Patent US 4,420,157

Apparatus for playing a game of the kind in which competitors make conjoined words in crossword format comprises a game area in the form of a large square subdivided by mutually perpendicular sets of parallel lines into 225 smaller adjoining spaces. Also provided for each participant are one reserve area and one play area comprising forty-two squares or spaces and ten squares or spaces, respectively. Also provided is an initial allotment to each participant of an equal set of lettered playing pieces and one universal playing piece or "eagle" for disposal in the respective reserve areas. Each playing piece has one of only two different scoring values, that are denoted by its color, and scoring depends upon the total scoring value of the or each word formed in crossword format on the game area by each participant during alternate turns of play. A game played with the apparatus substantially completely eliminates the "luck" component associated with prior crossword format games and relies substantially solely upon the skill of the individual participants.