DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0049] With reference to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1 - 3 d , there is shown the novel chess like football board game apparatus of the present invention. This particular football like game is structured so as to be played by two players. The play is similar to chess, but has a smaller board, fewer pieces and simpler more exciting techniques of play. Thus, the present invention provides for a game, which simulates football via pieces, moves, board and rules which enable football like play. As seen throughout the various views, the board game apparatus of the present invention comprises a board 10 (see FIGS. 1, 3 a - 3 d ) having a plurality of novel moveable pieces 20 (see FIGS. 2 a - 3 d ) that are adapted to be slideably located thereon.

[0050] The preferred embodiment for the board 10 is shown in FIG. 1 . As seen in this embodiment, the board 10 includes a substantially rectangular overall configuration. Located on the top surface of the novel board is a plurality of hexagonal shaped spaces 12 , arranged contiguously in multiple columns, which are arranged by abutting the sides to form vertical columns and offset horizontal rows. These spaces are designed to accept the novel moveable pieces 20 (shown in FIGS. 2 a - 3 d ) of the game of the present invention.

[0051] The board itself is specifically designed and configured to provide for a novel shape and/or configuration. As seen in FIG. 1 , the board includes a substantially rectangular configuration to provide for the board to include approximately seven (7) columns. As further seen, the hexagonal shaped spaces in a proceeding column are larger in number that the hexagonal shaped shapes in a subsequent column. This will provide for an alternating number of shapes or spaces between the odd and even columns. Thus, it is seen that in the preferred embodiment, the odd number columns, (first third, fifth and seventh column) include six shapes or spaces, while the even number columns (second, fourth, and sixth column) include five shapes or spaces. This arrangement will provide for the shapes or spaces to be linearly and vertically disposed to innately allow for a preceding column to be offset from subsequent column. Such a configuration will provide for the spaces of odd number rows to be aligned vertically with each other and spaces of the even number rows to be aligned vertically with each other.

[0052] It is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the number of columns, the number of rows, and the number of spaces in each column and the number of spaces in each row can be increased and/or decreased for increasing or decreasing the difficulty of the game.

[0053] For aesthetics, each preceding space can be a color or shade that is different from a subsequent space, so as to add dimension and character to the board. If desired, a logo, design or the like, can be formed on the board by coloring or shading the appropriate space.

[0054] As seen in FIG. 1, a first side 14 a and a second side 14 b define the board. The division is shown via dash line 16 . The division can also be represented by providing the spaces of one side of the board to be shaded dark or lighter than the second side of the board. The dash line can be an indicia on the board for defining each opponent's side, but in the preferred embodiment this line would be eliminated, and thus it is seen that the use of this line, for the preferred embodiment, is for illustrative purposes only.

[0055] Located centrally at the edge of the board, on each side, and extending through half a hexagon is an indicia for representing a goal line 18 . Crossing this goal line with the particular moveable piece establishes a point earned and the player with the most points is deemed the winner and thus causes the game to be terminated. Since there are two players, two goal lines are provided.

[0056] Each player is given a set of seven (7) novel and unique playing pieces, having four different playing components. Each set consists of one Ballcarrier 20 a (see FIG. 2 a ), one Fullback 20 b (see FIG. 2 b ), two Flankers 20 c (see FIG. 2 c ), and three Guards 20 d (see FIG. 2 d ). Combined these components form the seven playing pieces. It is noted that since the Flankers in each set are substantially identical and the Guards in each set are substantially identical, only one Flanker and one Guard is shown in the drawings. As seen, the figures illustrated a disc-like structure used for representing a playing peace. It is to be understood, by those skilled in the art, that the playing piece can include any shape, structure or design that is representative as to its position.

[0057] For distinguishing between the players, preferably, the first set of playing pieces for the first player is of a different color than the second set of playing pieces for the second player.

[0058] The object of the game is to score points by simulating football plays by having the Ballcarrier 20 a travel from his playing side to the opponents playing side, in order to eventually cross the goal line. Once the player crosses in the goal line, he scores a point. The player with the most points is considered victorious and thus the game is terminated.

[0059] To enable simulated football plays, the various playing components are used to advantage by obstructing movement of the opponent's playing pieces and/or are used to “block” so as to move and relocate the opponent's playing pieces, while moving his own playing pieces in order to take advantage of the field and location of his opponent's pieces on the field (playing board).

[0060] Permitting such an arrangement, each different component (or playing piece) possesses novel certain characteristics and movability qualities. Thus, to enable the present invention provides for a particular combination of hexagonal spaces and a different game pieces to enable game play and different game pieces to enable game play movements and piece interaction in order to simulate football action. The Ballcarrier 20 a , as seen in FIGS. 2 a and 3 a , is the only piece that can score. This piece can only move one space at a time. The movement (one space advancement), as shown in FIG. 3 a , can take place in any direction on the board. This piece, the Ballcarrier 20 a , cannot be “blocked” nor can it “block” any of the other playing components of the opponent's set.

[0061] Blocking being defined as the ability to move the opponent's piece to an adjacent space. Pieces do have the ability to prevent movement. This is known as “inhibiting movement”. Thus if a piece is located in front of an opposing player's piece and prevented by rule from blocking that piece, then that piece must move around the “inhibiting” piece. Thus, it is seen that the Ballcarrier does inhibit movement for all pieces. An example of this is illustrated in FIG. 5 , as seen in this figure, the Ballcarrier for the red team (R) cannot move forward when it is his turn, since the Ballcarrier for the blue (B) team is located in front of him. The Ballcarrier for the red team must either move angularly or upwards, as indicated via the arrows. Accordingly, it is seen that the Ballcarrier for the blue team (B) is preventing or “inhibiting” movement for the red team's Ballcarrier.

[0062] As seen in FIGS. 2 b and 3 b , the piece labeled the Fullback 20 b can move any number of spaces in a straight line. A straight line is considered the hexagonal spaces that are alignable with each other. The fullback 20 b is adapted to block any of the opponent's pieces, with the exception of the Ballcarrier 20 a.

[0063] Movement in any direction can occur via the Flanker, which is shown in FIGS. 2 c and 3 c . The limitation with this piece is that it can only advance one, two or three spaces. The Flanker offers blockage to the opposing Flanker and the opposing Guards.

[0064] The Guards 20 d , illustrated in FIGS. 2 d and 3 c , can move one space towards the opposing goal. The Guard's limitation is that it cannot block, but it can be blocked in any direction.

Preferred Mode of Play

[0065] The following are suggested, but not mandatory, as some of the more pertinent mode of playing for the board game apparatus of the present invention. The strategy in this game is to progressively move a piece to the opponent's goal line, while protecting and guarding your own goal line. The movement should be to create running lanes for the Ballcarrier to move so that he can easily and quickly land on the opponent's goal space for scoring a point or points. The game proceeds by using moves as described for the particular pieces. It is not necessary to move any pieces other than the Ballcarrier for the game to proceed, or for the game to be completed. For victory, each player must play defensively as well as offensively.

Positioning/Initiation

[0066] To initiate play, a player must be selected for deciding on the first step for playing the board game of the present invention. For selecting a player, conventional means can be utilized, such as winning a coin toss, selecting the “correct” playing piece from a set of two, or the like.

[0067] Once a player has “won” the selection, he has two options. The first option is to place his players on his side of the board first and take his turn second; or his second option is to place his players on his side of the board second and take his turn first. Once the decision has been made the game proceeds in accordance to its rules. For initiating the game, the players can place his pieces anywhere on his side of the board. The exception is the Ballcarrier, which must be located at his goal line. The use of allowing the players to decide on the location of their playing piece provides for variability of the starting position for the various playing pieces.

[0068] Each player can move one piece in turn. The turns for each player occur alternatively.

Strategies and Opponent Advancement

[0069] Since the Ballcarrier is the only piece with the ability to score, and is the only piece that must start at a particular space, it is desirable to move this piece to the opponent's goal, and to score without “blocking” and without “inhibiting” movement. Thus it is seen that the other pieces objective is to cause the opponent's Ballcarrier to travel to the goal line by-way-of extra spaces. This can occur by “inhibiting movement” of the Ballcarrier to a particular space, by utilizing “non-blocking” and “blocking” pieces. Thus, making the Ballcarrier travel an obscure route to the goal line. For example as seen in FIG. 5 , the Ballcarrier R must travel an excess space in order to reach his goal, as seen by the Ballcarrier B that is inhibiting vertical movement. All the pieces of the opposing team can inhibit movement of the opposing team's Ballcarrier, since this piece cannot “block”.

[0070] As defined above, the pieces have strength levels, which allow them to move onto a space, even if occupied by the opposing player. For this to happen, some of the pieces are able to “block”. If an opposing player is located on the desired space, and is blockable, then the moving “blockable” piece can remove the opposing player to an adjacent space. Thus, this provides for a game wherein all pieces remain on the board throughout the play of the game. This also provides for the playing pieces that cannot go over or through the opposing playing pieces.

Blocking and Inhibiting Movement

[0071] Some of the pieces are designed for “blocking” various opponents' playing pieces. “Blocking”, is defined as the ability to move the opponent's piece to an adjacent space.

[0072] There exist difference forms of “blocking” and only specific pieces can “block” specific playing pieces. Ballcarriers cannot “block” nor can they be “blocked”. Any player, except the Ballcarrier can “block” the Guards. The Flankers can “block” the opposing team's Flankers and Guards. The Fullbacks can block opposing teams Fullback, Flankers, and Guards.

[0073] “Blocking” of an opponent's piece can be slanted, straight, or angled. As seen in FIG. 4 a , an example of slanted “block” is shown. A slant “block” occurs at a slant and is a linear movement. Slant “blocks” are all linear and “non-vertical” movement. As illustrated, the “blockable” piece 22 , such as a Guard is in the pathway of a piece that can “block”, such as a Fullback 24 . Hence, as seen in this FIG. 4 a , the piece 24 now can move onto the space occupied by a piece 22 that can be blocked. Thus, this results in the removal of this blocked piece, and the relocation of it to the adjacent linear hexagonal space, as seen, in FIG. 4A . Therefore, this piece would be relocated onto space 26 . This will provide for the movement of the “blocked piece and the relocation of the pieces to be in a linear slanted movement.

[0074] An example of a straight “block” is shown in FIG. 4 b . As seen in this figure, any straight “block” occurs at a line parallel to an imaginary line that exists from goal to goal. Thus, the straight “blocks” are all line and vertical movements. As shown, the “blockable” piece 22 , such as a Guard is in the pathway of a piece, which can “block”, such as a Fullback 24 . Hence, as seen in this FIG. 4 b , the piece 24 that can “block” moves onto the space occupied by a piece that can be “blocked” 22 . This results in the removal of this “blocked” piece, and the relocation of it to the adjacent linear hexagonal space, as seen, this piece would now be located on space 26 . This provides for the piece to be placed in the pathway of the “block”, which would place the piece onto space 26 . This will provide for the movement of the “block” and the relocation of the pieces to be in a linear vertical movement.

[0075] Angle “blocks” are also allowed, but are only permitted when the pieces are located adjacent to the goal line. Once the “block” takes place, the “blocked” piece can be located on any adjacent space. Thus, the pieces which are “block able” (i.e. Flankers and Guards) must be located on the adjacent space of the goal line in order for the angled “blocking” to occur. Examples of angle “blocks” are shown in FIGS. 4 c - 4 e . As seen in FIG. 4 c , the piece that can be “blocked” 22 , is located adjacent to the goal. A slanted “block” would provide for the piece to be located off the board, and thus is not permitted. Thus, the piece that can “block” 24 lands on the space occupied by the piece that can be “blocked” 22 . This results in the removal of the “blocked” piece 22 and relocates it to an adjacent space 26 . Thereby, it is seen that the angled “blocks” include a turn, which provides for the “blocking” to be non-linear.

[0076] As seen FIGS. 4 d and 4 e illustrate other examples of angle “blocks”, wherein other pieces are inhibiting relocation of the “blocked” piece, and thus force the relocation to occur at other adjacent spaces.

[0077] To “block”, a piece that can “block” (i.e. Fullback and Flanker) must move next to the piece that can be “blocked” (i.e. Flanker or Guard) on one turn, and then “block” on the next turn. A piece that can “block” may “block” immediately if a piece that can be “blocked” moves next to it. A piece that has just been “blocked” and that can “block” (i.e. Flankers) must wait a turn before “blocking” a piece that can be “blocked”, which has just “blocked” it, although the first piece to “block” may “block” the same piece further each turn.

[0078] “Inhibiting movement” is used to alter and change the pathway of the opposing players by redirecting movement. For example, as seen in FIG. 5 , the Ballcarrier B is inhibiting vertical movement of the Ballcarrier R. As seen, this Ballcarrier R must travel an excess space in order to reach his goal. All the pieces of the opposing team can “inhibit movement” of the opposing team's Ballcarrier, since this piece cannot “block” nor can it be “blocked”. In turn, the Ballcarrier can “inhibit moves” of all the opposing team's pieces, since this piece cannot “block” nor can it be “blocked”.

Rules

[0079] Thus, the preferred rules for simulating football plays are:

[0080] 1. Game to be played by two players

[0081] 2. Choose hidden piece to see who wins “selection”

[0082] 3. The player that wins the selection can either:

[0083] a. place his players first any where on his side of the board in order to simulate football plays

[0084] b. place his players second and move first (takes the first turn)

[0085] 4. Each player moves one piece in turn

[0086] 5. The Ballcarrier must start in his own goal

[0087] 6. A goal can be scored if the ball carrier in the opposing team is still in his goal

[0088] 7. Attempt to guard your own goal and at the same time cross your opponents goal

[0089] 8. To block, a piece that can tackle must move next to the piece on one turn, and tackle on the next turn

[0090] 9. A piece may block immediately if a piece moves next to it

[0091] 10. A piece must wait a turn before blocking a piece, which has just blocked it, although the first piece to block may block the same piece further each turn

[0092] 11. Pieces cannot go over or through other pieces

[0093] 12. A piece can land on an occupied space, once landed, the previous piece is removed and relocated on an adjacent space

[0094] 13. Start over each time a goal is crossed. The player who scored is considered the winner of selection (see rule number 2 above)

[0095] 14. Play is for an agreed period of time or number of goals

[0096] 15. Above rules may be modified by agreement in order to make the game simple enough to be enjoyed and played by a wide variety of individuals.

[0097] While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to an embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.