Knowledge-based, question and answer board game apparatus and method of play

Abstract

The present invention is a knowledge-based question and answer game comprising a game apparatus and method of play. This game challenges players to use their minds in a multitude of ways. Players draw on previous knowledge, inductive and deductive reasoning, and use critical thinking to answer wide-ranging questions of academic knowledge. Correctly answering players advance based on question difficulty level. Knowledge, reasoning, strategy, and chance are all game components. A nuance of the present invention include “maxim” spaces and cards which allow the player to spin a spinner having both positive and negative numbers and move the game piece accordingly. Maxim cards introduce players to the thoughts and ideas of intellectual minds throughout the ages to inspire further inquiry.

1 . A knowledge-based, question and answer game comprising a game apparatus including: 
 a game board including a playing surface formed thereon, said playing surface including a travel path for one or more gaming pieces, said travel path being divided into a plurality of spaces arranged seriatim between a start space and a finish space along said travel path;    said playing surface including a plurality of designated spaces for playing cards;    a plurality of gaming pieces to be used on said game board;    a spinner having both positive and negative numbers;    a set of printed question cards, each card being identified with its related category such as history, science, social science, or arts and humanities, and having a question, answer and explanation on one side and indication of difficulty level on the other; and    maxim cards comprising inspirational quotes, gift cards, and at least one reverse direction of play card.    
   
   
       2 . A method of playing a knowledge-based, question and answer game which includes a game apparatus comprising a game board having a playing surface with a travel path identified thereon, said travel path including a plurality of finite spaces between a start space and a finish space, including special maxim spaces; a spinner having both positive and negative numbers; plural gaming pieces for use by individual players or teams of players of said game; a set of printed question cards, each card being identified with its related category and having a question and answer on one side and indication of difficulty level on the other, said set of printed question cards being separated into at least two piles; and maxim cards containing inspirational quotes, gifts cards, and at least one reverse direction of play card; said method comprising each of plural players or teams taking a turn at play of said game comprising the steps of: 
 placing a gaming piece on the start space of said travel path;    spinning said spinner to determine which player/team plays first;    the first player/team identifying a question on top of one said pile of said set of question cards based on the player's/team's preference;    an opponent player/team reading a question identified by the first player/team to the first player/team;    the first player/team attempting an answer to the question identified; and    the first player/team advancing said gaming piece along said travel path toward said finish space by said level of difficulty indicated on said identified question card if a correct answer is given.    
   
   
       3 . The game apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said travel path comprises “maxim” spaces.  
   
   
       4 . The method set forth in  claim 2  including the step of not advancing if said question is answered incorrectly.  
   
   
       5 . The method set forth in  claim 2  including the step of a player/team landing on said maxim space: 
 enabling said player/team to choose said maxim card, and giving an option to spin said spinner then advance or digress the player's said gaming piece along said travel path as indicated by result of said spinner, advancing for positive numbers and digressing for negative numbers;    said maxim card may contain said gift card allowing a player/team to advance or digress an opponent's gaming piece along said travel path;    said maxim cards comprise at least one card to reverse direction of play.