Sudoku playing board, system and method

Abstract

The present invention is concerned with a game board and system for playing multiple Sudoku type problem-solving games. The system comprises a three-dimensional board having a first array of n 2 identical cavities arranged in a square matrix and at least one second array totaling at least n 2 identical cavities arranged in at least n series of n cavities, at least n identical series of n pegs adapted to fit in said cavities in a plurality of definite angular positions, each peg defining a body having opposite first and second end faces, each peg in a series having its first face bearing one of a series of n different indicia. The body preferably has a polygonal cross-section and the system may further comprise a plurality of rings adapted to slide about the perimeter of said body. A method of playing Sudoku type problem-solving games using the system is further provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A game board system for playing multiple Sudoku type problem-solving games, said system comprising i) a three-dimensional board having a first array of n 2  identical cavities arranged in a square matrix and at least one second array totaling at least n 2  identical cavities arranged in at least n series of n cavities, ii) at least n identical series of n pegs adapted to fit in said cavities in a plurality of definite angular positions, each peg defining a body having opposite first and second end faces, each peg in a series having its first face bearing one of a series of n different indicia. 
     
     
         2 . A system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of rings adapted to slide about a periphery of said body of said pegs. 
     
     
         3 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one second array comprises a total n 2 +n cavities arranged in n+1 series of n cavities. 
     
     
         4 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one second array comprises two arrays of at least n 2 /2 cavities. 
     
     
         5 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one second array comprises two arrays of 45 cavities arranged in 5 series of 9 cavities 
     
     
         6 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said body and said cavities have mating polygonal cross-sections. 
     
     
         7 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least n series of n pegs comprise n+1 identical series of n pegs. 
     
     
         8 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least n series of n pegs comprise n identical series of n pegs and one series of n pegs bearing numerals 1 to n. 
     
     
         9 . A system according to  claim 6 , wherein said body and said cavities have mating hexagonal cross-sections 
     
     
         10 . A system according to  claim 2 , wherein said rings define a hexagonal center opening mating with the periphery of said body. 
     
     
         11 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein each peg in a series has its second end face bearing one of a second series of n different indicia. 
     
     
         12 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein said board further comprises a posting area adapted for attaching at least one problem chart or a writing pad. 
     
     
         13 . A board game system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of caps, each cap being adapted to removably attach to an end portion of said body. 
     
     
         14 . A board game system according to  claim 13 , wherein said caps are color coded. 
     
     
         15 . A board game system according to  claim 1 , wherein said caps are adapted to receive a replaceable indicia. 
     
     
         16 . A board game system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a secondary board provided with at least three feet adapted to fit in cavities of said first array, said secondary board comprising a third array of cavities adapted to receive said pegs and wherein cavities having a different arrangement of cavities than said first array. 
     
     
         17 . A method for playing a problem-solving game comprising:
 i) providing a game board having a first array of n 2  identical cavities arranged as a square matrix and at least one second array totaling at least n 2  identical cavities arranged in at least n series of n cavities, at least n identical series of n pegs adapted to fit in said cavities in a plurality of definite angular positions, each peg defining a body having opposite first and second end faces, each peg in a series having its first face bearing one of a series of n different indicia, and a plurality of peg identifiers;   ii) filling the cavities of the at least second array with pegs to form at least n identical series of n different visible indicia;   iii) moving a number of pegs bearing specific indicia from the at least one second array into specific cavities of the first array to match given data (position-indicia coordinates) of a problem to be solved, and associating one of said peg identifiers to each of said moved pegs to indicate that said pegs represent given data;   iv) moving pegs from the at least one second array into cavities of the first array or from a cavity of the first array to another so to gradually fill said first array of cavities and thereby form the solution of the problem, said pegs being placed into a first angular position to indicate a sure play, or into a second angular position to indicate a trial play.