Double jig-saw puzzle game

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to jigsaw puzzles and is particularly directed to a novel form of game which is provided by supplying the opposing players with essentially iden’^;cal but distinguishable puzzle pieces, so that they can vie with ?ach other in a race to complete a major portion of a single puzzle scene from the duplicate puzzles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A jigsaw puzzle game comprising a plurality of pairs of irregularly cut puzzle pieces which can be assembled to provide duplicates of a particular scene differing only in color from each other, puzzle piece portions of each of said duplicate scenes including indicia thereon providing scoring means for the completion of each said portion in the puzzle, and a playing board including means defining the opposite edges of a single reproduction of said scene, with one edge-defining means being in one of the colors on said pairs of pieces and the other edge having the other color on said pairs of pieces and the other edge having the other color on said pairs of pieces, whereby each of two opposing players or teams of players use one of the differently colored sets of puzzle pieces in an attempt to complete a major portion of the scene in advance of the opponent and achieve a score as determined by said indicia-bearing pieces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the game board,

FIG. 2 is a reduced plan view of the board, with a portion of the puzzle completed and omitting the illustrations seen in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a plurality of playing pieces used in the game, and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of a typical puzzle piece used in forming the scene.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The game includes a game board 10 preferably composed of two sections 12 and 14, each having a dovetailed or other irregular edge complementary to a corresponding edge of the other, so that the two will fit together in an interlocking joint 16 and yet permit separation of sections 12 and 14 to thereby conserve space in packaging and storage. Board 10 has on its face a landscape depicting numerous objects and features which become objectives or targets for the players, and a large number different irregularly shaped puzzle pieces, as indicated at 18 and 20, are linked or fastened together by interlocking portions of their irregular edges to cover board 10. When the puzzle pieces completely cover board 10 they provide the same scene illustrated on the board. However, in playing the game, two opponents, or teams, are each given a full set of puzzle pieces which are alike except that they are of different colors, and the opposing players vie with one another in a race to complete a single reproduction of the scene on the board from the two complete sets of puzzle pieces.

Along one of the long edges of board 10 there is formed a strip 22 which has an irregular edge inwardly of the margin of board 10 so shaped as to interlock with the first rank of pieces which belong in the vicinity of this edge. A similar strip 24 is fixed along the opposite long edge of board 10. If desired, each of strips 22 and 24 may be composed of ranks of irregular pieces similar to those used in completing the rest of the scene. The pieces that belong in the region of edge 24 of board 10 are shaped to interlock with the irregular edge of strip 24. The pieces may then be built out from strips 22 and 24 by interlocking piece to piece as rapidly as the skill of the players will permit.

In addition, the scene on board 10 is marked off in grids or squares which preferably do not correspond with the irregular edges of the pieces, and each square is also marked on the puzzle pieces forming it, together with a number on the board and on one of the pieces in each of selected squares, which numbers are used in counting the scores of players completing each selected squares. An example of a piece included in a numbered square is shown in FIG. 4.

The landscape depicted on board 10 includes a representation of a river 25 which flows lengthwise of board 10 and divides the area roughly into two equal parts. Additional playing pieces in the form of bridges 26 are provided which are threedimensional units to be placed across the river at places indicated on the board. The proper placements for the bridges are indicated by contrasting colored spots 28 on particular puzzle pieces, as shown in piece 30 in FIG. 4, which will fit only in locations where bridge abutments are needed.

For use in playing the game other three-dimensional units are supplied. For example, a paratrooper is indicated at 32 (FIG. 3) and a tank at 34, and each opponent is supplied with several of each of these pieces having the same color as his particular set of puzzle pieces. One or more radio towers 36 are also provided, and each opponent is supplied with flags 38 which identify him or his team and which has a plug portion 40 sized to fit in suitable holes 44 (FIG. 4) in appropriate puzzle pieces to identify important objectives on the scene.

In playing the game sides are chosen in any suitable manner and one side is given a set of irregular pieces, bridges, paratroopers, tanks, radio towers and flags, all of a characteristic color, while the other side is given the same except that all the pieces are of a different color. The opponents then start to place pieces on the board, linking them with their particular strip, for example 24, and with each other, particularly with the object of securing strategic elements. One of the objectives might be the airfield 42. As soon as this is completed (by assembling the pieces forming the square which includes the airfield portion bearing the hole 44 for receiving a flag 38) that side may use his paratroopers, which is done by placing a paratrooper on one’s own piece, whereupon it may be linked with an opponent’s piece of a different color. Also such piece may cross the river whether or not a bridge has been put in place. In this way a player can begin to take opponent’s territory without waiting for a bridge to be built. Airfield 42 is provided with a hole 44 of a size to receive plug 40 so that the player who first secures the field can plant his flag there. Another objective is the tank park 46. As soon as the square including the portion of tank park 46 bearing the 50 point value is completed, the player may use his tanks by placing one on one of his own pieces. An opponent may not link one of his pieces with a piece so protected.

Other objectives are representations of oil tanks 48, ammunition dumps 50, docks 52 and a factory 54, and each may be provided with a hole 44 for reception of a player’s flag 38.

The scene, as well as being depicted on the pieces, is marked off arbitrarily into squares which preferably do not correspond with the irregular edges of the playing pieces, so that several playing pieces must be put down in order to complete a square, and when this is done some of the pieces will lap over into another square. Each square is assigned a value generally proportional to the value of the territory covered by it, taking into account the objects included in the area, and a player must complete an entire square to receive the value of that square. These values are added at the end of the game to determine the score of each player or team. The players do not take turns any more than they would in a real battle, but secure their own territory and take as much of the opponent’s as they can as rapidly as possible, and there is room for the exercise of considerable skill and strategy on the part of a player in making opportunities to place the bridges and to use the paratroopers and tanks in a manner to gain the greatest advantage for his own side, and to confuse the “enemy” as much as possible.

It follows that the side that secures and takes the most territory, and particularly the most important territory, will also win the highest score when the landscape is complete and the game is over.

3,558,136

Although the invention has been described in connection with a specific embodiment, variations, modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the principles of this invention as defined in the appended claims.