Patent Publication Number: US-8991826-B2

Title: Board game utilizing binary numbers

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Continuation-in-part application and claims the benefit and takes priority from the U.S. application Ser. No. 13/316,702 filed on Dec. 12, 2011, which in turn claims the benefit of and takes priority from U.S. App. No. 61/423,812 filed on Dec. 16, 2010, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to board games, and more specifically, a board game and method of play utilizing a multi-tiered playing field comprised of a plurality of rooms, doors, and roof hatches. The board game includes a plurality of counters which convert natural numbers to binary numbers and aid the players in navigating through the playing field and winning the board game by being the first player to exit the playing field. 
     People of all ages enjoy playing board games for both entertainment and educational value. Board games have traditionally offered a way for friends and families to bond and enjoy each other&#39;s company while simultaneously participating in a mutually entertaining activity. While video and computer gaming has gained in popularity, many families still turn to board games because board games are more affordable, last longer, and are family oriented. 
     However, there is a need for a board game which can bridge the gap between generations and keep pace with the technology of video and computer games. A board game using binary numbers helps bridge this gap by providing a means that appeals to all ages alike. The electronic aspects and three dimensional structure of the gaming apparatus appeals to the younger generation, while the strategy and premise appeal to the older generations. In addition, all players benefit from the educational usefulness of binary codes. 
     Board games are also revered for their ability to catalyze strategic thinking among players. Like Chess, a board game using binary numbers requires players to contemplate future moves in order to block opponents from proceeding in the game. Remembering the strategy and sequences of moves can also help support logical thinking and memory function, allowing the players to develop and improve skills while having fun. 
     In addition, board games can stimulate the player and help develop social skills. Board games require multiple player interactions, wherein each player has to work with or against other players. Board games further provide a forum for players to experience the effects of losing and winning, which is an invaluable experience for children and adults alike. 
     The current invention is a board game that employs the use of a three dimensional structure, binary numbers, and electronics to provide a forum for fun and educational growth, while appealing to a wide range of audiences. It is contemplated that the board game can extend to computer games, video games, smart phone and tablet applications, theme parks or other similar gaming opportunities wherein players can compete to navigate through and be the first to exit the playing field. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,663,021 to Whippo discloses a binary game apparatus consisting of a plurality of playing pieces each of which are identical and each of which has first and second distinguishing characters which are respectively assigned the numbers 0 and one comprising the numbers in the binary system having base 2. The playing pieces may be cards, and each card may have one white face representing the number 0 and an opposite black face representing the number 1. When such cards are arranged adjacent, those displaying upward the character representing the number 1 have the following values; the one farthest to the right has the value 1, the next to the left the value 2, the next to the left the value 4, the next to the left the value 8, and continuing if desired with each such card representing the binary number one placed next to the left doubling in value. The cards or other playing pieces displaying upward the character representing the number 0 have the value of 0 regardless of their position. The total value of a row of adjacent playing pieces is determined by adding together the values so represented by the displayed characters of each piece, whereby a variety of number games may be played. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,677,549 to Moscovich discloses a board game of educational value in familiarizing the player with the binary-system, comprises a playing board and a set of identically-shaped playing pieces, each playing piece having “n” (e.g. 4) equal sides and being divided into “n” equal parts. The parts of the playing pieces are colored in two distinctive colors providing 2 n  possibilities of color-part combinations, each set including a playing piece for each of the 2 n  color part combinations. The playing board includes markings dividing the board into a plurality of at least 2 n  divisions, each division having an external shape identical to that of the playing pieces. Each playing piece represents a value in the binary-system of notation according to the position played on the board. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,648 to Polan discloses a game apparatus for two or more players, comprising a playing board having horizontal ranks and vertical rows forming an array of playing squares, with four sets of playing pieces, each set having distinct indicia disposed upon the front face of the playing pieces, with a border surrounding the array of playing squares on the playing board, and four distinct indicia similar to the indicia on the front face of the playing pieces disposed on the border of the playing board adjacent to each rank and row. There are at least as many playing pieces as there are playing squares in the array, with extra playing pieces withdrawn from play prior to the start of each game. Each player selects six playing pieces, and places one playing piece anywhere on the playing board, selecting a new playing piece from the drawing pile upon completion of each turn. Play alternates between players, until all the playing pieces have been played, without matching any indicia on any of the adjacent squares or adjacent border indicia. The winning player may receive points for each game won. Additional points may be awarded for each playing piece in the other player&#39;s hands upon completion of play. Bonus points may also be awarded for three or more identical indicia in each rank or row. 
     While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose employed, or for general use, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as disclosed hereafter. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the invention to provide a board game where the goal of each player is to navigate a multi-tiered playing field using binary number conversions. Accordingly, the present invention is a board game having a plurality of tiers, each tier having a plurality of rooms, doors, and roof hatches. A plurality of playing cards are utilized having natural numbers thereon and are converted to binary numbers through the use of a plurality of counters. The counters aid the player in revealing the doors and roof hatches that are opened during game play. The winning player wins the board game by being the first player to exit the playing field by moving through the opened doors and roof hatches. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a board game that teaches players binary numbers in an entertaining and challenging environment. Accordingly, the present invention comprises a plurality of counters alongside the playing field that convert natural numbers to binary numbers in order to determine which doors and roof hatches are opened to allow players to move through the playing field. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a board game which utilizes luck in order to entertain players. Accordingly, the present invention includes a plurality of playing cards which are shuffled and dealt to each player. Additionally, each player can choose whether to play with the playing cards face up or face down, the playing cards face down allows the players an added element of luck, such that the playing cards are flipped over on each turn to reveal which doors and roof hatches are opened within the playing field. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a board game in which players must apply strategy to challenge other players in the game. Accordingly, the present invention allows players to choose to play with the playing cards face up for all to view, or face up but viewable only by the individual player owning the particular cards, thereby allowing the opportunity for a player to choose which playing cards to play each turn to alter the opened and closed doors and roof hatches to the benefit of that player. Additionally, players can choose to play one, two, or three playing cards each turn to further navigate through the playing field. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a board game in which players may easily view all tiers of the playing field while seated anywhere around the board game. Accordingly, the present invention has four tiers, wherein the tiers are of varying heights and do not obstruct the view of any player, regardless of the position of the player around the board game. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a multi-tiered board game that allows players to experience moving up within the playing field. Accordingly, the four tiers of the present invention are varying heights, which allow players to move through roof hatches in order to reach higher tiers of the playing field and exit the playing field to win the game. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a board game that clearly indicates which doors and roof hatches are opened during each turn. Accordingly, the present invention includes lights that indicate which doors and roof hatches are opened and allow players to easily understand that they may move through any door or roof hatch with a light that is green, but may not move through any door or roof hatch with a light that is red. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a board game which is easy for players of various ages to understand. Accordingly, the present invention simply requires players to play at least one playing card on each turn and to move through opened doors and roof hatches, as determined by the binary number conversion and indicated to the players by the lights on the board game. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a board game in which game play may vary depending on the type of card played. Accordingly, the present invention provides “Fish My Wish” cards, “Double” cards, “Triple” cards, “Reverse Play” cards, “Roof Hatch” cards, and several sets of numbered cards. Each type of card can affect the value on the counters in a plurality of different ways. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a board game that can engage even its most experienced players. Accordingly, the present invention provides variability in configuration by allowing the location of the hatches to change between games and during the course of play. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a board game in which players may challenge one another as single players or teams. Accordingly, up to four players may play the board game of the present invention as individual opponents or multiple players as a team against other teams comprised of multiple players. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a board game that is easily and inexpensively manufactured. Accordingly, the playing field of the present invention is made of hard plastics that are manufactured in a cost-effective and straightforward manner. Additionally, the electronic components of the board game are inexpensive and readily available. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a board game that is of durable and reliable construction. Accordingly, the hard plastic material of the playing field of the present invention can withstand wear and tear over a long period of time. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a board game that is capable of folding closed for ease of portability. Accordingly, the four tiers of the present invention are designed to fold over one another, allowing for easy storage and mobility. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a board game in which the level of difficulty can increase according to the preference of the players. Accordingly, alternate embodiments of the present invention provide an extra challenge by having additional tiers, each tier including additional rooms, doors, and roof hatches for challenging the players to exit the playing field. 
     This invention is a board game incorporating binary conversions to entertain and educate players, comprising a multi-tiered playing field, a plurality of counters, control pads, and playing cards. The playing field comprises a plurality of rooms, doors, roof hatches, and lights. Players enter the values from the playing cards into the control pads. The control pads electronically communicate with the counters to display the binary conversions. Based on the binary conversions, the lights on the playing field indicate which doors and roof hatches are opened or closed allowing players to navigate through the playing field. The winning player wins by being the first player to exit the playing field. It is contemplated that the board game can extend to computer games, video games, smart phone and tablet applications, theme parks or other similar gaming opportunities wherein players can compete to navigate through and be the first to exit the playing field. 
     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like reference numerals. The drawings are briefly described as follows. 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic perspective view of a board game of the present invention having a playing field with four tiers, three counters for converting natural numbers to binary numbers, and a plurality of control pads for relaying information inputted by a player to the counters. 
         FIG. 1A  is a diagrammatic perspective view of the board game of the present invention, wherein the playing field is in the closed position for easy storage and portability. 
         FIG. 1B  is a top plan view of the playing cards, illustrating the numerical cards and the specials cards. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic perspective view of a control pad of the present invention illustrating the plurality of keys. 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross sectional view of the control pads illustrating the plurality of buttons, the membrane, and the keyboard sensor allowing for electrical contact with the keyboard sensor underneath the buttons when a key is pressed. 
         FIG. 2B  is a block diagram of a counter shown on the control pad. 
         FIG. 3  is an exemplary table containing pairs of values, illustrating natural numbers and the corresponding conversion to binary numbers. 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the playing field of the present invention, illustrating each tier having a plurality of rooms, doors, and roof hatches for allowing players to move through the playing field. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary table containing the door set values of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Board games provide entertainment and educational value to people of all ages. Board games also provide a forum for friends and family members to bond through a shared, enjoyable experience.  FIG. 1  illustrates a board game  10 , wherein players navigate through a playing field  14  through doors  18  and roof hatches  20 , which are opened or closed depending on correlating binary number conversions displayed on three counters  44 . It is contemplated that the board game  10  can extend to computer games, video games, smart phone and tablet applications, theme parks or other similar gaming opportunities wherein players can compete to navigate through and be the first to exit the playing field  14 . In its broadest context, the board game  10  includes a playing field  14  having a plurality of tiers  12 , a plurality of doors  18 , a plurality of roof hatches  20 , and a plurality of playing cards  30 . The objective of the board game  10  is to win by being the first player to reach a roof hatch  20  on the fourth tier  12 D and exit the playing field  14 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the playing field  14  of the board game  10  is made of hard plastics or other suitable material, and is substantially square. Preferably, the playing field  14  has four tiers  12  that extend upwardly to different elevations. The four tiers  12  are each substantially square and are flush adjacent each other when the playing field is ready for game play. Preferably, the first tier  12 A is one inch high, the second tier  12 B is two inches high, the third tier  12 C is three inches high, and the fourth tier  12 D is four inches high. The tiers  12  allow for players to advance in elevation throughout the playing field  14 , simulating advancement to higher floors in a building. Alternate embodiments are contemplated wherein the playing field  14  has less than four tiers  12  or more than four tiers  12 . 
     The board game  10  has an opened position  21 A and a closed position  21 B.  FIG. 1  shows the board game  10  in the opened position  21 A, wherein the board game  10  is ready for play. In the preferred embodiment, the board game  10  in the opened position  21 A has a length of approximately nineteen inches, a width of approximately nineteen inches, and a height varying between one inch and four inches. 
     In the closed position  21 B, shown in  FIG. 1A , the board game  10  is folded for storage and easy mobility. Preferably, in the closed position  21 B the board game  10  has a length of approximately nine and one-half inches, a width of approximately nineteen inches, and a thickness of approximately five inches. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , each tier  12  of the playing field  14  is comprised of a plurality of rooms  16 . Preferably, each of the four tiers  12  contains twenty rooms  16 , such that the playing field  14  comprises eighty rooms  16  total. The playing field  14  includes partitions  24 , which divide each tier  12  into a grid configuration, thereby forming rooms  16  that are equally sized and substantially square. Each partition  24  represents a door  18  between each room  16  that players may move through. Preferably, the total number of doors  18  is one-hundred twenty-four, with thirty-one doors  18  on each tier  12  of the playing field  14 . 
     Each tier  12  of the playing field  14  is further comprised of roof hatches  20  which allow players to advance to the next highest tier  12 . Preferably, the roof hatches are located within a room  16  in the playing field. In the preferred embodiment, each tier  12  has a main roof hatch  20 A, a first alternative roof hatch  20 B, a second alternative roof hatch  20 C, and a third alternative roof hatch  20 D. The first tier  12 A has a room  16  designated as the starting position  26 . In alternate embodiments, it is contemplated that the number of roof hatches  20 , and the room  16  the roof hatches  20  are positioned, may vary. 
     The playing field  14  of the board game  10  comprises lights  28  that change color and are integrally coupled to the playing field  14  to indicate to the players whether a door  18  or roof hatch  20  is opened or closed. A light  28  that is red indicates the door  18  or roof hatch  20  is closed. A light  28  that is green indicates the door  18  or roof hatch  20  is opened. The lights  28  are preferably light emitting diodes (LEDs). In the preferred embodiment, each light  28  corresponds to an individual door  18  or roof hatch  20  of the playing field  14 . Therefore, there are one-hundred and forty lights within the playing field  14 . In the preferred embodiment, a light  28  that corresponds to a door  18  is positioned centrally on the respective partition  24 . Lights  28  representing doors  18  alternate from a red color to a green color. Preferably, roof hatches  20  are designated within the playing field  14  by lights  28  centrally positioned within a room  16 . Lights  28  representing roof hatches  20  alternate on and off with a yellow indicator light. When a light  28  that denotes a door  18  is green, the door  18  is opened and players are free to move through the door  18  towards a roof hatch  20 . When a light  28  that denotes a roof hatch  20  is on with a yellow indicator, a player may advance to the next tier  12  upon entering the room  16  with the roof hatch  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , the board game  10  further contains a plurality of playing cards  30 , preferably made of paper, plastic, or other suitable material. The playing cards  30  are used to add excitement and facilitate strategic thinking during game play. The playing cards  30  are further comprised of ninety-six numerical cards  30 A and thirty-two special cards  30 B, totaling one-hundred twenty-eight playing cards  30 . The numerical cards  30 A comprise six sets of playing cards  30  numbered “1” through “16”. The special cards  30 B include five “Fish My Wish” cards  30 D, eight “Double” cards  30 E, eight “Triple” cards  30 F, six “Reverse Play” cards  30 G, and five “Roof Hatch” cards  30 H. 
     A plurality of dice (not shown) are included in the board game  10  and used to determine the order in which each player will play the board game  10 . The dice are those commonly used in games, having six sides numbered one through six. 
     The control pads  32  of the board game  10  provide the players a means to electronically submit the numerical cards  30 A or special cards  30 B to the lights  28  of the playing field  14  to reveal which doors  18  and roof hatches are opened or closed. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the control pads  32  resemble traditional calculators that are well-known in the art. In the preferred embodiment, there are four control pads  32  comprised of hard plastics, having a top  32 A, a bottom  32 B, a right side  32 C, and a left side  32 D. Preferably, each control pad  32  is three-fourths inches thick, five inches across the top  32 A, four inches across the bottom  32 B, and five inches along the right  32 C and left  32 D sides. In the preferred embodiment, the control pads  32  are integrally coupled to the playing field  14  such that each player or team of players is provided with a personal control pad  32 . The control pads  32  preferably communicate wirelessly with the board game  10 ; however, it is contemplated in alternate embodiments that the control pads  32  are wired to the playing field  14  through electronic means. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the control pads  32  each comprise twenty-five keys  34 , preferably made of plastic or other suitable material. Three keys  34  correspond to each of the three counters  44 . Five keys  34  correspond to each special card  30 B. Sixteen keys  34  correspond to the numbered playing cards  30 . For example, a numerical card  30 A that displays a “1” is represented on a key  34  of the control pad  32  as “1”. To input information revealed on the playing card  30 , a player first presses the corresponding key  34  on the control pad  32  for the counter  44  in which to alter the binary number  64  and then presses the corresponding key  34  for the displayed “1” from the numerical card  30 A. A player presses the “Complete Turn” key to officially enter the count of each player&#39;s turn onto the counters  44 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , the control pads  32  further comprise a membrane  36  and a keyboard sensor  38 . The membrane  36  has a plurality of buttons  40  which are positioned directly underneath each key  34  and preferably made of rubber. There is a hollow space  42  underneath each button  40 , such that when a player presses down a key  34 , the button  40  located underneath also presses down, thereby making electrical contact with the keyboard sensor  38  underneath the buttons  40 . 
     The board game  10  further comprises a plurality of counters  44 . In the preferred embodiment, a first counter  44 A, a second counter  44 B, and a third counter  44 C convert natural numbers  62  to binary numbers  64 . The binary conversions of natural numbers  62 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , dictate which doors  18  and roof hatches  20  are opened during each player&#39;s turn. Although the counters  44  are preferably wired into the playing field  14  through an electronic means, it is contemplated that in alternate embodiments, the counters  44  are external to and communicate wirelessly with the playing field  14 . 
     The counters  44  of the board game  10  comprise transistors  46 , a microchip processor  48 , a circuit  50 , and a display screen  52 . The transistors  46  store binary numbers  64  determined by the keys  34  on the control pads  32  by switching electrical current on and off, such that switching current into the on position stores a one and switching current into the off position stores a zero. Once electrical contact is made with the keyboard sensor  38  underneath the rubber buttons  40  on the control pads  34 , a microchip processor  48  determines which key  34  a player has pressed. A circuit  50  within the microchip processor  48  activates the display screen  52  corresponding to the keys  34  that are pressed. The display screen  52  shows binary numbers  64  which indicate through which doors  18  and roof hatches  20  players may move. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , each door  18  of the playing field  14  has a door number  60 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 5 , each door number  60  is assigned within a unique door set  54 , allowing the counters  44  to indicate the specific doors  18  through which players may move. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the playing field  14  has sixteen door sets  54 : a first door set  54 A, a second door set  54 B, a third door set  54 C, a fourth door set  54 D, a fifth door set  54 E, a sixth door set  54 F, a seventh door set  54 G, an eighth door set  54   h , a ninth door set  54 I, a tenth door set  54 J, an eleventh door set  54 K, a twelfth door set  54 L, a thirteenth door set  54 M, a fourteenth door set  54 N, a fifteenth door set  54 O, and a sixteenth door set  54 P. Preferably, each door set  54 , comprises eight doors  18 . The first door set  54 A comprises door numbers  60  one through eight, the second door set  54 B comprises door numbers  60  nine through sixteen, the third door set  54 C comprises door numbers seventeen through twenty-four, the fourth door set  54 D comprises door numbers  60  twenty-five through thirty-two, the fifth door set  54 E comprises door numbers  60  thirty-three through forty, the sixth door set  54 F comprises door numbers  60  forty-one through forty-eight, the seventh door set  54 G comprises door numbers  60  forty-nine through fifty-six, the eighth door set  54 H comprises door numbers  60  fifty-seven through sixty-four, the ninth door set  54 I comprises door numbers  60  sixty-five through seventy-two, the tenth door set  54 J comprises door numbers  60  seventy-three through eighty, the eleventh door set  54 K comprises door numbers eighty-one through eighty-eight, the twelfth door set  54 L comprises door numbers  60  eighty-nine through ninety-six, the thirteenth door set  54 M comprises door numbers  60  ninety-seven through one-hundred four, the fourteenth door set  54 N comprises door numbers  60  one-hundred five through one-hundred twelve, the fifteenth door set  54 O comprises door numbers  60  one-hundred thirteen through one-hundred twenty, and the sixteenth door set  54 P comprises door numbers  60  one-hundred twenty-one through one-hundred twenty-eight. To allow for further variation during game play, the eighth door  18  of door sets four  54 D, eight  54 H, twelve  54 L and sixteen  54 P are the main roof hatches  20 A for first tier  14 A, second tier  14 B, third tier  14 C, and fourth tier  14 D, respectively. Therefore the status of the main roof hatches  20 A will change in a similar manner as all doors  18  within the playing field  14 . 
     The first counter  44 A, second counter  44 B, and third counter  44 C display binary numbers  64  which are necessary to determine which doors  18  and roof hatches  20  within the playing field  14  are opened and closed. The binary numbers  64  are comprised of digits  66  where each digit  66  indicates if a door  18  follows the switching pattern from opened or closed. A digit  66  of “1” indicates that the door number  60  is opened, and a digit  66  of “0” indicates that the door number  60  is closed. 
     The first counter  44 A displays binary numbers  64  that introduce the switching command of any eight given doors  18 . The binary number  64  displayed on the second counter  44 B indicates which doors  18  from door sets one  54 A, two  54 B, three  54 C, four  54 D, five  54 E, six  54 F, seven  54 G, and eight  54 H will alter based on the binary number  64  from the first counter  44 A. The binary number  64  displayed on the third counter  44 C indicates which doors  18  from door sets nine  54 I, ten  54 J, eleven  54 K, twelve  54 L, thirteen  54 M, fourteen  54 N, fifteen  54 O, and sixteen  54 P will alter based on the binary number  64  from the first counter  44 A. For example, if during the course of game play, the first counter  44 A displays binary number  64  for the number “73” which is 01001001, and the second counter displays the binary number  64  for the number “40” which is 00101000, and the third counter displays the binary number  64  for number “36” which is 00100100, then the third, fifth, eleventh and fourteenth door sets  54  will be affected based on the second  44 B and third counter  44 C. Based on the first counter  44 A the doors  18  in the second, fifth and eighth position of the door set  54  will open and remaining doors  18  within the playing field  14  will close as indicated by the lights  28  for each respective door  18 . Therefore, door numbers  18 ,  21 ,  24 ,  34 ,  37 ,  40 ,  82 ,  85 ,  88 ,  106 ,  109 , and  112  will be opened and indicated as such with a light  28  that is green. All remaining doors  18  within the playing field  14  will be closed with a light  28  that is red. 
     The counters  44  maintain a count from “0” to “255” and also display the respective binary number  64 . The counters  44  are cumulative adding upon the last numerical card  30 A played until reaching “255” wherein each individual counter  44  resets to “0”. For example, if player one plays a number “10” as the first playing card  30  during the turn, the first counter  44 A displays the binary number  64  associated with “10”. If player two then plays a number “16” as first card during the turn, the first counter  44 A adds the “10” and “16” to equal “26.” Thus, the first counter  44 A shows the binary number  64  for “26,” and the corresponding doors  18  for the binary number  64  for “26” are affected. The second counter  44 B and the third counter  44 C mirror the first counter&#39;s  44 A functioning in the aforementioned way. 
     The board game  10  further comprises a master control panel  56  that maintains the status of all three counters  44 . If the value on any counter  44  reaches two-hundred and fifty-five during the game, the master control panel  56  sets the counter  44  back to zero so that the counter  44  counts up toward two-hundred and fifty-five again allowing game play to continue and doors and 18 roof hatches  20  to alter from opened to closed. 
     Method of Play 
     To win the board game  10 , the players must utilize a combination of skill and luck to navigate through the playing field  14  in order to be the first player to exit the playing field  14  through a roof hatch  20  on the fourth tier  12 D. To navigate through the playing field  14 , the players enter rooms  16  through doors  18  that are opened, as indicated by a light  28  that is green. 
     In the preferred embodiment, there are twenty rooms  16  on each of the four tiers  12  of the playing field  14  for the players to navigate through. Preferably, each tier  12  has a main roof hatch  20 A, a first alternative roof hatch  20 B, a second alternative roof hatch  20 C, and a third alternative roof hatch  20 D. The first tier  12 A has a room  16  that is the starting position  26  for all the players. 
     The roof hatches  20  allow the player to move to the next highest tier  12  in the playing field  14  to eventually reach a roof hatch  20  on the fourth tier  12 D. The players may only advance to the next highest tier  12  if the door  18  of the room  16  in which the roof hatch  20  is located is opened and the particular roof hatch  20  is also opened and available for game play. Thus, the player must utilize strategy to effectively advance through the rooms  16  and reach an opened roof hatch  20  in order to eventually reach the fourth tier  12 D. Once reaching the fourth tier  12 D, a player can exit the playing field  14  using a roof hatch  20  that is opened, effectively winning the game. 
     The board game  10  is suitable for up to four players, with the option of individual or team play. Before game play begins, the players must first determine the game play order and distribute all the appropriate playing cards  30 . To establish game play order, each player must first roll the dice in turn. The player with the highest roll is player one for game play order, followed by the player with the second highest role. This pattern continues until all players are accounted for. 
     The playing cards  30  of the board game  10  are collectively comprised of numerical cards  30 A and special cards  30 B, totaling one-hundred and twenty-eight playing cards  30 . Each numerical card  30 A has a printed number from “1” to “16” located thereon. The special cards  30 B are further comprised of five “Fish My Wish” cards  30 D, eight “Double cards”  30 E, eight “Triple cards”  30 F, six “Reverse Play” cards  30 G, and five “Roof Hatch” cards  30 H, which the players can employ to fluctuate game play. To distribute the playing cards  30 , one player shuffles all the playing cards collectively and hands each player thirty-two of these shuffled playing cards  30  face-down. During game play with less than four players, the remaining playing cards  30  are kept aside until the playing cards  30  are reshuffled and redistributed to all players. Alternatively, with less than four players, the remaining playing cards  30  are placed in a collective pile that players can also choose to play from during each turn. Each player decides if the playing cards  30  will be viewable to all players throughout the game play or if the playing cards will remain face down. Allowing all players to see the playing cards  30  will add an extra element of strategy, while not seeing the playing cards  30  will add an element of mystery and luck. During game play, the entire deck of one-hundred and twenty-eight playing cards  30  are reshuffled and redistributed once any one player has depleted all thirty-two of their playing cards  30 . To further strategize, players have a choice of playing one, two, or three playing cards  30  during game play to gain further opportunities to navigate through the playing field  14 . While players may choose to play one, two, or three playing cards  30 , only one playing card is entered on each counter  44 . Therefore, once a player plays the first playing card  30 , the player may choose if the first playing card  30  played will affect the first counter  44 A, second counter  44 B, or third counter  44 C. Similarly, when the player plays a second playing card, the player may choose which counter  44  to affect, but may not choose the counter  44  in which the first playing card  30  was entered. For example, if a player chooses to enter the first playing card  30  played into the second counter  44 B, the next playing card  30  played may only affect the first  44 A or third counter  44 C. The counters  44  show the potential binary number  64  which will display on the counter  44 , however, the binary numbers  64  will not change until the player presses the “Complete Turn” key  34  on the control pad  32 . This variability enables a player to change the status of each counter  44  with each turn during game play. 
     The varying combination of opened roof hatches  20  allows for more varied and exciting game play. The eighth door  18  of door sets four  54 D, eight  54 H, twelve  54 L and sixteen  54 P are the main roof hatches  20 A for first, second, third and fourth tiers  14 , respectively. Therefore door numbers  32 ,  64 ,  96 , and  128 , representing the roof hatches, are subject to the same switching pattern as all the doors  18  in the playing field  14 . Additionally, only one roof hatch  20  is opened on each tier  12  at any time during game play. At the start of game play, all main roof hatches  20 A are opened. “Roof Hatch”  30 H cards are utilized by a player to affect the roof hatches  20  during a player&#39;s turn. “Roof Hatch”  30 H cards affect the roof hatches  20  by adding the first four digits  66  of the binary number  64  on the second counter  44 B to affect which roof hatch  20  is opened on the first tier  12 A. Similarly, adding the last four digits  66  of the binary number  64  on the second counter  44 B will affect the roof hatches  20  of the second tier  12 B, the first four digits  66  of the binary number  64  on third counter  44 C will affect the roof hatches  20  of the third tier  12 C, and the last four digits  66  of the binary number  64  on the third counter  44 C will affect the roof hatches  20  of fourth tier  14 D. “Roof Hatch” cards  30 H are only available for game play once all players move from the starting position  26 . When a “Roof Hatch” card is played the roof hatches  20  within the playing field  14  are affected as follows: if any four digits  66  of the binary number  64  add to 0, all roof hatches  20  remained closed for the respective tier  12 , if the four digits  66  add to 1, the main roof hatch  20 A within the respective tier  12  is opened, if the four digits add to 2, the first alternate roof hatch  20 B within the respective tier  12  is opened, if the four digits add to 3, the second alternate roof hatch  20 C within the respective tier  12  is opened, if the four digits add to four, the third alternate roof hatch  20 D within the respective tier  14  is opened. For example if a player plays a “Roof Hatch” card  30 H and if the second counter  44 B displayed the binary number  64  for “43” which is “00101100” then the main roof hatch  20 A on the first tier  12 A is opened and the remaining roof hatches  20  on the first tier  12 A are closed. Similarly, the first alternate roof hatch  20 B is opened on the second tier  12 B. This same pattern will affect the roof hatches  20  on the third tier  12 C and fourth tier  12 D based on the binary number  64  displayed on the third counter  44 C. 
     The playing cards  30  relate to the first counter  44 A, second counter  44 B, and the third counter  44 C that act to alter the lights  28  being turned green, red, or yellow thereby indicating if a particular door  18  or roof hatch  20  is opened or closed within the playing field  14 . As mentioned supra, the first counter  44 A displays binary numbers  64  that introduce the switching command of any eight given doors  18 . The binary number  64  displayed on the second counter  44 B indicates which doors  18  from door sets one  54 A, two  54 B, three  54 C, four  54 D, five  54 E, six  54 F, seven  54 G, and eight  54 H will alter based on the binary number  64  from the first counter  44 A. The binary number  64  displayed on the third counter  44 C indicates which doors  18  from door sets nine  54 I, ten  54 J, eleven  54 K, twelve  54 L, thirteen  54 M, fourteen  54 N, fifteen  54 O, and sixteen  54 P will alter based on the binary number  64  from the first counter  44 A. 
     To move through the playing field  14 , the players, in turn, play one, two, or three playing cards  30 . Each player or team of players has a control pad  32 , wherein the player enters the corresponding key  34  on the control pad  32  relating to the playing card  30  played. If a player plays a numerical card  30 A as the first card, and chooses to affect the first counter  44 A, the player presses the corresponding key  34  on the control pad  32 , for the first counter  44 A. The first counter  44 A then displays a binary number  64  comprised of eight digits  66  used to determine which of the doors  18  are affected by the switching command. When a player chooses to play a second playing card  30  and plays a numerical card  30 A, and chooses to affect the second counter  44 B, the player presses the corresponding key  34  on the control pad  32  which relays the information to the second counter  44 B. The second counter  44 B then displays the binary number  64  corresponding with the second playing card  30  played. The second counter  44 B indicates which door set from door sets one through eight are affected as a digit of “1”. When a player chooses to play a third playing card  30  and plays a numerical card  30 A, the player presses the corresponding key  34  on the control pad  32  which relays the information to the third counter  44 C. The third counter  44 C then displays the binary number  64  corresponding with the third playing card  30  played. The third counter  44 C indicates which door set from door sets nine through sixteen are affected as a digit of “1”. Once a player has chosen to play one, two, or three cards and affect the counters  44 , doors  18  and roof hatches  20 , the player presses the “Complete Turn” key  34  and all binary numbers  64  displayed are entered and all lights  28  on the playing field  14  will alter based on the binary numbers  64  displayed. 
     The counters  44  are cumulative adding upon the last numerical card  30 A played until reaching “255” wherein each individual counter  44  resets to “0”. For example, if player one plays a number “10” as the first playing card  30  and chooses to use the first playing card  30  on the first counter  44 A, the player presses the corresponding key  34  on the control pad  32  for the first counter  44 A and the presses the corresponding key  34  for the number “10”. The first counter  44 A then displays the binary number  64  associated with “10”. If player two then plays a number “16” as the next playing card  30  and also chooses to use this number “16” on the first counter  44 A, player two presses the corresponding key  34  on the control pad  32  for the first counter  44 A, and then presses the corresponding key  34  for “16”. The first counter  44 A adds the “10” and “16” to equal “26.” Thus, the first counter  44 A shows the binary number  64  for “26”. The second counter  44 B and the third counter  44 C mirror the first counter&#39;s  44 A functioning in the aforementioned way. 
     In addition to numerical cards  30 A, players may also play special cards  30 B which add variety and excitement to the board game  10 . Each of the special cards  30 B also has a corresponding key  34  on the control pads  32 . If a “Fish My Wish” card  30 D is played, the player first presses the corresponding key on the control pad  32 , and then the player can choose any three numbers from “0” to “16” and press the corresponding keys  34  on the control pad  32  to alter the three respective control pads. The choice of which number to press and therefore alter the doors  18  which open provides the player the potential to utilize strategic thinking in order to advance in the board game  10  by choosing a number that will yield favorable results to navigate through the playing field  14 . 
     If a “Double” card  30 E is played, the player presses the corresponding key  34  on the control pad  32 , which essentially doubles the previous natural number  62 . For example, if the first counter  44 A displays the binary number  64  associated with the natural number  62  “60” and the player one presses the corresponding key  34  for a “Double” card  30 E on the control pad  32 , the first counter  44 A will then display the binary number  64  associated with the natural number  62  “120.” Similar to the “Double” card  30 E, if a “Triple” card  30 F is played, the player presses the corresponding key  34  on the control pad  32  which triples the previous natural number  62 . Similar to numerical cards, “Double”  30 E or “Triple”  30 F cards affect one counter  44  at a time, therefore, the player must decide which counter  44  to affect and press the corresponding key  34  for the counter  44  before pressing the corresponding key  34  for either the “Double” card  30 E or “Triple”  30 F card. 
     “Reverse Play” cards  30 G return all three counters  44  to the binary numbers  64  that each counter  44  displayed prior to the previous player&#39;s play. The “Roof Hatch” cards  30 H affect which alternative roof hatch is altered as mentioned supra. 
     Each player has a playing piece (not shown) to represent the location of the player within the playing field  14 . During game play, each player may move the playing piece within the playing field  14  up to two times per turn. A player may move once before the first card on the players turn is played to take advantage of opened doors  18  and roof hatches  20  from the previous turn. A player may move once again after the entirety of the player&#39;s turn thereby taking advantage of the player&#39;s turn on the counters  44 , doors  18 , and roof hatches  20 . 
     In conclusion, herein is presented a board game. The invention is illustrated by example in the playing figures, and throughout the written description. It should be understood that numerous variations are possible, while adhering to the inventive concept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention.