Patent ID: 12254781

DESCRIPTION

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following description is illustrative and not in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the claimed subject matter will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. It shall be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the systems and methods described herein may vary as to configuration and as to details. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments includes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

In various embodiments, the education multiplayer card game method and system disclosed herein may be embodied as a card game entitled “Scholar and Sage,” which includes four categories of cards: character cards, action cards, resource cards, and wealth cards. A player can chain cards together that have matching synonym or similar attributes. The chaining aspect enforces learning and to gain a greater probability to win requires a player to understand synonyms and similar high impact words. The chaining aspect also creates the ability to introduce and incorporate a high number of words into a game setting. The use of different card types, such as Wealth, Character, Resource, and Action card types, with different attributes allows a player to create scarcity and advantage, forcing players to make tactical and strategic decisions that affect their ability to win.

Language skills, vocabulary, and word associations are key components of standardized tests, certifications, qualifying exams, etc. As such, entire industries have arisen to improve these skills both because of their professional benefit and individuals' difficulty in acquiring these skills without assistance. However, information retention is maximized when the user is interested, engaged, and motivated to use the educational materials. Interest, engagement, and motivation to continue are the hallmarks of a game. Thus, the educational card game described herein is an effective educational tool because it is comprehensive and fun. As players play the educational card game described herein, they read, hear, and associate words together as either synonyms or antonyms. While playing the educational card game, players are repeatedly exposed to vocabulary words and definitions, to synonym and antonym associations, and to one or more languages in certain embodiments. The contrast strike rule, discussed below, allows a player to conduct a strategy of drawing contrasting and antonyms word cards to play against an opponent's cards. This feature was incorporated to create a novel mechanism and incentive for players to learn new words and word associations. Therefore, as the players play the educational card game, they have fun, expand their vocabulary, and create associations among the words within their expanded vocabulary.

With reference now toFIG.1, there is shown an exemplary character card100. The character card main word or name102is ‘Juggernaut’ with a phonetic pronunciation104listed below the name. In various embodiments, the character name can include ‘Swindler’, ‘Charlatan’, ‘Epicure’, ‘Savant’, ‘Fanatic’, ‘Maelstrom’, ‘Apothecary’, or any other vocabulary word suitable for a selected education level. Synonym words106are listed vertically along an edge of the card100, while antonym or contrast words108are listed horizontally along a bottom edge of the card100. The synonym words106listed can include one or more character names102of other character cards. The synonym words106listed can further include synonym words that are not a character name of any other card in the deck. Further still, the synonym words106listed can include every character name in the deck that is a synonym of the character card100character name102. The antonym words108can include one or more character names102of other character cards. The antonym words108listed can further include antonym words that are not a character name of any other card in the deck. Further still, the antonym words106listed can include every character name in the deck that is an antonym of the character card100character name102. A definition110of the character name102, which can also include synonyms to the character name102, is provided below a character picture112. In one embodiment, the character picture112is the same for all character cards100, regardless of the character name102. In another embodiment, the character picture112is unique to each character name112, and can therefore aid players in remembering a character name112meaning and synonym and antonym associations. A special ability or action trait114is listed for in-game use and player instruction. In the exemplary embodiment, the special ability114allows the Juggernaut character card100to perform a combined attack with two other character cards during a player's attack phase, which combined attack counts as an action for each character card used in the combined attack. In various embodiments, a character card100can include any one of the following special abilities114: spend one (1) resource during owner's defense phase (opponent player's action phase) in exchange for increasing a character card's defense value by one (1) point, which lasts for one turn; and expend one (1) resource during owner's defense phase to negate a damage point to owner from any attack. In this particular embodiment, the special ability does not count as an action. In other embodiments, a character card100can include other special abilities not provided herein.

The character card100further includes a label indicating the wealth118required to activate the character card100and resources116required to supply the character card100. In the illustrative embodiment, a character card can require between one (1) and four (4) resources. In other embodiments, certain character cards can require no resources or more than four (4) resources, up to a value that is reasonable based on the number of cards intended to be used, number of players, etc. The attack value120and defense value122of the character card100are listed in the top left corner. The attack value120and defense value122can be a positive integer or zero (0). In a further embodiment, the attack value120and defense value122are denoted by a simple binary system, either no value or a value of one (1). The attack value120and defense value122can further be denoted by any similar system of symbols relating values. In one embodiment, a defense value122of zero (0) is denoted by a horizontal dash and positive integer values are denoted by an associated numeral.

Referring toFIG.2, an exemplary action card130is shown. The action card main word or name132is ‘Inimical’ with a phonetic pronunciation134listed below the name. In various embodiments, the action card name132can include ‘Inequity’, ‘Penury’, ‘Pernicious’, ‘Deleterious’, and ‘Malevolent’, or any other vocabulary word suitable for a selected education level. Synonym words136are listed vertically along an edge of the action card130, while antonym or contrast words138are listed horizontally along a bottom edge of the action card130. The synonym words136listed can include one or more action card names132of other action cards130. The synonym words136listed can further include synonym words that are not an action card name132of any other card in the deck. Further still, the synonym words136listed can include every action card name132in the deck that is a synonym of the action card name132. The antonym words138can include one or more action card names132of other action cards130. The antonym words136listed can further include antonym words that are not an action card name132of any other card in the deck. Further still, the antonym words136listed can include every action card name132in the deck that is an antonym of the action card name132.

A definition140of the action card name132is provided below a picture142. In one embodiment the action picture142associated with the action card130is the same regardless of the action name132. In a further embodiment, the picture142is unique to each action card name132. A special ability or action trait144is listed for in-game use and player instruction. All action cards have a special ability144and are used to change or modify other cards, player actions, and game features. The special ability includes an action time, an action duration, an action target, an effect, and a cost to use the special ability144. Unless otherwise stated on the action card130, an action card130can only be played during that player's action phase, an action card's130effect will only last for the action phase during which it was played, and an action card130must be targeted at a character card100. Where an action card130lists the action time “instant”, that action card's130action144occurs immediately and the action card's130duration is limited to the performance of the action144, for example, an attack or a defense against an opponent's attack. Where an action card130lists the action time “temporary”, that action card's130action occurs during a specific time period, for example, during the player's action phase, during an opponent player's action phase, during the player's turn, or during an opponent player's turn, or other specified duration of game time. Where an action card130lists the action time “lasting”, that action card's130action remains in effect upon the targeted character card100until the end of the game, until countered by another special action, until the completion of a specified term, or until a specified payment is met.

In the exemplary embodiment, the special ability144allows the character card upon which the action card130is played to perform one (1) extra attack, immediately. In various embodiments, an action card130can include any one of the following special abilities144: discard one (1) resource or resource card from any single character card100in play; or eliminate half (½) the wealth or wealth cards currently in an opponent's treasury. For accounting purposes, round up when determining the wealth to eliminate. In one embodiment, this occurs instantly. In other embodiments, an action card130can include other special abilities not provided herewith.

Referring toFIG.3, an exemplary resource card150is shown. The resource card main word or name152is ‘Capricious’ with a phonetic pronunciation154listed below the resource card name152. In various embodiments, the resource card name152can include ‘Zealous’, ‘Fanatical’, ‘Fervent’, ‘Ardent’, ‘Loquacious’, ‘Garrulous’, ‘Voluble’, ‘Anecdote’, ‘Narrative’, ‘Myth’, ‘Legend’, ‘Insouciant’, ‘Indifferent’, ‘Blithe’, ‘Nonchalant’, ‘Laconic’, ‘Pithy’, ‘Terse’, ‘Taciturn’, ‘Reticent’, ‘Diffident’, ‘Laconic’, ‘Banal’, ‘Insipid’, ‘Hackneyed’, ‘Trite’, ‘Virulent’, ‘Vitriolic’, ‘Pernicious’, ‘Infectious’, ‘Revere’, ‘Lionize’, ‘Laud’, ‘Extol’, ‘Applaud’, ‘Contrite’, ‘Remorseful’, ‘Repentant’, ‘Innocuous’, ‘Benign’, ‘Genial’, ‘Benevolent’, ‘Temperate’, ‘Servile’, ‘Obsequious’, ‘Scrupulous’, ‘Sycophantic’, ‘Deferential’, ‘Servile’, ‘Subservient’, ‘Hilarity’, ‘Mirth’, ‘Glee’, ‘Merriment’, ‘Exuberance’, ‘Whimsical’, ‘Mercurial’, and ‘Fickle’, or any other vocabulary word suitable for a selected education level. Synonym words156are listed vertically along an edge of the resource card150, while antonym or contrast words158are listed horizontally along a bottom edge of the resource card150. The synonym words156listed can include one or more resource card names152of other resource cards150. The synonym words156listed can further include synonym words that are not a resource card name152of any other card in the deck. Further still, the synonym words156listed can include every resource card name152in the deck that is a synonym of the resource card name152. The antonym words158can include one or more resource card names152of other resource cards150. The antonym words156listed can further include antonym words that are not a resource card name152of any other card in the deck. Further still, the antonym words156listed can include every resource card name152in the deck that is an antonym of the resource card name152.

A definition160of the resource card name152is provided below a picture162associated with the resource card150. In one embodiment, the resource picture162is the same for all resource cards160, regardless of the resource name152. In a further embodiment, the picture162is unique to each resource card name152. In some embodiments, a special ability or action trait164is listed for in-game use and player instruction. When a resource card150includes a special ability164, that special ability can only be used while the resource card150is in the player's hand. Once a resource card's150special ability164is used, the resource card150is no longer available to supply a character card100as a resource, for placement in a resource area, or for use in a contrast strike as described below. Additionally, once a resource card's150special ability164is used, the resource card150is no longer playable as a resource card150for the remainder of the game session; and the resource card150takes the characteristic trait of the special ability164. Resource cards150further include a resource value158. In one embodiment, the resource value158can be any positive integer. In another embodiment, the resource value158can be any positive value. The illustrative resource card150has a resource value158of one (1) and further includes a wealth value159associated with the special ability144. In one embodiment, the wealth value159can be any positive integer. In another embodiment, the wealth value159can be any positive value. In some embodiments, a resource card150does not include a wealth value159. Principally, resources are used to supply character cards100and allow the character card100to be used in game-play.

In the exemplary embodiment, the special ability164provides that the resource card150may be expended or stored in a player's treasury as one (1) wealth and is discarded when expended as wealth. In a further embodiment, a resource card150can include the following special ability164, permanently increase the defense and attack of a character card100by one (1) point value, costs one (1) wealth to activate. In other embodiments, a resource card150can include other special abilities not provided herein.

Referring now toFIG.4, an exemplary wealth card170associated with the illustrative “Scholar & Sage” gaming card deck is shown. The wealth card main word or name172is ‘Arable’ with a phonetic pronunciation174listed below the wealth card name172. In various embodiments, the wealth card name172can include ‘Fertile’, ‘Aromatic’, ‘Fragrant’, ‘Perfumed’, ‘Scented’, ‘Galleon’, ‘Trireme’, ‘Munificent’, ‘Magnanimous’, ‘Generous’, ‘Avarice’, ‘Opus’, ‘Composition’, ‘Overture’, ‘Paucity’, ‘Scarcity’, and ‘Dearth’, or any other vocabulary word suitable for a selected education level. Synonym words176are listed vertically along an edge of the wealth card170, while antonym or contrast words178are listed horizontally along a bottom edge of the wealth card170. The synonym words176listed can include one or more wealth card names172of other wealth cards170. The synonym words176listed can further include synonym words that are not a wealth card name172of any other card in the deck. Further still, the synonym words176listed can include every wealth card name172in the deck that is a synonym of the wealth card name172. The antonym words178can include one or more wealth cards name172of other wealth cards170. The antonym words176listed can further include antonym words that are not a wealth card name172of any other card in the deck. Further still, the antonym words176listed can include every wealth card name172in the deck that is an antonym of the wealth card name172. A definition180of the wealth card name172is provided below a picture182associated with the wealth card170. In one embodiment, the wealth card picture182is the same for all wealth cards170, regardless of the wealth card name160. In a further embodiment, the picture182is unique to each wealth card name172. A wealth value188of one (1) is indicated on the wealth card170. In one embodiment, the wealth value188can be any positive integer. In another embodiment, the wealth value188can be any positive value. The illustrative wealth card170further includes a resource value190of one (1) associated with the special ability184. In one embodiment, the resource value190can be any positive integer. In another embodiment, the resource value190can be any positive value.

In some embodiments, a special ability or action trait184is listed for in-game use and player instruction. When a wealth card170includes a special ability184, that special ability can only be used while the wealth card170is in the player's hand. Once a wealth card's170special ability184is used, the wealth card170is no longer available for use as wealth or for storage in the player's treasury. Additionally, once a wealth card's170special ability184is used, the wealth card170is no longer playable as a wealth card170for the remainder of the game session. Or, if the playing deck runs out of cards to draw from, players can reshuffle the discard pile and used card pile to begin a new deck to draw from. Any card reshuffled regains the option to play a special ability.

In the exemplary embodiment, the special ability184provides that the wealth card170can be permanently played directly to supply a character card100with one (1) resource, but does not count toward a character command. In a further embodiment, a wealth card170can include the following special ability184, play as an action card requiring all opponents to discard any of a certain card from their hands.

The orientation of the synonym words, antonym words, card names, picture, and all the various elements included on the exemplary cards shown inFIGS.1-4are not intended to be limiting and can be organized, oriented, positioned, and framed in any appropriate orientation. Similarly, specific card names, synonym words, and antonym words described with regard toFIGS.1-4are not intended to be limiting in any way and can include any words appropriate for a desired education level.

Wealth cards170can be considered a form of in-game currency that is spent during the action phase, unless the wealth card170states that a player must expend a wealth during a game phase other than the action phase. Thus, the action or special ability184can trump the general rule. In game play, wealth cards170are discarded or spent, unless the wealth card170is played in another manner pursuant to a special ability184. In contrast, resource cards150remain or stay in the game after use (except when a special ability164provides otherwise) in order to sustain a character card100with resource supply value or points. Players spend wealth to allow a character card100to enter game play. Players also spend wealth to use certain special abilities.

In one embodiment, only cards of the same type can have card names that are synonyms or antonyms of one another. In a further embodiment, cards of different types can have cards names that are synonyms or antonyms of one another.

Referring now toFIG.5, a flow chart500of an illustrative method of game play is shown. In the illustrative game play method, a game session is initiated502and each player is dealt a hand of cards prior to initiating a first round of game play at step504. In one embodiment, the initial hand dealt to each player consists of three (3) cards. In a further embodiment, the initial hand dealt to each player consists of five (5) cards. In a still further embodiment, each player starts the game with ten (10) Elan points, and each damage point subtracts one (1) Elan point. The last player with at least one (1) Elan point wins.

Each round begins506with an action phase508for a first player. During the action phase508, the first player can put one or more cards into play by removing the one or more cards from that player's hand. The first player can chain together that player's cards in-play that have synonymous card names, and the first player can perform a contrast strike against an opponent player's card(s) that are already in-play when the first player's card name is an antonym of the other player's card that is in-play. The first player can terminate their action phase when they have no more plays or when they desire, and initiate the resource phase510. Next the first player can terminate their resource phase by initiating their free move phase512. Next the first player can terminate their free move phase by discarding selected cards from that player's hand514. Finally, in one embodiment, the first player can terminate their turn by drawing cards from the deck to add to the first player's hand or to replace the cards used or discarded by that player during the round516. How to draw new cards is further described below. In one embodiment, the maximum number of cards a player can draw is three (3). In another embodiment, the maximum number of cards a player can draw is one (1). In a further embodiment, the maximum number of cards a player can draw is two (2). In a still further embodiment, the maximum number of cards a player can draw is four (4). In an even further embodiment, the maximum number of cards a player can draw is four (5). Players are allowed a maximum of five (5) cards in their hand. At decision diamond518each player proceeds through their own action phase, resource phase, free move phase, discard phase, and draw phase in sequence in the same manner as the first player until every player has played. Once each player has completed their turn, the round ends and a new round begins. This cycle is repeated until only one player has any Elan points remaining 520. When only a single player has remaining Elan points the game ends522and the player with any Elan points remaining wins.

In an exemplary embodiment, the educational card game method involves two or more players and begins by initiating a game session. The method continues by obtaining a group of cards, wherein each card includes at least one attribute. The method proceeds by providing each player with an initial hand containing a predetermined number of cards, wherein the cards are randomly selected from the group of cards. The method continues when the first player enters into play at least one card from the first player's hand. The first player then determines which cards to play and how to play each card during the appropriate game phase. The first player can chain together cards using a novel method where one card has at least one similar attribute of at least one other card played by the first player. The first player continues the method by playing cards or lastly discarding unwanted cards from the first player's hand and receiving (drawing) a card distributed from the group of cards up to a predetermined number of cards allowed to be held in the player's hand. The method terminates the game session when a triggering event occurs.

With reference now toFIG.6, there is shown another illustrative method of gameplay530. In the illustrative game play method, a game session is initiated532and each player is dealt a hand of cards534. Upon dealing a full hand of cards to each player, the first round begins536. Each round proceeds through an action phase538, a resource phase540, a free move phase542, a discard phase544, and a draw phase546, for each player. During the action phase538of a player's turn, that player can chain their played cards together and/or perform a contrast strike against one or more opponent player's cards in-play. The round terminates548when the last player has completed each of the five phases of gameplay. Game rounds are repeated until a triggering event occurs550. In the illustrative embodiment, the triggering event is when only one player has any Elan points remaining. The player with remaining Elan points wins and the game then terminates552.

Referring now toFIG.7, there is shown an illustrative embodiment of a gameplay area700and setup. The illustrative embodiment includes opponent players, player A702aand player B702b. Each player has a hand704, a treasury706, a resource area708, and a playing area710. The gameplay setup further includes a discard or used card pile712, the deck714, and four face-up cards716.

In various embodiments, players702may review the cards comprising the deck of cards714to familiarize the players with qualities and terms of the various cards before initiating gameplay. Additionally, prior to initiating gameplay, the cards should be randomized by shuffling or an electronic equivalent, by a random number generator.

Gameplay begins by dealing a first card face up716d, and placing the card in a gameplay area700so that the card is visible to all players. In the illustrative embodiment, the first card716dis dealt face up and off to one side of the gameplay area. Next, one card is dealt to each player's hand704. In the illustrative embodiment the card is dealt to the player702aon the left side of the game play area first, followed by dealing a card to the player702bleft of that player, and so on. In another embodiment, a card is dealt to each player in a counterclockwise fashion, beginning with the player on the right side of the gameplay area. This process is repeated in order until four cards are face up716and off to one side of the gameplay area700and each player702has three (3) cards in their respective hand704. This method of dealing the cards further randomizes the deck of cards and limits the inconvenience or difficulty of hand-shuffling a large deck of cards714. The dealing process and drawing of new cards incorporates an additional method of randomizing the cards and lowers the probability that a player may draw too much of one type of card.

In an illustrative embodiment, each player702starts the game with ten Elan points. Each damage point performed against a player subtracts one Elan point from that player. Play begins with the player to the left of the dealer and continues in a clockwise fashion.

During the action phase a player702can put character cards100, action cards130, resource cards150with specified special abilities or resource cards150played in a contrast strike, and/or wealth cards170into play. Once the required wealth, as indicated on the character card100, has been spent by the player702the character card100can be entered into play and placed in the player's playing area710. A player702can spend wealth and bring a character card100into play by expending wealth cards170. However, a character card100in-play must be supplied by at least the amount of resources indicated on the character card100in order for the character card100to attack, defend from an attack, exercise any special ability, or make a free move. Character cards100can be supplied by one or more resource cards150that the player702entered into play from a resource area708. Additionally, a character card100can be supplied by an action card130played by the player702, or by another card played by the player702with a special ability that provides for the card's use as supply for a character card100. In the illustrative embodiment, the character cards100and the card(s) supplying the character cards100are placed or laid or played in the player's playing area710. Once entered into play and properly supplied, a character card100can attack once during the player's action phase. Further, played character cards100can defend once during each opponent player's action phase, also termed the defense phase.

Once a player702uses a wealth card170as wealth, the wealth card170is placed in the712discard and used card pile. A player702can immediately use a wealth card170to purchase or support the special ability of another card entered into play by the player702. Further, a player702can immediately use a wealth card170to activate a character card100entered into play by the player702. Further still, a player702can immediately use a wealth card170for other card-specified reasons. Once a wealth card170is used as wealth or saved to the treasury706, any special ability184of the wealth card170becomes unavailable for the remainder of the game session. In the event that a wealth card170has a special ability184, the wealth card170is treated as an action card130when the wealth card's170special ability184is used by the player702. A player702can play a wealth card170directly from the player's hand704or save the wealth card170to the player's treasury706to be spent at a later time.

The treasury706and resource area708serve a similar purpose by allowing a player702to empty their hand704and thereby able to draw more cards. Wealth cards170can be played, used, or spent during the Action Phase. Wealth cards170can be stored to a player's treasury706for later in-game use. The purpose for wealth and resources is to create item scarcity that forces players to make tactical and strategic decisions. In so doing, the educational card game facilitates player vocabulary improvement and retention because a player can win tactically if they are quick to inflict damage through contrast strikes and supply character cards100through chaining resource cards150.

During player A's702aaction phase, resource cards can be played against opponent player B's702bresource cards in the playing area710bwhen player A's resource card and the opponent player B's resource card have contrasting meanings or are antonyms of one another. Such an attack is called a contrast strike. When a player plays a resource card to perform a contrast strike, the resource card is then placed in the player's resource area708and can immediately be used to supply a character card. The resource card is then available to supply a character card or be placed in the player's resource area708, even during the same action phase in which the resource card was used to perform a contrast strike. However, the opponent's resource card that suffered the contrast strike is immediately discarded.

Resources commanded by a character card100in excess of the amount of resources required to supply that character card100are available to absorb damage from an opponent player's attack. This is defined in the “Damage Block” rule, which is discussed in more detail below.

As discussed above, the resource area708and the treasury706serve the similar purpose of allowing a player to empty their hand704and thereby enabling the player to draw more cards. Resource cards150can be played or used during the Resource Phase. In one embodiment, resource cards150can only be entered into play to supply a character card100after first being played to a player's resource area708during the resource phase. In a further embodiment, resource cards150can be played directly from a player's hand704during the action phase. In this embodiment, the resource card150can have a special ability164or conduct a contrast strike.

In one embodiment, a player may exchange three (3) wealth for one (1) resource. In another embodiment, each character card100can command up to two unique resource cards150, while additional resource cards150can be commanded by each character card100in a resource chain, discussed in detail below. A resource chain allows a player to commit multiple resource cards150to a character card100, while complying with the character command rule that limits the number of unique resources commanded by a character card100.

In this embodiment, in order for a player702to utilize a played character card's100special ability114, resource card(s)150must be expended and discarded, similarly to a damage block. In one embodiment, resource cards150expended to supply a character card's100special ability114must be drawn from resources played in the resource area708.

During the action phase, a player702can chain played cards together with other played cards having synonymous card names. These card chains are termed character chains and resource chains. A player702can chain their character cards100together when the character cards100are in-play, and supplied. When the character card100is played directly from the player's hand704, the only cost is the wealth necessary to activate the character card100, in this embodiment, no resources are required to chain the currently played character card to a character card already in-play. Any resources attached to the character chain are either attached to the top character card100in the resource chain, or the resource card(s)150must be placed back in that player's resource area708. When character cards are chained together, only the top character card's special ability is available for use during that player's action phase. In contrast, any action card(s)130attached to a character card100remain attached to that character card when character cards are chained together. Thus, in one embodiment action cards130can only be detached from a character card100through the expenditure of another action card.

During the resource phase, players can play resource cards from their hand to their resource area for later use to supply that player's in-play character card(s). Resource cards must first be played into a player's resource area before that card is available to supply a character card in the player's action phase of a subsequent turn.

During the free move phase, a player can move their resource cards in-play or resource card chains from one of the player's character cards in-play to another of that player's character cards in-play. Additionally, a player can move their resource cards in-play from a position supplying one of their character cards to that player's resource area. However, a player cannot make a free move during this phase with any cards held in the player's hand. Further, action cards attached to a character card in-play can only be moved, removed, or affected by another action card. But action cards move with the character card to which they are attached. And character cards that are not adequately supplied with their required resources cannot be moved during this phase. Otherwise, this means that action cards attached to a character card cannot be moved.

During the discard phase, a player can discard any number of cards or any type of card from the player's hand to the discard or used card pile.

During the draw phase, a player can draw up to and including three cards from either the deck, or from the four face up cards. But a player cannot draw a number of cards that would increase the number of cards in the player's hand beyond a maximum number of cards. In one embodiment, the maximum number of cards each player can have in their hand is five cards. In another embodiment, the maximum number of cards each player can have in their hand is three cards. When a player draws a card from the four face up cards, another card is pulled from the deck to replace the card drawn by the player before the player draws a next card from the deck or from the face up cards. The draw phase concludes a player's turn and causes play to pass to the next player.

Once the deck runs out of cards to draw during play, the discard and used card pile is shuffled and becomes a new deck to draw from. Any card that is shuffled from the discard pile into the deck in such a manner regains the use of its special ability.

A player wins the education card game by being the last player with at least one Elan point.

With reference now toFIG.8, there is shown a chain720of resource cards150a-csupplying the ‘Maelstrom’ character card100a. In the illustrative embodiment, the ‘Revere’ resource card150ais played during an action phase on the ‘Maelstrom’ character card100a. Once the ‘Revere’ resource card150ais played on the ‘Maelstrom’ character card100a, other resource cards that are synonyms of the ‘Revere’ resource card150acan be played to create a resource chain720supplying the ‘Maelstrom’ character card100a. In the illustrative embodiment, the ‘Laud’ and ‘Extol’ resource cards150b-ccan be played from the resource area708during the player's action phase and chained to one another to create a three resource chain720supplying the ‘Maelstrom’ character card100a.

In the illustrative embodiment, the ‘Maelstrom’ character card100ahas a defense value122aof one (1), requires a supply of two (2) resources116a, and commands three (3) resource cards150a-c, each having a resource value158a-cof one (1). Since the ‘Maelstrom’ character card100arequires only two (2) resources for supply116a, the third resource included in the resource chain720is available to defend against an opponent player's attack by absorbing one (1) damage point of any such attack. This is referred to as a Damage Block. In so absorbing one (1) damage point, the additional resource card150can prevent or limit reduction of a player's Elan points. The player then selects the resource card150in the resource chain720that absorbed the attack, and discard that resource card150.

The chaining feature can be employed with any cards that are synonyms of one another. Thus, character cards100can be chained, but are still subject to the command rule. When character cards100are chained, they share resource assets and are limited to two non-synonymous resource cards150, which can each form a resource chain720.

Referring now toFIG.9, there is shown exemplary game play730creating a resource chain720supplying the ‘Savant’ character card100b. Initially, in frame one732, the ‘Savant’ character card100bcommands two nonsynonymous resource cards, ‘Contrite’150dand ‘Innocuous’150e, in compliance with the character command rule that limits character cards to the command of up to, but not more than, two unique resource cards. However, by chaining the ‘Benign’ resource card150fto the ‘Innocuous’ resource card150ein frame two734, the ‘Savant’ character card100bcan be supplied with more than two resource cards150d-e, without breaking the character command rule. The ‘Innocuous’ and ‘Benign’ resource cards150d-ecan be chained because “Benign” is listed on the ‘Innocuous’ resource card150eas a synonym156eof or similar word for the ‘Innocuous’ character name154e.

Referring now toFIG.10, there is shown an illustrative contrast strike and damage block740. The ‘Apothecary’ character card100cis in-play, and requires three (3) resource116cfor supply. The ‘Apothecary’ character card100cis adequately supplied by the ‘Mirth’, ‘Hilarity’, and ‘Loquacious’ resource cards150f-h. This resource supply complies with the character command rule because the ‘Hilarity’ resource card150fis chained to the ‘Mirth’ resource card150g. The resource chain of the ‘Mirth’ and ‘Hilarity’ resource cards150f-gis allowed because the ‘Mirth’ resource card150flists “Hilarity” as a synonym156for, alternatively, because the ‘Hilarity’ resource card150glists “Mirth” as a synonym156g. Therefore, the ‘Apothecary’ character card100cis adequately supplied and capable of defending against attacks with a defense value122cof one. During a player's action phase, a contrast strike is performed with the ‘Reticent’ resource card150i. The ‘Reticent’ resource card150iis capable of performing a contrast strike against the ‘Loquacious’ resource card150hbecause the ‘Reticent’ resource card150ilists “Loquacious” as an antonym or contrasting word158i. As a result of the contrast strike performed against the ‘Loquacious’ resource card150h, the ‘Loquacious’ resource card150his discarded to the discard pile712. As an additional result, the ‘Apothecary’ character card100cis out of supply and cannot attack, defend, play its special ability114c, or make a free move. As a further result of the contrast strike, the ‘Reticent’ resource card150iis placed in the resource area708of the player that performed the contrast strike. Thus, the ‘Reticent’ resource card150iis immediately available to supply a character card in-play for that player. In the illustrative embodiment of a contrast strike, the ‘Reticent’ resource card150ican only be played directly from the player's hand704. This contrast strike740demonstrates that a character card100can come into and out of supply depending upon whether the character card is supplied by the necessary resources. Additionally, this is an example of a damage block. In an alternative embodiment, the ‘Reticent’ resource card150can also be played from the player's resource area708

In a further embodiment, a character card with the specified special ability can use any resources available in the player's resource area708to perform a damage block. In this embodiment, when a character card uses resources from the resource area708it does not count as an action. Thus, damage blocks can be performed repeatedly during various opponent player's action phases.

Referring now toFIG.11, there is shown illustrative game play750including a character chain at frame752, a resource chain at frame754, and a free move at frame756. At frame752, the ‘Charlatan’ character card100dis supplied the one (1) resource116drequired by the ‘Servile’ resource card150jand the ‘Swindler’ character card100eis chained to the ‘Charlatan’ character card100d. The ‘Swindler’ character card100erequires three (3) resources116eto be in supply, but is considered in supply because the ‘Charlatan’ character card100dis on top of the character chain and adequately supplied by the ‘Servile’ resource card150j. In one embodiment, the top card in a character chain has an increased attack value and defense value equal to the summation of all attack values and defense values of the character cards in the character chain. In the illustrative embodiment, the ‘Charlatan’ character card100dis atop the character chain and has an improved attack value of two (2) and an improved defense value of two (2). The ‘Charlatan’ character card's100dspecial ability can be played, but the ‘Swindler’ character card's100especial ability is not playable because the ‘Swindler’ character card100eis on the bottom of the character chain and not on the top of the character chain.

At frame754, the ‘Virulent’ and ‘Hackneyed’ resource cards150are chained during a resource phase and supplying the ‘Charlatan’ and ‘Swindler’ character cards100d-e. At frame756, during a free move phase the ‘Swindler’ character card100eis free moved to the top of the character chain and the ‘Charlatan’ character card100dis moved lower in the character chain to the bottom of the character chain. The ‘Swindler’ character card100eis now in supply because the ‘Hackneyed’, ‘Virulent’, and ‘Servile’ resource cards were supplying the ‘Charlatan’ character card100dand now supply the “Swindler” card.

In a further embodiment, two-character cards that are in play and supplied by one or more resource cards can be chained, but the resulting character chain must comply with the character command rule. Thus, any extra resource cards that were supplying the separate character cards are returned to that player's resource area708.

If a player wrongly declares a contrast strike, for example, attempts to perform a contrast strike with a resource card that is not an antonym of any of an opponent player's resource cards in-play, the player loses the resource card. Such lost resource cards are placed in the discard and used card pile. Additionally, a wrongly declared contrast strike forfeits the remainder of the player's action phase, for example, the player's action phase immediately terminates.

In a further embodiment, the educational card game disclosed herein can incorporate one or more languages and therefore serve as a foreign language educational tool as well as a vocabulary improvement tool. In one embodiment, the card name is in English and all other terms and explanations are in another language, such as German, Italian, Spanish, French, Japanese, Cantonese, Korean, Russian, etc. However, this division of languages is not limiting and in various embodiments only one item on the card is in another language, half the items on the card are in another language, and any other combination of card items and languages. Wherein the languages on the cards do not share an alphabet, phonetic pronunciations are included for the second language items.

In a further embodiment, cards and players can be represented by game pieces or figures that correspond to the unique traits and qualities of each card or the picture art of the card.

In an alternative embodiment, through the use of special action cards130the character command rule limits each character card to the command of one (1) unique resource card. In a further embodiment, through the use of special action cards130the character command rule allows each character card to command up to three (3) unique resource cards. In a still further embodiment, the character command rule can limit each character card to the command of one (1) unique resource card or to three (3) unique resource cards.

In a further embodiment, a transitory or nontransitory computer readable storage media storing computer-executable program instructions which, when executed by a computer processor, cause the computer to initiate a game session of the education card game. With reference now toFIG.12, there is shown an illustrative embodiment wherein the transitory or nontransitory computer readable media and program instructions can be included within and executed by a stand-alone electronic device760. In the illustrative embodiment, the stand-alone electronic device760has a touch screen video display762that displays a player interface. Other electronic devices that could be used to provide an interactive gaming experience include a computer having interactive gaming software, a personal digital assistant, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or any other such device or combination of devices that displays the interactive game.

Additionally, the illustrative stand-alone device760includes a monetary input component that is configured to receive money or transferable credits, respectively. The illustrative monetary input component764is a device configured to receive Ticket In Ticket Out (TITO) tickets, coupons, cash, a credit card, debit card or other such instruments that can transfer money or credits. Additionally, the illustrative monetary input component764may also be configured to receive transferable credits from an e-wallet on a smartphone. The transferable credits may be provided by a coupon based system.

A communications module766included in the stand-alone electronic device760includes various communication channels that can utilize Ethernet, I2C, RS-232, USB, RS-485, IEEE 1394, Netplex and other standard or proprietary communication interfaces commonly used in the industry. These communication channels may operate or interface with wired and wireless communications channels. The communications module766may be used to communicate with personal communication devices such as smartphones that operate using Bluetooth wireless technology, Wi-Fi or other such technologies that enable communications between the stand-alone electronic device760and the personal communication device.

Additionally, the illustrative stand-alone electronic device760may also include other input and output devices768such as input buttons, bill validators, card readers, printers, displays, audio devices, or lighting devices that are used to provide the entertaining and educational game on the stand-alone machine760. The input and output device768can also be related to distributing awards and include a paper coupon, a smart card, a magnetic stripe card, or any other such means that can record the transfer of money or credits from and/or to the player.

Referring now toFIG.13there is shown a simplified illustrative block diagram of the illustrative system components770of the stand alone electronic device760. The system components770include a logic component that is operatively coupled to internal components that manage the various game systems and operations for the interactive stand-alone device760. In one illustrative embodiment, the stand-alone electronic device760can include a computer, in which the logic component includes a central processing unit (CPU)772and a memory774that stores the gaming operations and processes of the interactive educational game. A fast memory cache776can also be employed by the CPU772to more efficiently access data or software stored in the memory774. It shall be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the memory cache is a memory that is resident on the CPU772. Additionally, it shall be appreciated by those skilled in the art that logic component does not have to be a CPU and may include a plurality of logic gates and switches that are either programmed, e.g. a field programmable gate array, or may be an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

In the illustrative embodiment, the processor772is configured to perform the card randomization, dealing, damage tracking, action tracking, score keeping, and other game operations. Additionally, the stand-alone device760typically includes a network interface card778that is communicatively coupled to a network so the stand-alone device760is configured to communicate with a network as presented below inFIG.14.

Additionally, in the illustrative embodiment a player interface780is operatively coupled to the CPU772. By way of example and not of limitation, the player interface780can include a touch screen video display762. Alternatively, the player interface780may also include a video display (not shown) having a plurality of switches (not shown) that permit the player to interact with the stand-alone device760. Another alternative player interface780is a computer monitor (not shown) having a keyboard or mouse (not shown). Preferably, the player interface includes a monetary input component as described above. Thus, the player interface780includes any interface that permits the player to interact with the stand-alone system, input desired game parameters, and play the educational card game.

In an illustrative embodiment, a random number generator782is a software module used in the selection of at least one electronic card from a deck or other grouping of cards during a game event. The game event can be a player input for any one or more of an action phase, defense phase, resource phase, free move phase, discard phase, and draw phase. A game session is comprised of a plurality of game events. In the illustrative embodiment, the random selection of an electronic card involves generating a random number and using the random number as a basis for picking at least one card from within the set or deck of cards. It shall be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the random number generator is typically a software program that is stored in the memory774and processed by CPU772.

Alternatively, the picking of at least one electronic card from the set or deck of cards can be simulated using systems and methods that provide the appearance of a random selection. By way of example and not of limitation, the appearance of random selection can be created using well known “lottery” based systems and methods.

In another embodiment, the stand-alone electronic device760can include a network interface card (NIC)778that permits the stand-alone electronic device760to communicate with a plurality of other devices configured to play the interactive game. The NIC778can also use well known networking protocols to communicate with other networked devices. These well-known protocols include Ethernet type protocol, TCP/IP protocols or other such network protocols.

Referring now toFIG.14there is shown an illustrative network system790having a plurality of networked devices792athrough792d. In one illustrative embodiment, the networked devices792athrough792dare similar to the stand-alone device760. In the illustrative network system790, the networked devices792aand792bare operatively coupled to a node794that communicates with a local area network (LAN) server796. Additionally, the networked devices792cand792dare also operatively coupled to a node798that is communication with a LAN server800. The nodes794and798may be a hub, router, bridge, gateway or any combination thereof that allows communications between the networked devices. It shall be appreciated by those skilled in the art that each LAN may operate independently of the other.

A wide area network (WAN) is created by linking the LANs together. For illustrative purposes only, both LANs communicate with a WAN server802. For purposes of this patent, it can be appreciated that the distinction between a LAN and WAN is primarily geographic in nature. The LAN is geographically limited to a bank of illustrative stand-alone electronic devices that can be resident in a hotel, arcade, or other game-oriented facility. A WAN permits banks of networked devices from different buildings, floors, and locations to be networked. There exist several purposes for networking the stand-alone devices, such as accounting, diagnostics, player tracking and loyalty programs.

An alternative embodiment to the illustrative network system790comprises having the game logic for the interactive game resident on a central server. The central server can be either the LAN server796or WAN server802. During game play, the server then communicates game outputs to the appropriate client, i.e. one of the networked devices792athrough792d. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the central server picks the randomly selected cards and submits the randomly selected cards to each of the devices on the network.

As described above, the educational multiplayer card game method and system described above may be embodied in “Scholar & Sage” card game, which includes four categories of cards: character cards, action cards, resource cards, and wealth cards. A player can chain cards together that have matching synonym or similar attributes. The chaining aspect enforces learning and requires a player to understand synonyms to make tactical an strategic decisions that affect game play.

It is to be understood that the detailed description of illustrative embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes. Thus, the degree of software modularity for the system and method presented above may evolve to benefit from the improved performance and lower cost of the future hardware components that meet the system and method requirements presented. The scope of the claims is not limited to these specific embodiments or examples. Therefore, various limitations, elements, details, and uses can differ from those just described, or be expanded on or implemented using technologies not yet commercially viable, and yet still be within the inventive concepts of the present disclosure. The scope of the subject matter is determined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.