BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to card games and, more particularly, to an educational and interactive elimination-type strategic thinking game.

2. Description of the Related Art

Card games and computer games are considered by many to be enjoyable, educational, and pleasurable social activities. In terms of education, card games have served as a means to develop mathematical and thinking skills. A number of card games and computer games focus on social activities, such as games dealing with mystery, chance, knowledge, and memory. Examples of types of card games that can be played with a typical 52-card deck include trick-taking games, matching games, shedding games, accumulating games, fishing games, comparing games, solitaire games, drinking games, multi-genre games, collectible card games, poker games, and other casino card games. However, what these card games and computer games fail to provide is an elimination-type interactive environment in which individuals can learn about strategic thinking.

Thus, an educational and interactive strategic thinking game addressing the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The educational and interactive strategic thinking game includes a deck of distinct game cards. The deck of distinct game cards includes a distinct first subset of game cards having a plurality of symbol game cards and a distinct second subset of game cards having a plurality of follower game cards. Each symbol game card includes a front face and a back face. The front face of each symbol game card has a plurality of distinct sections including a top section having a first symbol selected from a first set of distinct identifiable indicia, a bottom section having a second symbol selected from a second set of distinct identifiable indicia, a right-side section having a third symbol selected from a third set of distinct identifiable indicia, each third symbol being associated with at least one first number, and a left-side section having a distinct second number displayed thereon, the distinct second number being in a number range, such as a number range of 1 to 15, inclusive, each third symbol being associated with a distinct second number. The plurality of follower game cards can only be used together with the distinct first subset of symbol game cards. The deck of distinct game cards can be adapted to include a distinct third subset of at least one game card having an illustration card including instructions of the educational and interactive strategic thinking game displayed thereon.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a plurality of game cards as can be used in playing an educational and interactive strategic thinking game according to the present invention, with the front face of one card in a distinct first subset of cards exposed to illustrate features thereof.

FIG. 2A is an environmental, top view of schematic illustration of a front face of an embodiment of a symbol game card having a plurality of distinct sections according to the present invention.

FIG. 2B is an embodiment of an environmental, top view of a back face of a symbol game card according to the present invention.

FIG. 3A is an embodiment of an environmental, top view of a symbol game card of a distinct first subset of game cards having a shield according to the present invention.

FIG. 3B is an embodiment of an environmental, top view of a symbol game card of a distinct first subset of game cards having a lightning bolt according to the present invention.

FIG. 3C is an embodiment of an environmental, top view of a symbol game card of a distinct first subset of game cards having a cog according to the present invention.

FIG. 3D is an embodiment of an environmental, top view of a symbol game card of a distinct first subset of game cards having a butterfly according to the present invention.

FIG. 3E is an embodiment of an environmental, top view of a symbol game card of a distinct first subset of game cards having a star according to the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a top plan view of an embodiment of a plurality of follower game cards as can be used in embodiments of the present invention, with the front face of a plurality of follower game cards in a distinct second subset of cards respectively exposed to illustrate features thereof.

FIG. 4B is an environmental, top view of an embodiment of a back face of a follower game card according to the present invention.

FIG. 4C is an illustration of an embodiment of a set of six (6) symbol game cards displaying a female symbol (â™€) in a bottom section of the illustrated set of symbol game cards according to the present invention.

FIG. 4D is an illustration of an embodiment of a player's hand of six (6) game cards having follower game cards and symbol game cards, the illustrated symbol game cards including a male symbol (â™‚) displayed on a bottom section of the respective symbol game cards according to the present invention.

FIG. 4E is an illustration of an embodiment of a set of six (6) symbol game cards displaying a male symbol (â™‚) in a bottom section of the illustrated set of symbol game cards according to the present invention.

FIG. 4F is an environmental, top view of a front face of an embodiment of an instruction card displaying instructions for an educational and interactive strategic thinking game according to the present invention.

FIG. 4G is an environmental, top view of an embodiment of a back face of an instruction card according to the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a flowchart illustrating steps of embodiments of methods for playing an educational and interactive strategic thinking game according to the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a flowchart illustrating embodiments of further steps of methods for playing an educational and interactive strategic thinking game according to the present invention.

FIG. 5C is a flowchart illustrating embodiments of further steps of methods for playing an educational and interactive strategic thinking game according to the present invention.

FIG. 5D is a flowchart illustrating embodiments of further steps of methods for playing an educational and interactive strategic thinking game according to the present invention.

FIG. 5E is a flowchart illustrating embodiments of further steps of methods for playing an educational and interactive strategic thinking game according to the present invention.

FIG. 5F is a flowchart illustrating embodiments of further steps of methods for playing an educational and interactive strategic thinking game according to the present invention.

FIG. 5G is a flowchart illustrating embodiments of further steps of methods for playing an educational and interactive strategic thinking game according to the present invention.

FIG. 5H is a flowchart illustrating embodiments of further steps of methods for playing an educational and interactive strategic thinking game according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an attacker and a defender utilizing the â€œrock-paper-scissorsâ€ maneuver with numbers instead of the traditional â€œrock-paper-scissorsâ€ symbols.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a generalized system to implement embodiments of methods for playing an educational and interactive strategic thinking game according to the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated, similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference now to the drawings, in particular to FIGS. 1 through 7 thereof, an apparatus and method for playing an educational and interactive strategic thinking game embodying features, principles, and concepts of various embodiments of the educational and interactive strategic thinking game will be described.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4G, there is illustrated an embodiment of an educational and interactive strategic thinking game including an exemplary deck of distinct game cards 100. The educational and interactive strategic thinking game using the deck of distinct game cards 100 is geared toward developing and improving a person's strategic thinking skills. The various embodiments shown are for illustrative and simplicity purposes, and should not be construed in a limiting sense, in that the various embodiments are not limited to the illustrations shown, and additional numbers, pictures, or characters can be represented or used in the educational and interactive strategic thinking game. The embodiments of an educational and interactive strategic thinking game, such as can be played with the deck of distinct game cards 100, is an interactive game designed for a plurality of players, desirably between two to eight players, that involves player participation and attention to detail.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4G, the deck of distinct game cards 100 for the game, desirably one hundred and five game cards, is divided into a distinct first subset of game cards and a distinct second subset of game cards. The distinct first subset of game cards can be a plurality of symbol game cards 110, such as symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3E, including five suits of fifteen symbol game cards, such suits including a shield 310 suit, a lightning bolt 330 suit, a cog 340 suit, a butterfly 350 suit and a star 360 suit, for example, such as illustrated on the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, each symbol game card 110 including a front face 110a, such as front faces 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, and 320e, and a back face 110b.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the front face 110a, such as the front faces 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, and 320e, respectively, of each symbol game card 110, such as the symbol game card 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, has a plurality of distinct sections including a top section 220 having a first symbol selected from a first set of distinct identifiable indicia, a bottom section 230 having a second symbol selected from a second set of distinct identifiable indicia including a first distinct second symbol, such as a male symbol (â™‚) 306, and a second distinct second symbol, such as a female symbol (â™€) 308, a right-side section 240 having a third symbol selected from a third set of distinct identifiable indicia, each third symbol being associated with at least one first number, and a left-side section 250 having distinct identifiable indicia, such as a distinct second number in a predetermined number range, such as in a number range of 1 to 15, inclusive, each third symbol being associated with a distinct second number displayed on the left-side section 250 of the corresponding symbol game card 110. The back face 110b can display the â€œMonogotoâ„¢â€ logo or any other suitable indicia, for example.

As described further herein, a comparison of the first symbol displayed on the top section 220 of the in play symbol game cards 110 selectively determines a winning hand in a given turn of the game and, if the comparison based on the first symbol displayed on the top section 220 of the in play symbol game cards 110 does not determine the winning hand in the given turn in the game, the comparison based on the second symbol displayed on the bottom section 230 of the in play symbol game cards 110 selectively determines at least one further use of at least one of the third symbol displayed on the right-side section 240, the at least one first number associated with the third symbol, the distinct second number displayed on the left-side section 250 of the in play symbol game cards 110, or a combination thereof to determine the winning hand in the given turn in the game.

The distinct second subset of game cards can be a plurality of follower game cards 400, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, desirably thirty follower game cards, for example, each follower game card 400 having two faces, a front face 410a and a back face 410b. The back face 410b of each follower game card 400 can display the â€œMonogotoâ„¢â€ logo or any other suitable indicia, for example. The front face 410a of each follower game card 400 typically includes a display of an indicia distinct from the indicia displayed on the symbol game cards 110, such as the exemplary indicia displayed on the follower game cards 400, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, but can also display other suitable indicia, for example.

Referring now to FIGS. 4C-4E, as well as FIGS. 2A and 3A-3E, exemplary hands of game cards are illustrated. FIG. 4C, for example, illustrates an exemplary hand 415 of symbol game cards 110, such as illustrated symbol game cards 417a, 417b, 417c, 417d, 417e, and 417f, having the female symbol (â™€) 308 displayed on the bottom section 230 of the symbol game card 110. FIG. 4D, for example, illustrates an exemplary hand 420 of game cards including follower game cards 400, such as illustrated follower game cards 421a, 421b, and 421c, and also including symbol game cards 110, such as illustrated symbol game cards 421d, 412e, and 421f, having the male symbol (â™‚) 306 displayed on the bottom section 230 of the symbol game cards 110. FIG. 4E, for example, illustrates an exemplary hand 425 of symbol game cards 110, such as illustrated symbol game cards 427a, 427b, 427c, 427d, 427e, and 427f, having the male symbol (â™‚) 306 displayed on the bottom section 230 of the symbol game card 110.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4F and 4G, it is to be noted that the deck of distinct game cards 100 can be adapted to include a distinct third subset of game cards having one or more instruction cards 430 having a front face 432a and a back face 432b. The front face 432a of the one or more instruction cards 430 desirably includes instructions 435, or a summary thereof, for playing the educational and strategic thinking game.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A to 3E, as well as FIG. 2A, in the illustrated exemplary symbol game cards 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d and 300e, various distinct categories, symbols and numbers are included on each symbol game card 110. For example, in the first section 220, the first symbol can signify a category of an environment and the first set of distinct identifiable indicia can include corresponding symbols, such as a sun 307 and a moon 305, for example. In the second section 230, the second symbol can signify a category of a person and the second set of distinct identifiable indicia can include corresponding symbols, such as the male symbol (â™‚) 306 and the female symbol (â™€) 308, for example. In the third section 240, the third symbol can signify a category of property and the third set of distinct identifiable indicia can include symbols corresponding to the respective suits as categories of property, such as the shield 310, the lightning bolt 330, the cog 340, the butterfly 350, and the star 360, for example, each third symbol having a different priority relative to each other third symbol.

For example, the shield 310 can have a higher priority than the lightning bolt 330, the lightning bolt 330 can have a higher priority than the cog 340, the cog 340 can have a higher priority than the butterfly 350, and the butterfly 350 can have a higher priority than the star 360. It is to be noted that the various distinct categories, symbols, and numbers shown are for illustrative and simplicity purposes, and should not be construed in a limiting sense, in that the various distinct categories, symbols and numbers are not limited to those illustrated or described, and additional categories, numbers, symbols, pictures, or characters can be represented or used in embodiments of the educational and interactive strategic thinking game, for example.

It is to be understood that the front face, such as front faces 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e, and 410a, of each game card and the front face 432a of the instruction card 430 is typically the side of the game card facing the player, while the back face, such as back faces 110b and 410b, of each game card and the back face 432b of the instruction card 430 is typically the side of the game card facing away from the player, for example, and should not be construed in a limiting sense. Further, the symbol game cards 110, the follower game cards 400 and the at least one instruction card 430 can be of any suitable size, such as a game card having a width of about 2.5 inches and a length of about 3.5 inches, although the size of the game cards can vary from the above dimensions, for example, and should not be construed in a limiting sense.

Further, the corners of the game cards can be of various shapes, such as tapered corners or corners of a generally rounded shape. The game cards can be formed of any of various suitable materials, such as from paper, plastic, tile, or metal, or combinations thereof. The game cards can have a flat surface on which to display the distinct identifiable indicia. Additionally, the size of indicia displayed on the front face, such as front faces 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d, 320e, 410a, and 432a or the size of indicia displayed on the back face, such as back face 110b, 410, and 432b of the game cards and the at least one instruction card 430, respectively, can be one or more different sizes, a variety of sizes, or the same size, for example, and should not be construed in a limiting sense

An object of the educational and interactive strategic thinking game is to eliminate each opposing player of the game whereby only a single player remains in the game by implementing actions using in play symbol game cards 110 and by selectively using one or more follower game cards 400 of the deck of distinct game cards 100, as described herein. A player is eliminated from the game when, during the course of play, at least one complete regular subset, such as a first regular subset or a second regular subset, of a requisite number of game cards, desirably six (6) game cards, having specific properties, is formed in front of the opposing player, together with an inability of the opposing player during a turn to utilize a safe set.

During play of the game, the first regular subset of game cards can be formed from symbol game cards 110 having the male symbol (â™‚) 306 displayed on the bottom section 230 of the corresponding symbol game card 110, such as the symbol game cards 320c and 320e, and can include one or more follower game cards 400. An example of a first regular subset of game cards having the male symbol (â™‚) 306 is illustrated in FIG. 4E by the first regular subset of six (6) symbol game cards 427a-427f, or as illustrated in FIG. 4D by the three (3) symbol game cards 421d-421f and the three (3) follower cards 421a-342c, forming a first regular subset of six (6) cards, for example.

Also, during play of the game, the second regular subset of game cards can be formed from symbol game cards 110 having the female symbol (â™€) 308 displayed on the bottom section 230 of the corresponding symbol game card 110, such as the symbol game cards 320a, 320b, and 320d, and can include one or more follower game cards 400. An example of a second regular subset having the female symbol (â™€) 308 is illustrated in FIG. 4C by the second regular subset of six (6) symbol game cards 417a-417f, for example. As noted, the second regular subset of game cards can similarly include one or more follower cards 400, as well, for example. As to the regular subsets, each player can have one or more complete or partially complete first regular subsets having the male symbol (â™‚) 306 and can also have one or more complete or partially complete second regular subsets having the female symbol (â™€) 308, for example.

The first regular subsets having the male symbol (â™‚) 306 are arranged into corresponding first regular subsets based on the third symbol, such as the shield 310, the lightning bolt 330, the cog 340, the butterfly 350, and the star 360, for example, displayed on the right-side section 240 of the front face 110a of the corresponding symbol game cards 110, such as displayed on the right side section 240 of the symbol game cards 300c and 300e, without considering the distinct second number displayed on the left-side section 250 on the front face 110a of the symbol game card 110. Each first regular subset having the male symbol (â™‚) 306 can include, for example, desirably six (6) symbol game cards 110, such as the symbol game cards 300c and 300e, having the same third symbol. Further, the plurality of symbol game cards 110, such as the symbol game cards 300c and 300e, in the first regular subset displaying the male symbol (â™‚) symbol 306 can have either one of the sun 307 symbol or the moon 305 symbol, but can never include symbol game cards 110 having the sun 307 symbol and symbol game cards 110 having the moon 305 symbol in the same first regular subset displaying the male symbol (â™‚) symbol 306, for example.

The second regular subsets having the female symbol (â™€) 308 are arranged into corresponding second regular subsets based on the distinct second number displayed on the left-side section 250 of the front face 110a of the symbol game cards 110, such as displayed on the left-side section 250 of the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, and 300d, without considering the third symbol displayed on the right-side section 240 on the front face 110a of the symbol game card 110. Each second regular subset displaying the (â™€) symbol 308 can include, for example, desirably six (6) symbol game cards 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, and 300d, for example.

Further, a second regular subset having the female symbol (â™€) 308 can either have only odd numbers, i.e., 1, 3, 5, 7, etc. for the distinct second number displayed on the left-side section 250, or only even numbers, i.e., 2, 4, 6, 8, etc., for the distinct second number displayed on the left-side section 250. It is to be noted that both odd and even numbers cannot be in the same second regular subset displaying the (â™€) symbol 308. Further, the plurality of symbol game cards 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, and 300d, in the second regular subset displaying the (â™€) symbol 308 can have either one of the sun 307 or the moon 305, but can never include symbol game cards 110 having the sun 307 symbol and symbol game cards 110 having the moon 305 symbol in the same second regular subset displaying the (â™€) symbol 308.

If a symbol game card 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, is placed in either the first regular subset(s) or second regular subset(s), the symbol game card 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, cannot be removed from the first regular subset(s) or second regular subset(s) unless it is either to be utilized for the safe set or used by a player for a counterattack, for example.

As previously noted, a player can utilize the safe set to remain in the game. The safe set is a common set of symbol game cards 110 that can be utilized by the losing player in a given turn during the course of the game. For example, the player who loses in an exchange in a given turn can lessen his/her loss by forming or adding to the safe set. When the winning player of a hand uses the winning in play symbol game card 110 from the given turn to create a first regular subset or a second regular subset in front of the losing player or places the in play winning symbol game card 110 from a given turn in a previously formed first regular subset or second regular subset in front of the losing player, the losing player has the option to remove the winning symbol game card 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, from his/her first regular subset or second regular subset, or alternatively, any symbol game card 110 from the losing player's first regular subset(s) or second regular subset(s) and create a new safe set if no safe set currently exists or, if the symbol game card 110 meets the criteria for being placed in an existing safe set, position it in an already existing safe set, typically formed at a suitable position or location, typically such as in the middle between all the players, for example. As such, placing a symbol game card 110 into a safe set decreases the number of symbol game cards 110 in a player's first regular subset(s) or second regular subset(s).

It is to be noted that there can only be one safe set in play at any given time during the game and that follower game cards 400 cannot be placed in a safe set. Further, it must be noted that unlike the first regular subset(s) displaying the male symbol (â™‚) symbol 306 or the second regular subset(s) displaying the female symbol (â™€) symbol 308, the safe set can have both the sun 307 symbol and the moon 305 symbol in the same safe set. Otherwise, the rules for forming a safe set are the same or substantially the same as for forming the first regular subset displaying the male symbol (â™‚) symbol 306 or the second regular subset displaying the female symbol (â™€) symbol 308, for example.

Once the safe set is complete (i.e., has a requisite number of symbol game cards 110, desirably six (6) symbol game cards 110), the next player to lose a hand in a given turn, e.g., in an exchange of symbol game cards 110 between two players will not only lose the given turn but also loses and is out of the game. Such losing player takes the existing complete safe set, such as having the six (6) symbol game cards 110, as well as takes any remaining game cards in the losing player's hand and takes any first regular subset(s) or second regular subset(s) in front of such losing player. Additionally, if a player loses a hand in a given turn and the winning player of the given turn places at least one game card from the winning player's hand and completes a losing player's first regular subset or second regular subset and, at the same time, the safe set is complete, then such losing player is out of the game and takes the complete safe set, as well as takes such losing player's first regular subset(s) and second regular subset(s) and game cards in such losing player's hand, if any, thereby allowing a new safe set to be formed.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, it is to be noted that follower cards 400 can only be disposed of in a first regular subset or in a second regular subset. Follower game cards 400 cannot be used in exchanges in a given turn, and follower game cards 400 can only follow the winning in play symbol game card 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, into the first regular subset(s) or second regular subset(s) in front of the losing player. More than one follower game card 400 can be used at any one time. For example, if a player has one or more follower game cards 400, then he/she can selectively use the one or more follow game cards 400 when the player wins in an exchange.

When a player wins in an exchange, the one or more follower game cards 400 can go along with the winning symbol game card 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, and can either be placed in a same first or second regular subset of the losing player as the winning symbol game card 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, or be placed in a first or second regular subset of the losing player other than the first or second regular subset in which the winning symbol game card 110, such as the symbol game card 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, was placed. Follower game cards 400 can, instead of following the winning symbol game card 110 into the losing player's first regular subset(s) or second regular subset(s), be burned, i.e. to respectively remove a game card of the one or more game cards in a corresponding one of the first or second regular subset(s) of the winner. Once a follower game card 400 is burned it cannot be used again in the current game. Further, it is to be noted that, unlike the symbol game cards 110, the follower game cards 400 cannot be removed from a first or second regular subset once placed therein.

Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5H there is illustrated a process flow 500 that illustrates and implements embodiments of processes and methods for playing, among a plurality of players, the educational and interactive strategic thinking game using the deck of distinct game cards 100 by implementing actions, as described herein in relation to FIGS. 5A-5H, based on using in play symbol game cards 110 and follower game cards 400. As discussed above, the deck of distinct game cards 100 is desirably one hundred and five game cards, being divided into a distinct first subset having a plurality of symbol game cards 110 and a distinct second subset having a plurality of follower cards 400. As mentioned, the number of players, the number and types of game cards, symbols numbers and indicia on the various game cards should not be construed in a limiting sense.

To start (Step 505) the educational and interactive strategic thinking game, the plurality of symbol game cards 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, and the plurality of follower game cards 400 are shuffled together to form a single deck of distinct game cards, such as the deck of distinct game cards 100 (Step 510). Typically, the players can be seated in a circle, or other suitable arrangement to play the game. Each player is given a requisite number of game cards to form a player's initial hand, such as a total of six (6) game cards, from the deck of distinct game cards 100 (Step 515).

It is then determined if a player is given a complete hand of all follower game cards 400, such as six (6) follower game cards, (Step 520). If a player receives a complete hand of all follower game cards, such as six (6) follower game cards 400, then the player must return a follower game card 400 to the bottom of the deck of distinct game cards 100 and draw/continue to draw another game card until he/she draws a symbol game card 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, from the deck of distinct game cards 100 (Step 520a).

If all the players have at least one symbol game card, a selected player, such as the youngest player, for example, starts the game by challenging a player in a specified order, such as the player to his/her right (Step 530). There is a plurality of ways to designate which player will initiate the game. As mentioned, desirably, the youngest player will start the game by challenging the player to his/her right. Further, it is noted that during the game a player can take a new complete hand of game cards, such as six (6) new game cards, from the deck of distinct game cards 100 only when all the game cards in his/her hand are gone. The deck of distinct game cards 100 can then be positioned at a suitable location, such as inside the circle of the players within the reach of all players, for example. Typically, the educational and interactive strategic thinking game will continue in a counter-clockwise direction, but the game can also continue in any suitable direction or order, such as in a clockwise direction, and should not be construed in a limiting sense.

It is noted that the player who challenges another player can be known as an attacker in the game and the player who is challenged can be known as a defender (Step 535). For a given turn, the attacker can be referred to as a current attacker and the defender can be referred to as a current defender, for example. Continuing with the game for a given turn, both the current attacker and the current defender select and typically simultaneously, such as at about the same time, compare the first symbol displayed on the top section 220 of their respective in play symbol game cards 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, from their initial hand (Step 540). This challenge during a given turn can be referred to as an exchange. Also, as discussed above, it is noted that the follower game cards 400 cannot be used in exchanges.

After the exchange has occurred between the current attacker and the current defender, it is then determined do the in play symbol game cards 110 have the same first symbol displayed on the top section 220 of the in play symbol game cards 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, (Step 550). If it is determined that the in play symbol game cards 110 each display a different first symbol on the top section 220 of the in play symbol game cards 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, the attacker wins (Step 560).

The winner takes the winning in play symbol game card 110 and can also selectively take at least one follower game card 400, if he/she has any in their hand of six (6) game cards, and either deposit the winning in play symbol game card 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, and any selected one or more follower game cards 400 in any first regular subset(s) or second regular subset(s), having the same corresponding second symbol, such as the male symbol (â™‚) symbol 306 or the female symbol (â™€) symbol 308, the losing player has or can use the winning in play symbol game card 110 to form a new first regular subset or second regular subset in front of the losing player (Step 570).

After the winning player has deposited the in play winning symbol game card 110 and any follower game cards 400 in the respective first regular subset or second regular subset, it is then determined whether the safe set is complete (Step 830). If the safe set is complete, the losing player of the played hand is out of the game and takes the safe set, the losing player's first regular subset(s), second regular subset(s) and card(s) in hand (Step 574). Once the losing player has left the game, it is then determined whether there are any remaining player(s) in the game other than the winner of the hand (Step 575). If there are no remaining player(s) in the game, the game is over (Step 930), and the winner of the hand is the winner of the game.

However, if there are remaining player(s) in the game (Step 575), it is then determined whether the winner of the hand has any remaining game card(s) in the winner's hand (Step 576). If it is determined that the winner of the hand does have at least one remaining game card in the winner's hand, the play then continues in an order of players, such as with the player to the right of the winning player of the hand now becoming the current attacker and the player to the right of the current attacker now becomes the current defender, (Step 577). The process of the play of the game then returns to Step 540 and continues as described. However, it at Step 576 it is determined that the winner of the hand does not have any remaining game cards, the winner draws the requisite number of game cards from the deck of distinct cards 100, such as six (6) game cards to form a complete hand (Step 578). From Step 578, the process of the play of the game then returns to Step 577 and continues as described.

However, if at Step 830 it is determined that the safe set is not complete, it is then determined whether the losing player can place the winning in play game symbol card 110 from the first regular subset or the second regular subset in which the winning in play symbol game card is deposited or alternatively, another symbol game card 110 from any of his/her first or second regular subset(s) into a safe set (Step 832). If it is determined at Step 832 that the losing player can place the winning in play symbol game 110 card from the first regular subset or the second regular subset in which the winning in play symbol game card 110 is deposited or alternatively, another symbol game card 110 from any of his/her first or second regular subset(s) into a safe set, it is then determined by the losing player whether the losing player will place the winning in play symbol game card 110 in the safe set or will begin a new safe set (Step 840).

If it is determined at Step 840 that the losing player will place the winning in play symbol game card 110 or another symbol game card 110 from one of the losing player's first or second regular subsets in the safe set or will begin and place the winning in play symbol game card 110 or another symbol game card 110a in a new safe set, the winning in play symbol game card 110 or the another symbol game card 110 is placed in the safe set or used to begin a safe set (Step 860). However, if it is determined at Step 840 that the losing player will not place the winning in play symbol game card 110 or another symbol game card 110 from one of the losing player's first or second regular subsets in the safe set or begin a new safe set, the winning in play symbol game card 110 remains in the first regular subset or the second regular subset where deposited by the winning player (Step 850). From either of Step 850 or Step 860, the process of the play of the game goes to Step 580 and continues as to be described.

However, if at Step 832 it is determined that the losing player cannot place the winning in play game symbol card 110 from a first regular subset or a second regular subset in which the winning in play symbol game card 110 is deposited or cannot place the another symbol game card 110 from one of the losing player's first regular subset(s) or second regular subset(s) into a safe set, the process of the play of the game goes to Step 571. At Step 571, it is determined whether, for a played hand, any of the losing player's first regular subset(s) or second regular subset(s) is complete after the addition of the winner's card(s) thereto (Step 571). If it is determined that, for a played hand, at least one of the losing player's first regular subset(s) or second regular subset(s) is complete after the addition of the winner's card(s) thereto, the process of the play of the game goes to Step 574 and continues as described.

If, however, it is determined at Step 571 that the losing player's first regular subset(s) or second regular subset(s) is not complete after the addition of the winner's card(s) thereto, the process of the play of the game goes to Step 580 and the losing player returns his/her symbol game card 110 to the bottom of the deck of distinct game cards 100 and selects a new game card (Step 580). Once the losing player has selected a new game card, it must be determined whether all the game card(s) in the losing player's hand are follower game card(s) (Step 590). If the losing player has at least one symbol game card 110, the turn is over (Step 600). The defender of the turn that is over becomes the current attacker and attacks the player to his/her right, who now becomes the current defender, for example, in an order of players of the game (Step 610).

For a current attacker, such as after the defender of the turn that is over becomes the current attacker, the process of the play of the game goes to Step 870 and it is determined whether the current attacker has any first regular subset(s) or second regular subset(s) (Step 870). If the current attacker does not have any first or second regular subset(s), the process of the play of the game goes to Step 540 and continues as described. If, however, the current attacker does have at least one first regular subset or second regular subset, it is then determined whether the current attacker has the requisite number of game cards for a counterattack in his/her first regular subset or second regular subset (Step 880).

If the current attacker does not have the requisite number of game cards for the counterattack collectively in one or more of the current attacker's first regular subset or second regular subset, the process of the play of the game goes to Step 540 and continues as described. However, if the current attacker has the requisite number of game cards for the counterattack in collectively one or more of his/her first regular subset(s) or second regular subset(s), it is determined whether the current attacker commences a counterattack (Step 890). If the current attacker does not commence a counterattack, the process of the play of the game goes to Step 540 and continues as described. If, however, the current attacker commences the counterattack, he/she selectively places the requisite number of game cards for the counterattack from the current attacker's first regular subset(s) or second regular subset(s) into one or more new or previously formed first regular subset(s) or second regular subsets of one or more other players (Step 900). The process of the play of the game then goes to Step 540 and continues as described.

If, however, at Step 590 the game card(s) in the losing player's hand are all follower game cards 400, the losing player must return a follower game card 400 to the bottom of the deck of distinct game cards 100 and draw/continue to draw another game card until he/she draws a symbol game card 110 (Step 595). Once the losing player has at least one symbol game card 110, the process of the play of the game goes to Step 600 and continues as described.

However, if, at Step 550, it is determined that the in play symbol game cards 110 each display the same first symbol on the top section 220 of the in play symbol game cards 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, the second symbol, such as the male symbol (â™‚) symbol 306 or the female symbol (â™€) symbol 308, displayed on the bottom section 230 of the in play defender's symbol game card 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, will determine the next step (Step 620).

If it is determined at Step 620 that the defender's in play symbol game card 110 has the first distinct second symbol, such as the male symbol (â™‚) 306, (Step 630), the players then examine the priority of the third symbol on the right-side section 240 of each in play symbol game card 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e (Step 640). It is to be noted that a priority of the third symbols, in an order of priority from highest to lowest, is as follows: the shield 310 has a higher priority than the lightning bolt 330, the lightning bolt 330 has a higher priority than the cog 340, the cog 340 has a higher priority than the butterfly 350, and the butterfly 350 has a higher priority than the star 360 (Step 645), for example. It is also noted that the order of priority of the symbols can vary and should not be construed in a limiting sense.

It is then determined whether both in play symbol game cards 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, each have a different third symbol displayed on the right-side section 240 of the in play symbol game cards 110, such as the symbol the game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e (Step 650). If it is determined that both in play symbol game cards 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, each have different third symbols displayed on the right-side section 240 of the in play symbol game cards 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, then the winning game symbol game card 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, is the one displaying the third symbol having the highest priority in an order of priority, such as determined according to Step 645, (Step 660).

From Step 660, it is then determined if the current attacker wins the hand for the given turn by having the third symbol of the highest priority (Step 662). If the current attacker wins the hand for the given turn at Step 662, process of the play of the game goes to Step 570 and continues as described. If, however, it is determined at Step 662 that the current attacker does not win the hand for the given turn, the process of the play of the game goes to Step 910 and it is then determined whether there was a counterattack by the current attacker (Step 910).

If the current attacker did not counterattack, the process of the play of the game goes to Step 570 and continues as described. If, however, at Step 910 it is determined that the current attacker did counterattack and did not win the hand for the given turn, the selectively placed game cards are returned to the current attacker's first regular subset(s) or second regular subset(s) in addition to one (1) game card from one of the first or second regular subset(s) of the player(s) that hosted the current attacker's game cards during the exchangeâ€”the one card is chosen by the player(s) who hosted the current attacker's one or more game cards (Step 920). Once the game cards have been returned to the current attacker's first regular subset(s) or second regular subset(s) and the player(s) hosting the current attacker's one or more game cards have given the current attacker a game card which is placed in the current attacker's existing first or second regular subset(s) or used to form new first or second regular subset(s), the process of the play of the game goes to Step 570 and continues as described.

However, if in Step 650, it is determined that both in play symbol game cards 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, have the same third symbol displayed on the right-side section 240 of the in play symbol game cards 110, then the distinct second number displayed on the left-side section 250 of the in play symbol game cards 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, is considered (Step 680). It then is determined whether the third symbol displayed on the right-side section 240 of the in play symbol game cards 110, such as the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, is a first distinct third symbol, such as the shield 310, for example, (Step 682).

If the third symbol displayed on the right-side section 240 of the in play symbol game cards 110, is the first distinct third symbol, such as the shield 310, the player with the highest distinct second number displayed on the left-side section 250 of his/her in play symbol game card 110 is the winner (Step 700). It is then determined whether the current attacker wins (Step 702). If the current attacker wins, the process of play goes to Step 570 and continues as described. If, however, the current attacker does not win, the process of play goes to Step 910 and continues as described.

If, in Step 682, it is determined that the third symbol displayed on the right-side section 240 of the in play symbol game cards 110 is not the first distinct third symbol, such as the shield 310, it is then determined whether the difference between both the distinct second numbers displayed on the left-side section 250 of each of the respective in play players' symbol game cards 110 is less than or equal to the maximum number associated with the third symbol displayed on the right-side section 240 of the players' in play symbol game cards 110 (Step 690).

For example, it is to be noted that the shield 310 is associated with a first number selected from a group consisting of 0 and 1, the lightning bolt 330 is associated with a first number selected from a group consisting of the numbers 0, 1, and 2, the cog 340 is associated with a first number selected from a group consisting of the numbers 0, 1, 2, and 3, the butterfly 350 is associated with a first number selected from a group consisting of the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, and the star 360 is associated with a first number selected from a group consisting of the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Therefore, the maximum number associated with the shield 310 is the number 1, the maximum number associated with the lightning bolt 330 is the number 2, the maximum number associated with the cog 340 is the number 3, the maximum number associated with the butterfly 350 is the number 4, and the maximum number associated with the star 360 is the number 5, for example.

If it is determined at Step 690 that the difference between the respective distinct second numbers displayed on the left-side section 250 of the players' in play symbol game cards 110 is not less than or not equal to the maximum number associated with the third symbol displayed on the right-side section 240 of the players' in play symbol game cards 110, the process of play goes to Step 700 and continues as described.

If, however, at Step 690 it is determined that the difference between the respective distinct second numbers displayed on the left-side section 250 of the players in play symbol game cards 110 is less than or is equal to the maximum number associated with the third symbol displayed on the right-side section 240 of the players' in play symbol game cards 110, the players then compete with one another in aa maneuver, such as a Rock-Paper-Scissors Maneuver (RPSM) (Step 692). In the maneuver, such as the RSPM, there is selectively respectively presented a first number selected from the first numbers associated with the third symbol displayed on a player's in play symbol game card 110 and selectively presenting a first number selected from the first numbers associated with the third symbol displayed on the opposing player's in play symbol game card 110. From the selectively presented first numbers, performing a further action using the selectively presented first numbers associated with the third symbol in the maneuver.

The RSPM is similar to the known rock-paper-scissors hand game played by two people, which in this case are the current attacker and the current defender. In the RPSM, the current attacker and the current defender simultaneously, such as at about the same time, form respectively with one of their hands one of first numbers associated with the third symbol displayed on the right-side section 240 of the in play symbol game cards 110. It is to be noted that, unlike the known rock-paper-scissors hand game, a first number associated with the third symbol displayed on the right-side section 240 of the symbol game cards 110, is used in the RPSM, an exemplary RSPM being as illustrated in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, for example, an attacker's hand 940a and a defender's hand 940b during the RSPM, is illustrated. For example, a maximum of the first number, such as a number of circles, can be illustrated in conjunction with the third symbol displayed on the right-side section 240 of the symbol game cards 110, such as the circles illustrated in conjunction with the corresponding third symbols in the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, and 300e, such as illustrated in FIGS. 3A 3E.

As mentioned herein, for example, the shield 310 is associated with a first number selected from a group consisting of 0 and 1, the lightning bolt 330 is associated with a first number selected from a group consisting of the numbers 0, 1, and 2, the cog 340 is associated with a first number selected from a group consisting of the numbers 0, 1, 2, and 3, the butterfly 350 is associated with the first number selected from a group consisting of the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, and the star 360 is associated with the first number selected from a group consisting of the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. It is noted that, in an embodiment of the game, a zero as a number associated with a corresponding third symbol in the right-side section 240 cannot be used in a maneuver, such as the RSPM, for the in play symbol game cards 110 having the male symbol (â™‚) 306, such as the symbol game cards 300c and 300e. Also, it is to be noted that the in play symbol game cards 110 having the shield 310 symbol are exempt from doing the maneuver, such as the RSPM.

Once the players have selected their respective number corresponding to the third symbol displayed in the right-side section 240 of the in play symbol game cards 110, and play the RPSM at Step 692, it is then determined if the number presented by each player in the RPSM is equal to one another (STEP 694). If the number presented by each player in the RPSM is not equal to one another, the process of play goes to Step 700 and continues as described. If, however, at Step 694, it is determined that the number presented by each player in the RPSM is equal to one another, each number presented by each player in the RPSM will be added together to form a first sum (Step 710). Then, the player with the lower distinct second number displayed on his/her in play symbol game card 110 will add the first sum to the distinct second number displayed on his/her in play symbol game card 110 to achieve a first total, and the player with the higher distinct second number displayed on his/her in play symbol game card 110 will subtract the first sum from the distinct second number displayed on his/her in play symbol game card 110 to also achieve a first total (Step 720). The player with the highest first total wins the hand (Step 730).

It is then determined whether the current attacker is the player with the highest first total (Step 732). If the current attacker is the player with the highest first total, the attacker wins the hand of the given turn (Step 734) and the process of play goes to Step 570 and continues as described. If, however, the current attacker is not the player with the highest first total, the process of play goes to Step 910 and continues as described.

However, if in Step 630 it is determined that the defender's in play symbol game card 110 does not have the first distinct second symbol, such as the male symbol (6) 306, displayed on the bottom section 230 of the defender's in play symbol game card 110, the defender's in play symbol game card 110, will have the second distinct second symbol, such as the female symbol (â™€) 308, displayed thereon, such as displayed on the symbol game cards 300a, 300b, and 300d, (Step 740). The players of the given turn, i.e., the current attacker and the current defender, will then consider the distinct second number displayed on the left-side section 250 of each of the player's in play symbol game cards 110 (Step 750).

The distinct second number respectively displayed on the left-side section 250 of each of the players' in play symbol game cards 110 are added to achieve a second sum (Step 760). The players then use the maneuver, such as the RPSM, as described, between them to determine a third sum by adding a first number associated with the third symbol displayed on each player's in play symbol game card that is used by each player, respectively, in the maneuver, such as the RPSM, (Step 770). It is to be noted that, as described above, a number equal to a first number associated with the third symbol displayed on the right-side section 240 of the in play symbol game cards is used in the maneuver, such as the RPSM, to determine the third sum instead of the rock-paper-scissors symbols (Step 780). The third sum is added to the second sum to achieve a sum total (Step 785).

For example, if the third symbol on the right-side section 240 of the in play symbol game card 110 is the butterfly 350, the players are limited, in this case, to using one of the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, associated with the butterfly 350 symbol as their respective first number in the RSPM. Continuing with the example, if the current attacker chooses the number 4, as illustrated in the attacker's hand 940a, and the current defender chooses the number, 1 as illustrated in the defender's hand 940b during the maneuver, such as the RSPM, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the third sum then will be 5 (4+1).

Continuing further with the example, if the current attacker's in play symbol game card 110 has the number 13 displayed on the left-side section 250 and the current defender's in play symbol game card 110 has the number 10 displayed on the left-side section 250, the second sum would then be 23 (10+13). The sum total of the third sum and the second sum would then be 28 (5+23). It must be noted that use of zeros in the maneuver, such as the RSPM, are only an option for the in play symbol game cards 110 having the second distinct second symbol, such as the female symbol (â™€) 308. Also, unlike the in play symbol game cards 110 having the first distinct second symbol, such as the male symbol (â™‚) 306, the in play symbol game cards 110 having the second distinct second symbol, such as the female symbol (â™€) 308, and having the shield 310 are not exempt from doing the maneuver, such as the RSPM, for example.

It is then determined whether the sum total determined at Step 785 is an even number (Step 790). If the sum total is an even number, then the current attacker wins the hand in the given turn (Step 810) and the process of play then goes to Step 570 and continues as described. If, however, at Step 790, the sum total is not an even number, the sum total is an odd number (Step 800), and the current defender wins the hand in the given turn (Step 820). From Step 820, the process of play goes to Step 910 and continues as described.

Although embodiments has been described in terms of the deck of distinct game cards 100, it will be appreciated that embodiments of deck of distinct game cards and methods for playing the educational and interactive strategic thinking game can be applied to a computer game in which various sub-sets of cards and the instructions for playing the educational and interactive strategic thinking game can be stored in the non-transitory memory and can be implemented by a computer implemented device, as well as the deck of distinct game cards for playing the educational and interactive strategic thinking game can be generated by the computer implemented device and can be displayed as images on a digital screen associated with the computer implemented device, such as a computer.

FIG. 7 illustrates a generalized system 1000, such as or can be included in a computer implemented device, as can be used for implementing embodiments for playing the educational and interactive strategic thinking game. The generalized system 1000 includes an interface 1002, a memory 1004, at least one controller/processor 1006 and an associated display 1008, for example. It should be understood that the generalized system 1000 can represent, for example, a processor, a controller, a stand-alone computer, a computer terminal, networked or computer terminal or a networked portable device, for example. Information related to, data for and instructions for implementing execution of play for the educational and interactive strategic thinking game, such instructions can include, for example, a determination of which symbol game card is chosen, can be acquired by or provided through the interface 1002 and can be stored in the memory 1004, such as computer readable memory, which can be any suitable type of computer readable and programmable memory.

Data and instructions for play of the educational and interactive strategic thinking game can be entered into the generalized system 1000 by a player of the game or from another source via any suitable type of user interface 1002 and can be stored in the memory 1004, which can be any suitable type of computer readable and programmable memory. Calculations, decisions or determinations can be performed or implemented by the controller/processor 1006, which can be any suitable type of computer processor, and can be displayed to one or more players of the educational and interactive strategic thinking game on the display 1008, which can be any suitable type of computer display or other suitable display, for example.

Examples of computer readable media as can be used or included in the memory 1004 can include a non-transitory computer readable storage memory, a magnetic recording apparatus, and optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and/or a semiconductor memory (for example RAM, ROM, etc.). Examples of magnetic recording apparatus that can be used in addition to the memory 1004, or in place of the memory 1004, include a hard disk (HDD), a flexible disk (FD0, and a magnetic tape (MT). Example of the optical disk include a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a DVD-RAM, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), and a CD-R (Recordable)/RW.

The controller/processor 1006 can be associated with, or incorporated into, any suitable type of computing device, for example, a personal computer or a programmable logic controller (PLC) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The display 1008, the controller/processor 1006, the memory 1004, the interface 1002 and any associated computer readable media are in communication with one another by any suitable type of data bus, as is well known in the art, for example.

The deck of distinct game cards, such as the deck of distinct game cards 100, for playing the educational and interactive strategic thinking game can therefore also be a set of virtual â€œcardsâ€ in such embodiments utilizing a computer implemented device, such as the generalized system 1000, in play of the game. Also, an example of an algorithm and software instructions for adapting and implementing the processes and methods in implementing play of the educational and interactive strategic thinking game as a computer-implemented application are illustrated and described in the embodiments of the methods and processes illustrated the flow charts of FIGS. 5A-5H.

For example, when the player, which can also be a computer implemented device, attacks and chooses a symbol game card 110, the computer implemented device, such as the generalized system 1000, or, in a digital game, the human player can interact with various other players through a computer implemented device, such as the computer implemented device 1000, in various locations through a networking system, such as a local or global computer communication system.

Therefore, embodiments of the educational and interactive strategic thinking game provide game apparatus and methods for playing a card game that are typically relatively simple and versatile so that players of various ages can enjoy the educational and interactive strategic thinking game and benefit therefrom. Further, embodiments of the educational and interactive strategic thinking game can provide a versatile educational and interactive strategic thinking game that can be played through a variety of different methods, such as paper cards, digital and computer mediums, including smart phones, tiles and the like.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.