United States Patent 19
`Garfield
`
`US005662332A
`Patent Number:
`11
`45) Date of Patent:
`
`5,662,332
`Sep. 2, 1997
`
`54 TRADING CARD GAME METHOD OF PLAY
`
`75) Inventor: Richard Channing Garfield, Portland,
`Oreg.
`
`Primary Examiner-William E. Stoll
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Graham & James LLP/Riddell
`Williams P.S.
`
`57
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`73) Assignee: Wizards of the Coast, Inc., Renton,
`Wash.
`
`21 Appl. No.: 544,306
`22 Filed:
`Oct. 17, 1995
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`62 Division of Ser. No. 263,447, Jun. 22, 1994.
`6
`
`Provided herein is a novel method of game play and game
`components that in one embodiment are in the form of
`trading cards (10, 12, 40, 42, 44, 48,54, 60, 64). However,
`the game components may take otherforms, such as a board
`game, or the game may be played in different media, such as
`electronic games, video games, computer games, and inter
`active network. In one version, the game components com
`prise energy or mana cards 40 and command or spell cards
`9 he as A63F 1/00
`(10, 12, 42, 44, 48, 54, 60, 64) having commands O spells
`08w 88.888 wow so stoo was see a now a
`Ooh Ow84
`2site associated therewith that utilize the energy to enable a player
`P
`f search
`- 4
`-
`a -a -
`a w8
`O Sell ..................................
`to attack, defend and modify the effect of other mana cards,
`273/246, 247, 259,277,298, 292, 308
`spell cards, and the fundamental rules of play. The goal of
`the game is to reduce the life points of other players to a
`References Cited
`TENT
`CUMENT
`level below one. In this game of strategy and chance, players
`DO
`S
`construct their own library of cards, preferably from trading
`U.S. P.
`4,486,022 12/1984 Dixon .................................. 273/244 X cards, and play their library or deck of cards against the deck
`5,071,136 12/1991 Lott ..................................... 273/298 X of cards of an opposing player. Cards may be obtained from
`5.145,173 9/1992 Crowder .................................. 273/298
`tail outl
`d
`ith oth
`d
`5,201,525 4/1993 Castro ................................. 273298 X
`retail Outlets, trading with other players or collectors, an
`winning cards at games and tournaments.
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`497223 8/1992 European Pat. Off. ............... 273/298
`
`E.
`
`t
`
`56)
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`6 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
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`
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`Supercell
`Exhibit 1015
`Page 1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 2, 1997
`
`Sheet 1 of 6
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`5,662,332
`
`
`
`FG
`
`1A
`
`FIG.
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1015
`Page 2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 2, 1997
`
`Sheet 2 of 6
`
`5,662,332
`
`F.G. 1C
`
`28
`
`ENCHANT ENCHANTMENT
`------------------- -
`TARGEENCHANIENCSS2 EXTRA
`ANA EACH TURN DURING UPKEEP, F
`RiSEE
`CANNOT OR WIL NOT PAY THIS EXTRA
`ANEEKESDAMAGE
`TO HY OR HER FOREACH UNPAD ANA
`------------------- -
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ITARGET CREATURE CANNOT BE
`BLOCKED BY ANY CREATURES
`EXCEPT BLACK CREATURES
`AND ARTEFACT CREATURES
`
`
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1015
`Page 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
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`Sep. 2, 1997
`
`Sheet 3 of 6
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`5,662,332
`
`FIG
`
`
`
`1E
`
`TRANQUITY
`
`AL ENCHANTMENS IN
`PAY MUST BE DISCARDED.
`
`
`
`HELL CANT
`
`SUMMON GIANT
`--------------------
`FORTUNATELY, H. GIANTS HAVE LARGE
`BIND SPOTSN WHICH A HRVAN CAN
`EASY HE UNFORRNATELY. THESE BLAD
`SPORS ARE BENEATH THE
`BOTTOWS OF
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1015
`Page 4
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Sep. 2, 1997
`
`Sheet 4 of 6
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`5,662,332
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`F.G. 1 G
`
`4-0
`
`k
`
`24
`
`38
`
`: ADD (6) TO
`YOUR MANA POOL
`
`16
`
`
`
`
`
`ARTIFACT CREAURE
`REGENERES
`CoNTSSAA
`SOMENSACEHADCREATE
`HORRFYNC WALL OF MNCRESH, PATCHED
`SERRABECSI:
`RECOGNIABLE BOY PARTS ASWESOUCH:
`GEOSAYROUGSOME
`UNKNOWN POWER HEALED THE GAPING:
`WOUNDS WECU, DENMNC US PASSAGE
`----------------------
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
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`
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`Supercell
`Exhibit 1015
`Page 5
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 2, 1997
`
`Sheet 5 of 6
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`5,662,332
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`ARTIFACT
`Yost SFTEDSCRHASE OF
`YOUR TURN, FA CARD FORCES YOU TO
`DSCARD YOU MAY CHOOSETO DSCR)
`TO TOP OF YOURUBRARY RATHER THAN
`TO CRAYEARD, E DSCARD IS RANDOM,
`: YOU MAY LOOK AT CARD BEFORE DECD
`NCHERE TO OSCARD II.
`
`FG, 2
`
`
`
`BRARY
`
`GRAVEYARD
`
`86
`
`84
`
`82
`
`OPPONENT'S TERRITORY
`
`YOUR TERRITORY
`
`: 84
`
`86
`
`CRAVEYARO
`
`LIBRARY
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1015
`Page 6
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Sep. 2, 1997
`
`Sheet 6 of 6
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`5,662,332
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`FG, 3
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`92
`
`
`
`UNTAPPED
`
`88
`
`UNTAPPED
`
`
`
`84
`
`CRAVEYARD
`
`BRARY
`
`90
`
`
`
`88
`
`86
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`Supercell
`Exhibit 1015
`Page 7
`
`

`

`5,662,332
`
`1.
`TRADING CARD GAME METHOD OF PLAY
`
`This application is a division of pending application Ser.
`No. 08/263.447 filed Jun. 22, 1994.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`The present invention pertains generally to games that
`combine chance and strategy, and, more particularly, to a
`card game that utilizes trading cards and to a method of
`playing the game, as well as alternative embodiments of the
`same, including different game formats such as electronic
`games, interactive networks, computer software, board
`games, and role playing games.
`
`2
`players know when life value has been reduced to zero,
`thereby eliminating the player from the game.
`In accordance with anotherform of the present invention,
`the game is directed to a plurality of game elements, the
`plurality of game elements further comprising multiple
`copies of unique individual game elements, with one or
`more of the unique individual game elements having fewer
`copies than the other unique individual game elements.
`Ideally the game elements are freely tradable among players
`such that each player obtains and constructs their own set of
`game elements to thereby compete against the set of game
`elements of other players. This form of the game can also
`include articles or a method of tracking the life value, such
`as counters, to enable a player to determine when the
`player's life value has reached zero and the player is
`eliminated from the game.
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention, the game elements comprise one or more state
`altering elements that enable a player to alter the state of the
`game elements, the rules of play, and any player. The game
`elements can also include one or more defense elements that
`defend against a state-altering element. State-altering effects
`include modifying the effect of other game elements and
`rules, and also reducing a players life value, requiring
`elimination of other game elements, and suspension of one
`or more rules of play.
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention, the game elements comprise hand-holdable cards.
`In another form, the present invention is further directed
`to a game for two or more players comprising energy
`elements and command elements, with the command ele
`ments having commands associated therewith that utilize the
`energy elements to effectuate the commands, thereby
`enabling a player to change the state of and defeat other
`players. The command elements further include one or more
`attack elements that enable a player to change the state of the
`energy elements; the command elements, and any other
`player, such as reducing a player's life value, eliminating
`command or energy elements, or modifying the effect of
`game elements and rules. Preferably, the command elements
`also include one or more defense elements that enable a
`player to defend against an attack on the player, the energy
`elements, and the command elements. The defense elements
`can be a component of the attack elements.
`In accordance with another embodiment of the present
`invention, the game includes rules of play, and the command
`elements also include one or more commands that enable a
`player to alter one or more rules of play. In addition, the
`command elements include one or more effect commands
`that enable a player to alter the effect of the energy elements,
`the command elements, and the rules of play. The effect
`commands can alter the effect of the energy elements, the
`command elements, and the rules of play for the entire game
`or for only a potion of the time the game is being played.
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention, the energy elements and the command elements
`are in the form of hand-holdable cards that comprise com
`mand cards having one or more commands associated
`therewith and energy cards. The command cards include one
`or more cards having commands that enable a player to
`attack energy cards, command cards, and any player to
`thereby inflict damage and defeat opposing players. The
`attack command cards may enable a player to defend against
`attack.
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention, the command cards include one or more cards
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`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Trading cards are a well-known method of disbursing and
`collecting information about public figures. A familiar type
`of trading card is the baseball card that has a photographic
`depiction of an athlete along with biographical and statistical
`information about the athlete. These baseball cards and other
`cards dealing with various sports figures are used by sports
`enthusiasts for gathering information about players and
`teams. Trading cards have also been developed in other
`areas, such as the entertainment industry, which depict
`music performers and television and movie personalities.
`Trading cards are typically exchanged among enthusiasts
`to obtain cards that are needed to complete a set of related
`cards or to collect cards that are not readily available.
`Collectors buy and sell these cards for their economic and
`historic value. The cards themselves have varying monetary
`values, depending on the popularity of the individual
`depicted thereon and the availability of each card, some
`being more common than others. Such cards are typically
`sold through retail game stores and other specialty outlets.
`Playing cards, on the other hand, especially the well
`known fifty-two deck face cards, are easily and readily
`available. The cards themselves, individually and
`collectively, generally have no value other than for amuse
`ment. Many different games can be played with a single
`deck of playing cards, limited generally by the imagination
`of the players. Some card games require cards especially
`printed for that game, and these cards have little value
`outside the playing of that particular game.
`Many games played with the more common face cards are
`games of chance. In other words, these games have rules that
`require either the random selection of cards or depend on the
`occurrence of events outside the control of the players. Other
`games that require some strategy usually limit the level of
`strategy with restrictive rules of play.
`At the present, there are no known games that use freely
`tradable game elements or components, such as trading
`cards, and further, games that enable a player to form a
`unique combination of components that competes against
`the combinations of other players.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`In one form, the presentinvention is directed to a game for
`two or more players. The game components include rules of
`play and a plurality of game elements, one or more of the
`game elements having limited availability to the players, the
`game elements being freely tradable among the players such
`that each player obtains and constructs their own set of game
`elements to thereby compete against the set of game ele
`ments of other players. The game can also include articles or
`a method for tracking a life value assigned to each player so
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1015
`Page 8
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`

`

`3
`having commands that enable a player to alter the effect of
`energy cards and command cards, to alter or modify one or
`more rules of play and the state of a player, or to provide
`energy.
`In accordance with a further aspect of the present
`invention, the energy cards have a playing face with indicia
`thereon indicating the level of energy provided by the energy
`card. In addition, one or more of the command cards
`includes indicia of the level of energy required to effectuate
`a command associated therewith. In addition, the energy
`cards may be comprised of a plurality of different types of
`energy cards, with the type of energy provided by each card
`being indicated by indicia thereon. The indicia may include
`symbols, words, numbers, or a color scheme. The one or
`more command cards may themselves require energy to be
`put into play, and the amount and type of energy required is
`indicated on the command card with symbols, words,
`numbers, a design or a color scheme that matches the indicia
`on the corresponding energy card.
`In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present
`invention, the command cards include a plurality of attack
`cards that enable a player to alter the state of other attack
`cards or other players, each attack card having on the face
`thereof indicia indicating the level of energy required as well
`as the type of energy required to bring each of the attack
`cards into play. Indicia are also included that indicate the
`manner in which the card changes the state of other cards
`and players and the level of damage inflicted by the attack
`card. The attack cards may also include the ability to enable
`a player to defend against attack, which is shown by indicia
`on the playing face of the attack card indicating the level of
`defense that is provided.
`In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present
`invention, the command cards also include a plurality of
`effect cards that enable a player to modify the effect of
`energy cards and command cards, and to modify the rules of
`play, as well as to alter the state of or inflict damage and
`destruction on other energy cards, command cards, and
`players, each of the effect cards having indicia on the
`playing face thereof indicating the effect brought into play,
`the level of damage inflicted and defense provided, as well
`as the level and type of energy required, if any.
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention, the game includes electronic devices for visually
`displaying the energy elements and the command elements
`and for enabling players to manipulate the energy elements
`and the command elements during play. Ideally, the elec
`tronic devices include communication devices to enable
`each player to communicate with other players.
`In accordance with a further aspect of the present
`invention, a game is provided for two or more players that
`comprises an energy means; means for enabling a player to
`resist state-altering effects, damage and destruction, the
`resistance means having a level of resistance associated
`therewith that, when depleted, no longer enables a player to
`resist damage and destruction and is therefore out of the
`game; means for enabling a player to prevent depletion of
`the level of resistance of the players' resistance means;
`means for enabling a player to deplete the level of resistance
`of other players' resistance means, the resistance depleting
`means requiring consumption of a predetermined amount of
`the energy means; rule means for conducting the course of
`play; and means for enabling a player to alter the rule means.
`The game can further include means for enabling a player to
`damage and disable the resistance depleting means of other
`players. Furthermore, the game can include rule altering
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`means that requires consumption of a predetermined amount
`of energy to enable a player to alter or modify the rules of
`play. Finally, the game can also include a life means of a
`predetermined amount assigned to each player to enable
`each player to survive a predetermined amount of state
`altering effects and damage.
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention, a game is provided for one or more players that
`comprises rules of play; a plurality of hand-holdable cards,
`each of the cards having a playing face, the cards further
`comprising mana cards that provide energy and spell cards
`that enable a player to attack, defend, and to alter the state
`of or effect of one or more of the mana cards, the spell cards,
`and the rules of play.
`In accordance with another aspect of the before
`mentioned invention, the game further includes means for
`indicating a life level for each player, the life level enabling
`a player to survive a predetermined amount of state-altering
`effects and damage.
`In accordance with another aspect of the before
`mentioned invention, one or more of the spell cards include
`creature cards that enable a player to attack and inflict
`damage and destruction on other creature cards and any
`player, and that further enable a player to defend against
`attack. The mana cards further include indicia indicating the
`type of energy provided and the level or amount of energy
`provided. The spell cards can further include enchantment
`cards that permanently modify the effect of mana cards, spell
`cards, and the rules of play. These enchant cards require a
`single type of mana in order to be brought into play.
`In accordance with another aspect of the before
`mentioned game, the spell cards include artifact cards that
`enable a player to permanently modify the effect of mana
`cards, spell cards, and the rules of play. Artifact cards can
`use any type of mana to be brought into play.
`In accordance with another aspect of the before
`mentioned invention, the spell cards include sorcery cards
`that enable a player only during the player's turn to modify
`the effect of mana cards, spell cards, and the rules of play
`with the effect of the sorcery card lasting on a temporary
`basis only, ideally during the player's turn, after which the
`effect of the sorcery card ceases.
`In accordance with still yet another aspect of the before
`mentioned invention, the spell cards include instant cards
`that enable a player at any time to temporarily modify the
`effect of the mana cards, spell cards, and the rules of play.
`Furthermore the spell cards can also include interrupt cards
`that enable a player at any time to permanently modify the
`effect of mana cards, spell cards, and the rules of play.
`In accordance with a further aspect of the present
`invention, the spell cards include creature cards that enable
`a player to permanently introduce into play a creature that
`then enables a player to attack any player, as well as to
`enable a player to defend against attack.
`The present invention is also directed to a method a
`playing a game, wherein the game components comprise
`energy elements and command elements having commands
`associated therewith that utilize the energy elements to
`effectuate the commands, thereby enabling the player to
`inflict damage and destruction on the opposing players, the
`method of play for each player comprising the steps of
`constructing a library of command elements and energy
`elements; obtaining an opening hand of a predetermined
`number of energy elements and command elements from the
`library; executing a turn to enter one or more energy
`elements into play and effectuating one or more commands
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1015
`Page 9
`
`

`

`5,662,332
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`10
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`associated with the command elements as the level of energy
`components permits to thereby attack and defend against
`one or more opposing players.
`In accordance with another aspect of the before
`mentioned invention, the steps of executing a turn include
`the sub-steps of tapping the energy elements when used by
`a command element, the sub-step of tapping comprises
`flagging the energy elements so all players can see the
`energy element is being used. In addition, the step of
`executing a turn further includes the step of untapping an
`energy element by unflagging the energy element so that all
`players can see the energy element is available for use.
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention, the steps of executing a turn further include the
`steps of untapping all tapped energy elements as permitted
`by the command elements presently in effect and effectuat
`ing any command elements permitted during this phase of
`play; upkeeping an account of all damage and effects
`inflicted during the untap phase and the upkeep phase, and
`effectuating any command elements permitted during this
`phase; obtaining an additional element randomly selected
`from the library of command elements and energy elements;
`entering one or more energy elements into play and entering
`one or more command elements into play as the level of
`energy elements permits to enable a player to attack other
`energy elements, command elements, and other players, to
`defend against Such attack, and to modify the effect of
`energy elements, command elements, and the rules of play
`and alter the state of a player; discarding one or more
`elements until the predetermined level of elements is
`reached, and effectuating any command elements permitted
`during this phase; announcing to opposing players that the
`turn is finished, and effectuating any command elements
`permitted during this phase.
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention, one or more of the command elements may also
`require tapping to effectuate the commands thereon.
`In accordance with further embodiments of the present
`invention, a method of playing a game for two or more
`players is provided, the game components comprising rules
`of play and freely tradable elements having state-altering
`effects associated therewith, the method of playing the game
`for each player comprising the steps of constructing a library
`of freely-tradable elements; obtaining an opening hand of a
`45
`predetermined number of randomly selected elements from
`the library of elements; executing a turn to bring into play
`one or more state-altering elements to thereby enable a
`player to attack and defend against attack, and to modify the
`effect of one or more elements, and rules of play, and alter
`the state of the one or more elements and any player.
`In accordance with another aspect of the before
`mentioned invention, the steps of executing a turn comprise
`the steps of tapping an element in play by flagging it so all
`players can see the elementis presently in use and untapping
`the element by unflagging the element so that all players can
`see the element is available for use.
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention, the steps of executing a turn include the steps of
`first untapping all previously-tapped elements and using any
`elements permitted during this phase; drawing an element
`from the library of elements; entering one or more elements
`into play to effectuate a state-altering effect associated with
`the element that enables a player to attack other elements
`and any player, to defend against Such attack, and to modify
`the effect of any element and rules of play, and alter the state
`of any element and any player; tapping all elements used to
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`bring the effect into play; discarding elements as necessary
`until the level of predetermined number of elements is
`reached; and announcing to all players that a turn is over.
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention, the method further includes each player utilizing
`electronic means to visually display elements, manipulate
`the elements, and execute turns and to communicate with
`other players.
`The present invention further contemplates a method of
`playing a trading card game, the game components com
`prising a reservoir of trading cards that includes mana cards
`for providing energy and spell cards having spells associated
`therewith that utilize a predetermined level of energy or
`mana to enable a player to attack other mana cards, spell
`cards, and any player. to defend against Such attack, and to
`enable a player to modify the effect of a mana card, spell
`card, and the rules of play, and to alter the state of any card
`and any player, with a portion of the spel cards and mana
`cards having a limited availability such that there are rare
`and uncommon cards in the reservoir of mana cards and
`spell cards made available to players, the game components
`further including rules of play and a level of life for each
`player to enable a player to survive a predetermined level of
`damage; the method of playing the game for each player
`comprising the steps of compiling a pool of mana cards and
`spell cards from the reservoir of mana cards and spell cards;
`constructing a library from the player's pool of mana cards
`and spell cards; obtaining an opening hand of a predeter
`mined number of trading cards randomly selected from the
`library of trading cards; executing a turn in sequence with
`other players to, at the player's option, enter one or more
`mana cards into play, enter one or more spell cards into play
`and effectuate the spell associated with the card as the level
`of energy provided by the mana cards presently in play
`permits to enable a player to attack other mana cards, spell
`cards, and any player, to defend against such attack, to
`modify the effect of any mana card, spell card, and the rules
`of play, and to alter the state of any card and player.
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention, the step of executing a turn includes the step of
`tapping a mana card when it is used by turning the mana card
`approximately 90 degrees from an original position or
`orientation on a playing surface to thereby flag the card to all
`other players that the card is in use; and further including a
`step of untapping mana cards at the end of a turn by turning
`the mana card back to its original position to thereby unflag
`the card to all other players that the card is now available for
`use. Turning the card at other angles such as 30 degrees, 45
`degrees, 60 degrees or other angle may also be done to flag
`a card. Flagging may also be accomplished by marking the
`card with nondestructive, removable markers or other simi
`lar method.
`In accordance with another aspect of the before
`mentioned invention, the steps of executing a turn further
`include the steps of first untapping all untappable mana
`cards as permitted by spell cards presently in effect and
`entering any spell cards into play as permitted during this
`phase; drawing a card randomly from the library of trading
`cards, and entering any spell cards into play as permitted
`during this phase; entering only one mana card into play and
`one or more spell cards into play as the level of energy
`permits, and tapping all mana cards used by the spell cards;
`discarding cards as necessary to reach the level of prede
`termined number of cards; and announcing to all players the
`end of the execution of the turn.
`AS will be appreciated by the foregoing, the present
`invention provides a game that can be played in many game
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1015
`Page 10
`
`

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`5,662,332
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`7
`formats, including hand-holdable cards, electronic games,
`computer software, interactive networks, board games, and
`the like. The game is typically fast paced and requires a
`higher level of strategy, yet being adaptable to permit
`players of all levels of skill and ability to participate. The
`game gives a player the unique ability to modify the effect
`of other cards as well as the fundamental rules of play, and
`it further gives the player the ability to resist such ability on
`the part of opposing players, thus pitting players against
`each other in a battle of strategic skill. The game further
`includes the unique feature of components that have a
`tradable and a collectable status. In other words, a certain
`amount of the game components have a limited availability
`to the players, thus, increasing the value of the components
`and encouraging players to trade and collect game compo
`nents. Furthermore, the game permits players to construct
`theft own library of components in an effort to obtain
`competitive advantage as permitted by the provisions and
`availability of each component, as well as the player's skill
`in combining the game components prior to play.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWTNGS
`The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
`present invention will become more readily more appreci
`ated as the same becomes better understood by reference to
`the following detailed description when taken into conjunc
`tion with the accompanying drawings wherein:
`FIGS. 1A-1I are plan views of the playing face of
`collectible trading cards formed in accordance with the
`present invention with FIG. 1A representing an instant cards,
`FIG. 1B representing an interrupt card, FIG. 1C representing
`an enchant enchantment card, FIG. 1D representing an
`enchant creature card, FIG. 1E representing a sorcery card,
`FIG. 1F representing a summon card, FIG. 1G representing
`a land card, FIG. 1H representing an artifact creature card,
`and FIG. 1Irepresenting an artifact card;
`FIG. 2 illustrates the layout of a playing surface for two
`opponents; and
`FIG. 3 illustrates placement of cards on the layout of FIG.
`2.
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`10
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`8
`In a typical duel, players take turns casting game com
`ponents from their opening hand against one or more other
`players. Ideally, each player has a life value assigned to them
`that provides an indication of when a player has suffered
`destruction and is eliminated from the game, which occurs
`when a player's life value has reached zero. One option is to
`have players play for an ante, such as a game component
`drawn from each player's library prior to the execution of
`turns. At the completion of a duel, the single remaining
`player collects the ante. Prior to executing turns, players
`may trade game components as another method of obtaining
`game components. All of the foregoing is considered part of
`playing the game.
`It is to be understood that the game components can take
`differentforms. For instance, in one version of the game, the
`components are hand-holdable cards. In another version of
`the game, the players interact with each other via a computer
`network, with the game components visually displayed on
`the monitor. Hence, the foregoing game, including the
`tradable aspects thereof, are not to be limited to the embodi
`ments described herein.
`In another version of the game, each player is provided
`with energy elements and command elements having com
`mands associated therewith that utilize one or more energy
`elements to effectuate the commands, thereby enabling
`players to attack energy elements, command elements, and
`any player, to defend against such attack, to alter the state of
`any element and any player, and to modify the effect of
`energy elements, command elements, and the fundamental
`rules of play as set forth herein. The energy elements can be
`represented by physical objects, such as cards, tokens,
`blocks, or other game pieces known in the gaming industry,
`or can be visually displayed electronically or represented by
`symbols or words, such as on an interactive network or in
`computer software. The same is true with respect to the
`command elements. As such, the game components are not
`to be limited by the embodiments described herein.
`This also applies to the method of playing the game. In
`one form, the game involves each player acquiring energy
`and command elements, utilizing the command elements as
`the level of energy elements permits to attack, defend, and
`alter the state of or the effect of the other components, the
`rules of play, and any player. The method can be expanded
`to include different types of energy elements that provide
`varying levels of energy, and different types of command
`elements thatrequire particular types of energy elements and
`levels of energy in order to bring the command element into
`play and to effectuate the command associated with the
`command element. Furthermore, play can be accomplished
`between a single player and an artificial intelligence, such as
`a computer, or expanded up to multiple players battling
`againstone or more opposing players in a single turn. While
`the fundamental rules of play apply in multi-player and
`tournament games, modifications can be made as necessary
`to accommodate the needs of the game and the desires of the
`players.
`Another feature of the present invention is the limited
`availability of game components, such as cards, which gives
`them a collectible nature. This encourages players to trade
`for more powerful cards and to complete a set of cards for
`game playing as well as collecting purposes. The method of
`play can be expanded to include a winner taking one or more
`of the loser's cards at the end of a game or game set or
`tournament. For instance, in the tradin