonus play is earned. If a trio is depicted the player may move any piece and also earns a bonus play. There is no set limit to the number of repeat bonus plays a player earns; this also applies if the player has placed the opponent in check; they may even remove opponent from check during a bonus play. A player placed in check, may draw or roll a maximum of three times to escape check otherwise the player is “Diced Out,” and the game is lost. 
     Four Chessmen Version—One Card or Four Dice with and without a “Twist.” 
     Players, after drawing a CHEXI card or rolling CHEXI dice equivalent to the number of chessmen depicted on the card, have three options; the player can move a piece depicted on the CHEXI card or CHEXI dice, be blocked from moving for want of a legal chess move, or decline to move if there is no beneficial move available. In this four chessmen version, players may move chessman A, B, C, or D as shown on the CHEXI card or the four CHEXI dice. Any depicted pair earns a bonus play as long as the piece depicted in the pair is moved; moving the unpaired piece would complete the turn and no bonus play is earned. Two doubles would allow either one or both paired pieces to be moved to earn a bonus play. If a trio is depicted the player may move any piece and also earns a bonus play. Any four of a kind wins the games. There is no set limit to the number of repeat bonus plays a player earns; this also applies if the player has placed the opponent in check; they may even remove opponent from check during a bonus play. A player placed in check, may draw or roll a maximum of two times to escape check otherwise the player is “Diced Out,” and the game is lost. 
     Four Chessmen Version—Two Cards or Eight Dice with and without a “Twist.” 
     Players, after drawing two CHEXI cards or rolling eight CHEXI dice have three options; the player can move a piece depicted on the CHEXI card or CHEXI dice, be blocked from moving for want of a legal chess move or decline to move if there is no beneficial move available. In this four chessmen version, players may move chessman A, B, C, or D as shown on the CHEXI card or the four CHEXI dice. Any depicted pair earns a bonus play as long as the piece depicted in the pair is moved; moving the unpaired piece would complete the turn and no bonus play is earned. Two doubles on one card would allow either one or both paired pieces to be moved to earn a bonus play. If a trio is depicted the player may move any piece and also earns a bonus play. Any four of a kind wins the games. There is no set limit to the number of repeat bonus plays a player earns; this also applies if the player has placed the opponent in check; they may even remove opponent from check during a bonus play. A player placed in check, may draw or roll a maximum of two times to escape check otherwise the player is “Diced Out,” and the game is lost. 
     The disclosed “CHEXI” game uses a chess board with chessmen and can be played by applying chess rules unless otherwise stated. The difference between CHEXI and standard chess is the element of chance introduced by the custom CHEXI cards and CHEXI dice. An example of a custom deck of CHEXI can include fifty-six cards for the three-piece game but may vary depending on versions used. On each card, one of the fifty-six possible combinations of the six different chess pieces, when taken three at a time, as depicted in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration for a three-piece playing card according an embodiment of the present disclosure. In another card embodiment, a combination of chess pieces taken four at a time is illustrated in the schematic illustration shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 3  is a listing of all fifty-six possible combinations for a three-piece playing card where six possible chess pieces are taken randomly three at a time. In the embodiments of custom cards for the three-piece game illustrated in  FIG. 1  and the four-piece game illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the cards are visible from each direction and have repeated sequences of the same combination although this is not required for the custom cards of the present disclosure. 
     The cards introduce a form of sliding scale between strategy and chance. The scale begins by having more optimum moves versus moves governed by the cards. The higher the ratio of optimum moves versus card moves, the higher the skill and strategy required. The lower the ratio of optimum moves versus card moves, the higher the element of chance. The same applies to the number of cards in play. The more CHEXI cards in play for a player, the higher the skill and strategy requirements. The fewer CHEXI cards, the higher the element of chance. 
     In the game of CHEXI, as in chess, there are six different types of chessmen. They include the King, Queen, Bishop, Knight, Rook, and Pawn.  FIG. 1  illustrates one CHEXI card of the 56 possible three-piece combinations of the six chessmen. For example, the illustrated combination includes a knight (horse-shaped icon), a rook, and a pawn as are standard in chess depictions.  FIG. 2  shows one CHEXI card of the one-hundred-twenty-six possible four-piece combinations of the six different types of chessmen. The CHEXI card illustrated in  FIG. 2  includes a queen, a knight, a rook, and a pawn. As shown in  FIG. 3 , there are 56 combinations of three-piece CHEXI cards where each CHEXI card has a different combination of three of the six types of chess men. CHEXI cards can be created that depict four or more chessmen, randomly drawn from a set criterion allowing all four or more chessmen to draw all four or more draws. As an example, with four chessmen depicted on a CHEXI card, all four could be the same. In this example, four chessmen will be depicted as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4  shows one CHEXI card of the two hundred fifty-two possible five-piece CHEXI cards where each CHEXI card has a different combination of five of the six types of chess men.  FIG. 5  shows one CHEXI card of the 21 possible two-piece CHEXI cards where each CHEXI card has a different combination of the two of the six types of chessmen. 
       FIG. 6  is an illustrative embodiment of a custom die (one of a plurality of custom dice) according to the present disclosure that shows three sides of the die that, in the present illustration, have images of three of the six possible chessmen, one on each face. The custom die within the plurality of six-sided dice comprises a single image of six different possible chessmen, one on each side. All of the custom dice of the present disclosure have a single image of six different possible chessmen, one on each side of each of the dice. The six different possible chessmen include a king, a queen, a bishop, a knight, a rook, and a pawn. 
       FIG. 7  is an illustrative embodiment of a part of a kit that includes a set of custom dice according to the present disclosure that, in this example, shows one face of each of the plurality of eight custom dice wherein four of the set of eight dice that are illustrated are of one color (light) and the other four are of another color (dark). 
       FIG. 8  is an illustrative embodiment of a set of custom dice as a part of a kit of the present disclosure that includes four dark custom dice, three light custom dice, and a doubling cube. 
     Depending on the version in play, any combination can be selected. For example, two of the four chessmen can be utilized to play one more variation. Likewise, with utilizing all the four chessmen can create further variations. Also, one CHEXI card can utilize two of the four as one possible move and the two other chessmen form another possible move. The game can also be played open face, meaning the cards are visible to the opponent, or closed faced and hidden from the opponent. 
     A deck of CHEXI cards is a set of CHEXI cards that depict all of the possible combinations of the six chess pieces. For CHEXI card decks with two-piece depictions there will be twenty-one cards to encompass all the combinations. For CHEXI card decks with three-piece depictions there will be fifty-six CHEXI cards to encompass all the combinations. For CHEXI card decks with four-piece depictions there will be one-hundred-twenty-six CHEXI cards to encompass all the combinations. For CHEXI card decks with five-piece depictions there will be two-hundred-fifty-two CHEXI cards to encompass all the combinations. 
     Points Version 
     The object is to accumulate points during a predetermined number of turns or moves. 
     1. Players select the number of turns for example, 10, 15 or 20. 
     2. Bonus rolls do not count as turns but as part of one turn. 
     3. Players can begin a game with all pieces in their starting place or with one or more advanced pawns. As an example, advanced two pawns would ensure all chess pieces could move at the start of a game. 
     Points Scoring 
     Each piece is allocated a points value when captured and points are earned for roll of the dice an opponent fails to escape from check. Example points values. 
     Queen: 30 points. 
     Rooks, Bishops and Knights: 20 points. 
     Pawns: 7 points 
     Opponent failing to escape from check: 5 points for each roll of the dice. 
     A bonus of ten points would be awarded to a player capturing both an opponent&#39;s Rooks, Knights or Bishops. 
     Rules: 
     Played as standard to the CHEXI rules with the exception of the check rule. In this version, a player in check continues to roll until escape from check has been achieved. 
     Irrespective of the number of rolls it takes to escape check, escaping from check is counted as one turn or move. 
     Kits 
     A kit for playing a game is disclosed that includes a plurality of six-sided custom dice. Each side of every die within the plurality of six-sided dice includes a single image of each of the six different possible chessmen—a king, a queen, a bishop, a knight, a rook, and a pawn. The disclosed kits also include a plurality of custom cards, each custom card having disposed thereupon a set number of images, the set number of images comprising two, three, four, or five random images of the six different possible chessmen on a card. Each of the plurality of custom cards also has a different combination of the six different possible chessmen. 
     The disclosed kits can include a standard chess set (a standard eight-by-eight chessboard) and at least two sets of chessmen, typically of at least two different colors, a plurality of custom cards, and at least two of a plurality of custom dice described above. In some embodiments, the disclosed kits can include a plurality of custom cards, two custom dice and a standard chess set. In other embodiments, the disclosed kits can include a plurality of custom cards, three custom dice and a standard chess set. In yet other embodiments, the disclosed kits can include a plurality of custom cards, four custom dice and a standard chess set. The disclosed kits can also include a plurality of custom cards, five custom dice, and a standard chess set. In some embodiments, the disclosed kits can include a plurality of custom cards, a standard chess set, and from two to nine custom dice. It is also contemplated that any of the kits for playing a game according to this disclosure can include at least one doubling cube. 
     While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will also be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. it is also contemplated that various combinations or sub combinations of the specific features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the invention. accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims. All references cited within are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.