Cylindrical Board Game Components and Game Methods of Play

Abstract

A challenging set of two-player (or multi-player) games of skill with increased levels of difficulty that greatly enhance the players' abilities to visualize in 3-D. The games can also be developed to be played electronically and on-line. The basic objective of the game components of the present invention is to adapt 2-D board game surfaces into 3-D cylindrical configurations. By bending a 2-D board game into 3-D and connecting it back onto itself, additional skills associated with 3-D visualization are required of the players. A variety of traditional 2-D board games are translated into 3-D cylindrical board game structures and methods. In its basic form, the game method of play involves two players alternately placing game pieces into apertures on the cylindrical game board. Although most of the games associated with the objective of the present invention are two-player games, a variety of multi-player games are also possible.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A game apparatus configured as a two-dimensional game board curved into three-dimensions to provide an additional visual challenge to game players beyond a conventional two-dimensional game method of play, the game apparatus comprising:
 a longitudinal cylindrical structure having a length, diameter, external surface and a central axis, the cylindrical structure defining an array of apertures, generally arranged on the external surface in columns parallel to the central axis and rows in planes orthogonal to the central axis; and   a plurality of playing pieces structured to be handled by the game players and to be partially inserted into the apertures of the aperture array.   
     
     
         2 . The game apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising end caps positioned on the ends of the longitudinal cylindrical structure to facilitate handling of the structure. 
     
     
         3 . The game apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the cylindrical structure is hollow and comprises a cylindrical wall and wherein the end caps are removable from the ends of the cylindrical structure to alternately close off and open the hollow interior of the cylindrical structure. 
     
     
         4 . The game apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of playing pieces comprise at least two sets of contrasting color playing pieces.