Patent Publication Number: US-2005130726-A1

Title: Multiple design creation puzzle game and display

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
      Claim of Priority: Pursuant to the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), this application claims the benefit of the filing date of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/259,655, filed Dec. 15, 2003, for “MULTIPLE DESIGN CREATION PUZZLE GAME AND DISPLAY,” the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates generally to puzzles and games. More specifically, the present invention relates to a puzzle game that includes arranging an assembly of a plurality of game pieces to create one of multiple pictures or designs, and to display the assembly for visual entertainment or for use as a game board.  
     BACKGROUND  
      Puzzles and games have been available for a considerable number of years. Consequently, an assortment of puzzles and games has been developed. Puzzles are commercially available in a variety of types, including picture puzzles, and logic puzzles, and in both 2- and 3-D form-factors. Commercially available games include activity games incorporating coordination and skill of the participant, such as board games, card games, games of chance, and a plurality of other sorts of games. Some games incorporate one or more elements, such as chance and logic.  
      Known picture puzzles generally comprise a single image that is formed as a result of assembling constituent pieces of the puzzle in a single predetermined manner. One ubiquitous picture puzzle is manufactured from a planar sheet of cardboard backing on which an image is adhered. The image and backing are divided into a plurality of separable interlocking pieces. Generally, the pieces each are irregularly shaped, and are configured to have a planar size, in both width and height directions, which is substantially greater than a size in a thickness direction that is orthogonal to the width and height of the piece. Typically, the portion of the original image carried on the piece, and the shape of the piece, provide clues to a user to indicate an assembly position for the piece to recreate the original image.  
      Such planar picture puzzles are generally assembled on a horizontal flat surface, such as a top of a table. The principle contemplated use of the puzzle is simply to solve it by reassembling the disassembled constituent pieces. However, a user often only uses such picture puzzles once or twice. After conquering one picture puzzle, a user typically then moves on to other puzzles, which can present different challenges. In general, the conquered puzzle is simply disassembled and placed back into its container.  
      Displaying the image formed by an assembled picture puzzle is often problematic, as many puzzles are not capable of mounting for display of the formed image in a substantially vertical plane without first destroying the puzzle&#39;s ability to be disassembled. The picture puzzles discussed above offer no convenient arrangement to permit moving the assembled puzzle to make a substantially vertically oriented visual display of the image. The physical nature (size and shape) of the puzzle&#39;s component pieces typically causes the assembly to break apart upon an attempt to lift the assembly from the table&#39;s top or other support. Furthermore, such puzzles generally lack structure operable to suspend, or hold, an assembled image in a vertical orientation.  
      Therefore, some sort of constraint must first be applied to the pieces of an assembled ubiquitous cardboard picture puzzle to permit forming a vertically disposed display of the puzzle&#39;s image. For example, it is possible to apply a transparent media to the assembled puzzle to affix the pieces in an assembled position. The media can be a liquid plastic that cures, or hardens subsequent to exposure to the atmosphere, to form a semi-flexible sheet that retains the individual pieces in a fixed position. Such a composite arrangement may then more conveniently be mounted on a wall as a visual display object.  
      Other puzzles are known that display a second image on a lower surface, or are capable of assembly in a few different ways to form one of a few designs. One type of picture puzzle includes a second image on the opposite side from the first image, thereby increasing difficulty of assembly of each puzzle image. Such dual-image puzzles also fail to provide a convenient arrangement to permit display of the assembled images in a vertical or hanging orientation.  
      A type of 3-D puzzle is provided by multi-piece sets of interlocking building elements that are commercially available under the Lego™ brand. The constituent brick-like building elements can be assembled to form a variety of 3-D shapes in the form of cars, trucks, castles, buildings, and the like. However, structures formed by assembling Lego™ elements generally lack suspension structure, and do not lend themselves to display in a vertical orientation, such as by hanging them from a wall.  
      Certain known logic puzzles are formed by a collection of different square tile-like pieces configured in an interlocking planar arrangement to slide in a grid pattern with respect to one another in trapped engagement in a frame. The individual pieces of such logic puzzles are structured to resist their removal from the frame at any time. The pieces are arranged in orthogonal rows and columns, with pieces filling all available positions except one. As a tile is moved to the unoccupied position, a new unoccupied position is created in its wake. One such puzzle includes a numeral carried on a visible surface of each tile (e.g. 1-15). The goal of that puzzle is to place the numerals into consecutive order, subsequent to scrambling that order. Therefore, an identical image is formed each time, at completion of game play.  
      One 3-D logic puzzle is commercially available and is generally known as Rubik&#39;s cube. Such a logic puzzle is arranged as a cube having each of the six sides of the cube divided into nine square colored elements disposed in a regular grid arrangement. The cube is structured to permit rotating rows and columns to move colored elements into different display positions. The goal of the game is to arrange the elements so that all nine elements on each face of the cube have the same color. Similar games are available in different 3-D forms, such as pyramids. However, each of such puzzle games forms the same image on completion of each game play. The constituent elements are not separately removable to permit forming alternative images. Furthermore, such 3-D puzzle games lack holding structure operable to suspend the puzzle from a wall to form a vertically disposed visual display of the puzzle&#39;s image.  
      The display surface of boards used in board games incorporates a static image, and that image provides spaces that may be occupied by game pieces in accordance with rules of play of the corresponding game. Separate and distinct game boards are available for various games such as Monopoly™, chess/checkers, backgammon, etc, and each such game board has a corresponding unique image. Typically, the image is affixed to a substrate or is formed in the substrate as a unitary composition. Some substrates can be folded to reduce space required to store a game. However, no games are known in which separable construction elements may be reordered to form an alternative image to change the arrangement of spaces on which game pieces may be placed in accordance with rules of the game.  
      Accordingly, a puzzle game that allowed multiple designs and pictures to be created, by reusing constituent pieces, and for the resulting designs and pictures to be oriented as desired to form a visual display or to be utilized for a gaming surface, would be an improvement in the art.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention is directed to a puzzle game that may be used to form different pictures, or designs, using the same pieces. Embodiments constructed according to principles of the invention include a tray defining an area in which to receive a plurality of removable game construction pieces in side-by-side planar assembly. One currently preferred tray is constructed to receive construction pieces in a rectangular array including 25 rows and 25 colurnns. A second preferred tray holds a game board formed by between about 50 and 150 of the construction pieces. Certain preferred trays include a plurality of storage bins configured to accommodate game pieces. Trays may also be structured to accentuate the position of certain special spaces, such as formed by start and stop pieces.  
      In general, game construction pieces include parallelepiped structures defined by six substantially planar surfaces. Desirably, at least two of the parallelepiped&#39;s surfaces are structured to be visually distinguishable from each other. A colored block with different colors on the different planar surfaces of the block is operable as a construction piece. Such colored blocks may be inserted into the tray to form a mosaic design. Each of the six faces of a block, such as a cube, may carry a different one of six colors. Alternatively, a plurality of differently colored faces may be distributed among a plurality of blocks to provide a color assortment including a total of at least 6 colors. A different operable arrangement includes a plurality of differently colored faces distributed among a plurality of blocks to provide a color assortment including a total of at least 36 colors. Sometimes, construction pieces include a designated start piece and a designated stop piece. Typically, such a designated piece carries visible indicia effective to differentiate over all other construction pieces.  
      Desirably, a mechanism for retaining the game construction pieces in the tray is also included. For example, a picture may be formed by arranging colored blocks in a predetermined pattern with the tray in a horizontal position. The tray may then be placed in a vertical position, as by hanging on a wall, to display the picture formed by the blocks. An operable mechanism is effective to resist departure of the game construction pieces from an ordered position in the design as the tray is reoriented from a substantially horizontal configuration to a substantially vertical configuration. One useful mechanism for retaining the game construction pieces in the tray includes a transparent lid securing over the tray. An alternative mechanism for retaining the game construction pieces in the tray includes a close fit between adjacent construction pieces and between perimeter construction pieces and bounding structure associated with the tray. Embodiments may include, or be used with, holding structure adapted to maintain the tray in an orientation operable to place the design in a substantially vertical display orientation.  
      Any number of different pictures may be formed by reordering, or rotating, individual of the construction pieces in the tray. A number of potential pictures may be provided to a user as written instructions. Such instructions may be provided in the form of a book, detailing different puzzles. Software may be provided as an addition to or with the puzzle game allowing users to create instructions in order to turn pictures of their choice into a picture formed by the blocks of the puzzle. Such software is operable in a computer system to form an instructional color map based upon an input picture, the map providing sufficient instructions for a user to orient construction pieces in the tray effective to produce a digitized replication of the input picture as a mosaic display.  
      In another illustrative embodiment, a design formed by the colored blocks may be used as a game board for use in play of a game. The colored top of each block may form a space for the movement across the game board. Game pieces may be moved across the surface of the board in accordance with a set of rules that determine moves based on color of the space and a separate action, such as the roll of a die. The rules and game play may include the construction of the game board. As each game board can be different, based on the individual puzzle constructed, game play and strategy will need to be adjusted by the players for each game.  
      A game board structured according to the instant invention may be used in combination with game playing pieces including dice and markers, and/or taws. Operable dice include a first die with six differently colored faces, and a second die with six faces that are each structured to indicate a different number. Markers may be color-coded in agreement with colors carried by construction pieces. Operable taws include a plurality of taws forming 2 different and distinguishable groups, individual taws of each group being structured to resemble one-another.  
      One method of using the invention includes arranging a plurality of removable game board construction pieces in a tray configured to receive the construction pieces, such that the resulting collection of visible surfaces of the construction pieces cooperatively forms a game board with spaces on which a game may be played by moving a game piece from space-to-space. Once the game board is assembled, play continues by moving one or more game play pieces along the constructed game board from space-to-space according to rules of play of a game. The method may also include providing a first die having six differently colored faces; and selecting the color of a destination space, for a player&#39;s game piece during that player&#39;s turn, by rolling the first die. Additionally, game play may include providing a second die having six faces individually arranged to indicate a different number; and selecting the number of spaces between a start position and a destination space for a player&#39;s game piece during that player&#39;s turn by rolling the second die. In certain cases, subsequent to a first period of game activity, play may include rearranging an orientation of certain game construction pieces to form a game board having a different design effective to change the arrangement of spaces on the game board from the arrangement provided during the first period of game activity. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      In the drawings, which depict the best modes presently known for carrying out the invention:  
       FIG. 1  illustrates a top view in perspective of one embodiment of an assembled puzzle board game that is structured in accordance with principles of the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a top view in perspective of a tray and cover for the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a view in perspective of a set of block pieces useful in certain embodiments of the present invention;  
       FIG. 4  is a color chart illustrating a range of colors that may be carried in combination by the blocks of  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIGS. 5A  to  5 F illustrate a plurality of color layouts effective to assign the color scheme of  FIG. 4  to a set of block pieces, such as to the set of pieces illustrated in  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIG. 6  is a rear view of an embodiment of a tray illustrating several alternative different hanging structures effective to visually display a completed puzzle game image;  
       FIG. 7  is a side view of a multi-leg support structured to hold a tray in a substantially vertical orientation for visual display of a completed puzzle game image;  
       FIG. 8  is a front view in elevation of an arrangement operable to generate puzzle directions to form a mosaic display corresponding to a selected input;  
       FIG. 9   is  a top view in perspective of a second embodiment of a puzzle board game structured in accordance with principles of the present invention;  
       FIG. 10  is a top view in perspective of a tray portion and a cover portion for the embodiment of  FIG. 9 ;  
       FIG. 11  is a view in perspective of two embodiments of dies useful in practicing certain aspects of the present invention; and  
       FIG. 12  is a view in perspective of some game pieces that may be used in certain embodiments of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      The present invention provides a puzzle game that may be used to create different pictures by reusing the same constituent construction pieces. The assembled puzzle game may then be used as a visual display, which can be positioned in space in a substantially vertical display orientation. The invention can also be used to create differently colored patterns for use as a game board. Embodiments structured according to principles of the invention may be dismantled and reassembled as many times as desired, thereby permitting creation of a plurality of different images. Different aspects and inclusions may be provided to facilitate the creation of different pictures, or to enhance the play of a game on a resulting game board.  
      It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the embodiments herein described, while illustrating certain specific and exemplary embodiments, are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will also understand that various combinations or modifications of the disclosed embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.  
      Turning to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the present invention, generally indicated at  90 , is depicted. A puzzle game  90  includes a tray  100  and a number of individually colored construction pieces, such as illustrated game construction pieces, or blocks,  102 . Tray  100  is best shown in  FIG. 2 , along with a cover  104  for retaining colored blocks  102  in the tray  100 . As depicted, tray  100  includes a recessed area  106  for receiving the colored construction pieces  102  and retaining them in an assembled order to display a picture resulting at the end of game play. A currently preferred cover  104  includes a substantially transparent window portion  108 , through which to permit visual observation of an arrangement of blocks  102  in a tray  104 .  
      Desirably, the tray  100  and cover  104  are cooperatively structured to permit a user to move a completed puzzle game  90  from a typical substantially horizontal game-play, or assembly, orientation to a substantially vertical display orientation. In currently preferred embodiments, the cover  104  operates to maintain the individual game construction pieces  102  in reception in tray  100 , or otherwise resists departure of game construction pieces  102  from an ordered position in the assembled design or picture. One workable cover  104  can be formed from a clear plastic material including boundary walls arranged to form a socket structured to fit in close siding assembly with respect to edges of tray  100 . It is within contemplation for a cover  104  to be hinged from tray  100 , or to be structured to form an interference fit with cooperating structure of tray  100 . Various catches and latching mechanisms may be included to hold a cover  104  in assembled position with respect to tray  100  in workable alternative embodiments.  
      An operable set of game pieces, including six game construction pieces  102   a - f , is indicated generally at  110  in  FIG. 3 . As illustrated, individual game construction pieces  102   a - f  may be embodied as substantially cube-shaped blocks having different colors on their different sides. While it is preferred for construction pieces  102  to have opposite sides that are parallel, departure from a mathematical parallelepiped shape is allowable. For example, edges and corners may be chamfered, or radiused to produce a comfortable “feel” to a user. It is simply desirable that such edge details do not detract from a visual display presented by the remainder of the piece&#39;s side area.  
      In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , blocks  102  have a different color disposed on each of their six sides. Such construction blocks  102  may therefore be arranged in the tray  100  to reveal a particular color operably to form a desired picture. Each block  102  may be sized as desired for a particular application. Also, construction blocks  102  do not all have to be the same size or shape. For example, each block  102  may be sized 1 inch in length, width and depth directions, although smaller or larger blocks may be used. The sizes in length, width, and depth directions may vary between different game pieces  102 , and do not necessarily have to be the same even for a single game piece  102 . Similarly, tray  100  may be configured to hold any number of blocks desired. In one embodiment, tray  100  is configured to hold  625  one-inch cubic blocks  102  in a (25×25) block square.  
      A number of different colors selected from the visible spectrum may be provided for display in a game  90 , generally with one color assigned to each respective side surface of the game pieces  102 . Since each cube-shaped block  102  has six planar sides, each such block  102  may be used to provide six different potential colors to a user for inclusion in the picture or design image. In one preferred embodiment of a puzzle game  90 , thirty-six different colors are provided, and are illustrated in the color chart schematically depicted in  FIG. 4 , and generally indicated at  112 . Column and row numbers are used to designate the individual positions in the color chart  112 , and are used in illustrations in this disclosure to indicate a color. For example, A1 may be white, and F6 may be black. The remaining spaces, or positions, in chart  112  are assigned designated colors selected from the visible spectrum.  
      Of course, it will be appreciated that fewer or additional colors can be provided for use in a game  90 , as desired. The number of colors included in a game  90  will have a direct effect on the number of pictures that may be assembled from the game&#39;s constituent construction pieces  102 . Similarly, the number and size of construction pieces  102  that may be placed in a tray  100  has a direct effect on the level of resolution to which a picture can be reproduced in the assembly. More than 36 colors can be provided, e.g. by including additional sets  108  that are assigned different colors, increasing the number of elements  102  included in a set  108 , or including other groups of alternatively decorated blocks  102 , with different colors on the sides thereof. Similarly, the puzzle game  90  may be provided with either the exact number of constituent game pieces  102  that a corresponding tray  100  is configured to hold, e.g. to facilitate game clean-up and storage, or may be provided with excess game construction pieces  102  to allow for the creation of a greater number of pictures.  
       FIGS. 5A through 5F  depict one possible color layout for blocks  102  included in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , which provides the puzzle game  90  with all colors in the color chart  112  of  FIG. 4 . With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 5 A through F, each individual block  102   a - f  can be assigned the six colors contained in one corresponding column A-F. Alternative grouping arrangements effective to distribute a selection of colors over a set  108  of blocks  102  are within contemplation.  
      In practice, each individual color of the color chart of  FIG. 4  may be given a corresponding designation, such as the illustrated alphanumeric designations. The identifying number or indicia can also be disposed on the side of the block carrying that corresponding color. Desirably, the indicia will be structured to not interfere with a visual impression given by the side of the block. For example, the indicia can be made small in size to reduce its visual impression. Also, the indicia can be formed from a distinguishable color, but one that is close to the denoted color.  
      An instruction manual may be provided with the puzzle game  90  of  FIG. 1 , containing instructions to create different pictures to by placing blocks  102  in the tray to expose different colored surfaces, thereby creating a digitized, mosaic-like picture. Additional instructional manuals may be available for use with the puzzle game  90 . The instructional manuals may provide instructions by color or by color code, and may be in the form of a “map” of the desired picture.  
      Upon creation of a desired picture, cover  104 , which may be a clear plastic lid, may be placed, or secured, over tray  100  to retain blocks  102  in the desired conformation. Puzzle game  90  may then be supported, or held, by a display structure, such as a hook, hole, or other structure that can be associated with the rear surface of tray  100 , or even placed upon a constructed holding shelf or other support, to display the created picture in a substantially vertical orientation.  FIG. 6  illustrates a plurality of operable display structure, including loops  114 , blind- or through-hole  116 , and support wire  118 . Such holding structures are generally known in the art of hanging pictures.  FIG. 7  illustrates a multi-legged easel arrangement  120  operable to hold tray  100  in a substantially vertical orientation effective to display a constructed image held in the tray  100 .  
      It will be appreciated that alternative ways for retaining blocks  102  in tray  100  may be used and are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the fit between the inserted blocks  102  and the sides of the tray  100  may be close enough that a sufficient friction is formed there between to retain the blocks  102  in the tray  100 . Alternatively, a resilient structure, such as a ribbon spring or a soft layer of foam can be mounted around the inside wall of tray  100 . Upon insertion of blocks  102 , the resilient structure would press inwards upon the blocks  102 , retaining them in the tray  100 . Alternatively, the inner surface of the tray  100  may be configured to interact with a structure on the blocks  102 , retaining each block therein.  
      In another aspect of the invention, computer software can be provided that is configured to create instructions for the reproduction of pictures using the puzzle game  90 . With reference now to  FIG. 8 , one or more pictures may be input into a computer system, generally indicated at  124 , running such software. Such software may be configured to either accept computer readable picture files, such as JPG or GIF format files, or may be configured to interact with a scanner for inputting printed pictures. For example, picture  122  may be scanned using scanner  126  to create an image input for the digitizing software. Following a set of instructions contained in the software, the computer may then create instructions for recreating the same picture using the puzzle game  90  to form a digitized mosaic reproduction. For example, the desired picture may be divided into a number of squares, each square corresponding to a block  102  of the puzzle game  90 . The overall, or average, color of each square may then be compared to a color array, such as color chart  112  of  FIG. 4 , and the closest color of the color chart to the overall color may be assigned thereto. From these assignments, an instructional map  126  of the picture, with the colors represented by the corresponding number (and/or the actual color from the color chart) may be created. The instructional map may then be printed with printer  128  and used as a basis for recreating the picture with the puzzle game  90 . It is within contemplation that the software may manipulate the digital image, such as by adjusting brightness and contrast, cropping, and may permit naming and storing the images in a custom gallery.  
      Turning now to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a second embodiment of a puzzle game structured according to principles of the invention is generally indicated at  190 . Puzzle game  190  includes tray  200  and a plurality of construction blocks  202 . Similar embodiments may be found in design patent D485,920, issued Jun. 6, 2004, titled “COMBINED GAME BOARD AND BLOCKS,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference as though set forth herein in its entirety. In the embodiment presented in  FIG. 9 , the construction blocks  202  are similar to blocks  102 , discussed earlier herein as having different colors on their different sides. A preferred embodiment  190  includes construction blocks  202  that each has one of six total colors available for display, depending upon the orientation of the block  202  in the tray  200 . Such multicolored construction pieces  202  permit forming a variety of patterns on a game-playing surface, generally indicated at  204 , on which to play games by moving game pieces in accordance with rules of game play.  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , one currently preferred embodiment  190  includes “start block”  206  and “stop block”  208 , each of which desirably include additional distinguishing markings as a convenience to differentiate them from other construction blocks  202 . For example, the “start block”  206  may have one or more green dots and the “stop block”  208  may have one or more red dots. In one currently preferred and exemplary embodiment of game  190 , there are 100 variously colored blocks  202  (including one “start block”  206  and one “stop block”  208 ). That preferred embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , and includes construction blocks  202  being arranged in an array of (7×14) elements. It will be appreciated that virtually any sort of distinguishing markings, holes, protuberances, or colors, may be applied to, or carried on, blocks  202 , 206 , and  208 . Furthermore, other numbers of construction blocks  202  or start and stop blocks  206 ,  208  may be used in alternative workable embodiments.  
      With reference to  FIG. 10 , a currently preferred tray  200  includes bounding structure, such as walls  210 , that is adapted to form a perimeter around an area  212  in which to receive a plurality of blocks  202 . Blocks  202  desirably are sized in harmony with bounding walls  210  to cause a close fit between adjacent blocks  202  and between perimeter blocks  202  and walls  210 . Such close fit generally lends a solid “feel” to an assembled game board  190  and can resist undesired displacement of individual blocks  202  from a proscribed position in a game board design.  
      In certain embodiments, walls  210  are arranged to form a pocket  214  in which to receive one or more start block  206 . In such embodiments, a second pocket  216  is generally also provided to receive one or more stop block  208 . Furthermore, wall  210  desirably is arranged to form one or more storage bins  218  in which to hold game play pieces, or other materials related to a game. In preferred embodiments, such storage bins  218 , or pockets  214 ,  216  may operate to accentuate the position of the start and stop pieces  206 ,  208 . It is desirable to include one or more finger holes  220  in the bottom of a pocket  216 ,  218 , to facilitate removal of the construction pieces  202 ,  206 ,  208 .  
      In general, a cover  222  is included as a structure operable to maintain a position of construction pieces  202  in proscribed order in a game board image. Contrary to the exaggerated illustration of  FIG. 10 , an interior surface of cover walls  224  is typically arranged in harmony with an exterior surface of walls  210  to form a slide-on fit. All of, or a portion of, the cover top surface  226  may be transparent to permit visual inspection of the game image without removing the cover  222 .  
      Covers  104 ,  222  and trays  100 ,  200  may be manufactured from materials nonexclusively including: plastic, wood, metal, and paper products, such as various types of cardboard. Construction elements  102 ,  202  may be manufactured from any workable material, or composition of materials, including plastic, wood, metal, and paper products. The individual components of a puzzle game may be decorated as desired, such as by painting, dying, embossing, or coating with colored materials.  
      One exemplary embodiment of game  190  includes a pair if throwing dice, generally indicated at  228  and  230  in  FIG. 11 . Die  228  is arranged to indicate a different color on each of its six faces, with the colors being in harmony with colors found on the six faces of construction blocks  202 . Die  230  is configured to display a different number, between 1 and 6, on each of its six faces. A number of other game playing pieces may also be included, such as markers  232   a - f , and/or taws generally indicated at  234 , and  236 (see  FIG. 12 ).  
      In one currently preferred version of game  190 , there will be 6 colored playing pieces  232   a - f , with each marker  232   i  denoting a different color that corresponds to a color carried on each surface of the construction blocks  202 . For example, the displayed colors may include  232   a =red,  232   b =yellow,  232   c =green,  232   d =blue,  232   e =purple, and  232   f -black. Also included in the exemplary game  190  are a number of disc-like taws  234  and  236 , respectively. Illustrated taws are disk-like, similar to pieces found in a conventional checkers game. Desirably, taws  234  are one color, such as red, and taws  236  are a different color, such as black. Alternative colors may be applied to taws, such as brown and ivory. In the exemplary preferred embodiment, 14 taws are included; 7 each, of two distinguishable colors. Markers and taws may be manufactured in any desired 3-D shape, from any operable material.  
      In one version of play, players arrange the game board by placing construction elements  202  in tray  200  in any desired configuration. Next, each player chooses one of the colored playing pieces  232  to be their color. Then, all players roll the numbered die  230  to determine who goes first. One rule dictates that the player with the highest roll goes first, although an alternative selection may be made. All players begin the game with their pieces off the board.  
      Play begins, and players take turns in rotation. Each turn will include the following: a dice roll, a beginning square, a counting, and a landing square. The first player rolls both dice  228  and  230  and then, if possible, moves their marker  232  the number of squares indicated by the numbered die  230 , to land on a square (or space defined by a block  202 ) that is the color indicated by the colored die  228 . In some versions of the rules of play, the players must count the start block  206  as “number one” of their first move onto the board, while in subsequent moves the players do not count the square on which their marker  232   i  rests (the beginning square) when they move. If a player can move, then the player must move, following which it becomes the next player&#39;s turn. If a player cannot move as the dice indicate, it becomes the next player&#39;s turn.  
      In accordance with one set of currently preferred rules, players can move their markers  232   i  forward, backward and side-to-side. Diagonal moves are not allowed in such currently preferred version of play. It also is preferably not allowed for a player to count any square twice during any turn, including the beginning square. It may also not be allowed to count a square that is occupied by another player. However, in some versions, a player may land on a square occupied by another player&#39;s marker  232   i  and, upon doing so; send that player&#39;s piece  232   i  off the board and back to start (capture the opponent&#39;s piece). Certain rules of game play provide that, should a first player miss a possible move, and another player determine that a move could have been made, the first player&#39;s piece  210  is sent off the board and back to start. The first player to land on the stop block  208  is the game winner.  
      In a second version of play intended for two players, each player has number (such as seven) game playing pieces, or taws  234  or  236 , to play with. As before, the players arrange the game board by placing blocks  202  in tray  200  in any desired configuration, or according to a configuration proscribed by rules of the game. Next, each player chooses a set of game playing pieces, such as one set of either Red  234  or Black  236 . One player will have the start block  206  as their “home” and the other player will have the stop block  208  as their “home.” Players line their pieces (e.g.  234  or  236 ), across the row of blocks  202  just above their “home” block. Then, the players select who will have the first turn, such as by each player rolling the numbered die  230  to determine that the player with the highest roll has the first turn.  
      The first player rolls both dice  228  and  230  and then, if possible, moves any one of their game plying pieces  234  (or  236 ) the number of squares indicated by the numbered die  230 , and then lands on a square that is the color indicated by the colored die  228 . According to one set of rules, players may not count the square on which their flat piece  234  (or  236 ) was resting (the beginning square) when moving that flat piece  234  (or  236 ). If a player can move, then a move must be made, following which it becomes the next player&#39;s turn. If a player cannot move, the dice are passed to the next player and it becomes the other player&#39;s turn. The basic rules call for one roll, per-player, per-turn.  
      Players can move their flat pieces  234  (or  236 ) forward, backward, and side-to-side. Diagonal moves are not allowed. It may also not be allowed to count any square twice during any turn, including the beginning square. It may also not be allowed to count a square occupied by any of the player&#39;s own flat pieces  234  (or  236 ) or any of the opposing player&#39;s flat pieces  236  (or  234 ). If a player lands his game piece on a square occupied by any one of the opposing player&#39;s pieces, that opponent&#39;s piece is captured and removed from the board. Captured flat pieces  234  (or  236 ) remain out of play for the rest of the game.  
      Should a player determine the opposing player that could have moved any one of their flat pieces  234  (or  236 ) and did not, thus “missing” a move, they can capture the opponent&#39;s flat piece  234  (or  236 ) that could have moved. The first player to land on the opposing player&#39;s “home” square or the first player to capture all of the opposing player&#39;s flat pieces  234  (or  236 ) is deemed the winner.  
      Games may be played using the invention with any combination of above-mentioned rules, and any of the following options. One operable rule is that players may invent their own rules. A “land mine” color may be designated—land on that designated color and your game piece is sent back to start. A “wild card” number or color may be selected, e.g. roll a preselected number or color with the dies  230  or  228  and your turn continues with another roll. Landing on a space that is the same color as your marker can enable an additional roll to extend a player&#39;s turn. Multiple players may play in an elimination tournament format, where play continues until all but one player lands on the stop block. The remaining player may be eliminated from the subsequent round of play. A longer game may include an “up-and-back” path, wherein a player must traverse his game piece from the start block to the stop block, and then return to the start block. The game board may be constructed with fewer than the total number ofpossible construction pieces  202 , e.g., to create a “racetrack” having an open portion at the center of the board. Play may then progress in a clockwise, or counterclockwise, direction around such “track.” One or more laps may be required to complete a game. One or more blocks  202  can be removed from the board to leave a “hole.” If the only move a player can make puts their game piece “in the hole,” they must jump “in the hole” and lose their next turn. Play called “Red light, Green light” can entail losing a turn for a red roll, and gaining an additional turn (or roll) for each green roll of the die. A “red zone” can be created in the game board design, and all players may try to move their playing pieces into that “red zone.” Optionally, a player may not be required to move a piece out of the “red zone” even if no other move is possible. However, a player may optionally move out of the “red zone” to capture an opponent&#39;s piece. The player with the most pieces in play and all pieces in the “red zone” is declared the winner.  
      The outcome of the game may then be used to design the arrangement of blocks  202  in tray  200  to form the game board for a subsequent game. For example, the winner of a game may design the board (e.g. by arbitrarily rearranging the position of displayed colors), for subsequent play. Alternatively, the losing players, or the position of the remaining play pieces  234  and  236  may be used to determine a proscribed arrangement of blocks  202  for a subsequent game.  
      It will be apparent that details of the apparatus, processes, and methods herein described can be varied considerably without departing from the concept and scope of the invention.