CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/601,315, filed March 18, 2017 and titled "Stacking Game with Foldable and Non-Foldable Game Pieces" by Jose J. Silva.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In the game of Beirut, players stand at opposite ends of a table, which is nine feet long and five feet wide, and attempt to throw projectiles into cups located on the side of the table opposing the throwing player. The cups are adjacent to one another typically in a triangle formation. However, there are numerous undesirable features to the game. First, due to the size of the table, it is difficult to accommodate more than one game in a single room. Second, due to the width of the table, it is difficult to accommodate more than two players per side. Third, due to the formation of the cups, it is difficult to accommodate a higher number of cups on the table. Fourth, the cups are of a shape that is difficult to pack and ship efficiently even when the cups are nested. Fifth, the uniform shape of the cups limits any difficulty adjustment during the game or in between games as well as limits the creativity of the players.

SUMMARY

[0003] A flexible card ("the card") includes a hooked side including two hooks. The flexible card also includes a tabbed side including two tabs created by two slots, one slot in each side of the card adjacent to the tabbed side. Each slot is shaped to secure one of two hooks of a second flexible card ("the second card") when the card is flexed, inserted into the second card, and unflexed. The second card has an identical shape to the card. The slots of the card are shaped such that the card cannot be inserted into the second card without the card being flexed. The slots of the card are shaped such that the slots of the card cannot secure the hooks of the second card without the card being unflexed.

[0004] A system of games includes flexible cards, and each flexible card includes a hooked side includes two hooks. Each flexible card also includes a tabbed side including two tabs created by two slots, one slot in each side of the card adjacent to the tabbed side. Each slot is shaped to

l secure one of two hooks of a second identically shaped flexible card when the card is flexed, inserted into the second card, and unflexed. The slots of the card are shaped such that the card cannot be inserted into the second card without the card being flexed. The slots of the card are shaped such that the slots of the card cannot secure the hooks of the second card without the card being unflexed.

[0005] A method includes constructing a stackable element, for use in a game, the stackable element including flexible cards, each flexible card including a hooked side including two hooks. Each flexible card also includes a tabbed side including two tabs created by two slots, one slot in each side of the card adjacent to the tabbed side. Each slot is shaped to secure one of two hooks of a second identically shaped flexible card when the card is flexed, inserted into the second card, and unflexed. The slots of the card are shaped such that the card cannot be inserted into the second card without the card being flexed. The slots of the card are shaped such that the slots of the card cannot secure the hooks of the second card without the card being unflexed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Accordingly, systems and methods for games using flexible cards are disclosed herein. In the drawings:

[0007] Figure 1 is a diagram of an illustrative flexible card;

[0008] Figure 2 is a diagram of an illustrative base card;

[0009] Figure 3 is a diagram of an illustrative base card;

[0010] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an illustrative stackable element and stack containing projectiles;

[0011] Figures 5-7 are perspective views of illustrative stacks containing projectiles;

[0012] Figure 8 is a diagram of players playing an illustrative game;

[0013] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a stack with illustrative opaque stackable elements;

[0014] Figures 10-15 are perspective and top views of various illustrative arrangements of stackable elements;

[0015] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a stack on an illustrative base; [0016] Figure 17 is a perspective view of an illustrative structure of stackable elements;

[0017] Figures 18-19 are flow diagrams of illustrative method of games with flexible cards and stackable elements; and

[0018] Figures 20-22 are diagrams of other illustrate flexible cards.

[0019] It should be understood, however, that the specific embodiments given in the drawings and detailed description thereto do not limit the disclosure. On the contrary, they provide the foundation for one of ordinary skill to discern the alternative forms, equivalents, and modifications that are encompassed together with one or more of the given embodiments in the scope of the appended claims.

NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE

[0020] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular system components and configurations. As one of ordinary skill will appreciate, companies may refer to a component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to . . . ".

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Games that use flexible cards to form stackable elements to receive projectiles enable a small playing area, which enables multiple instances to be played in the same room. Accordingly, large tournaments may be accommodated with minimal expense. Also, such games enable many players to play together because the players may surround the stack and need not reposition themselves as the turn passes from player to player. More players enable more social interaction, less wait-time for a game to open, and a better player-per-cost ratio all of which increase enjoyment. Furthermore, because the number of stackable elements is not limited to the surface area of a table, rather the stackable elements may be stacked ^definitely, the games may be long, high scoring, and varied as tactics change due to an increasing stack height. The shape of the flexible cards make them extremely efficient to pack and ship, and identically shaped flexible cards may be used to create different shapes of stackable elements simply by varying the amount of flexible cards used. Because the different shapes have different size openings through which projectiles pass, difficulty adjustments may be made during or in between games by increasing or decreasing the size of such openings. Additionally, the different shapes of the stackable elements allow for multiple games to be played with the same system of flexible cards, which unlocks the creativity of the players. Finally, the lack of fastening elements (including external fastening elements, separate fastening elements, or fastening elements of a different material) between the flexible cards make the systems and methods of games using the flexible cards inexpensive enough to be enjoyed anywhere in the world. The figures illustrate specific embodiments of systems and methods of games with such flexible cards.

[0022] Figure 1 is a diagram of an illustrative flexible card 100 ("the card" or "the first card") in accordance with at least one embodiment. The card 100 shown is predominantly quadrilateral, but other shapes may be used well. The card 100 is approximately 87 millimeters by 92 millimeters, but other sizes may be used as well. The thickness of the card 100 is approximately 0.6 millimeters, but other thicknesses may be used as well especially if the flexibility of the card 100 should be changed. Thicker cards 100 result in less flexibility while thinner cards 100 result in more flexibility. The material out of which the card 100 is made may also affect flexibility. As shown, the card 100 is made of polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") plastic, but other materials may be used as well. The card 100 is not perfectly quadrilateral because of different features appearing at or near the edges or sides of the card 100, which will now be described.

[0023] The card 100 includes a hooked side 101, a tabbed side 103, a base side 105, and a support side 107. The hooked side 101 includes two hooks 104, 108, which create two hook openings 106, 110. The tabbed side 103 includes two tabs 118, 122 created by two slots 120, 124, one slot in each side of the card 100 adjacent to the tabbed side 103. As shown, the slot 120 appears on the base side 105, and creates the tab 118 on the tabbed side 103. Similarly, the slot 124 appears on the support side 107, and creates the tab 122 on the tabbed side 103.

[0024] Each slot 120, 124 is shaped to secure a corresponding hook 104, 108 of a second flexible card ("the second card"), that is shaped identically to the first card 100, when the first card 100 is flexed, inserted into the second card, and unflexed. Specifically, the first card 100 may be flexed by pressing the support side 107 and the base side 105 in toward the middle of the card 100, i.e. toward an imaginary horizontal line bisecting the quadrilateral. For example, a player may use an index finger to press down on the support side 107 and a thumb on the same hand to press up on the base side 105. Such flexing causes the card 100 to bulge at the middle, either toward or away from the hand, and causes the tabs 118, 122 and slots 120, 124 to also move toward the middle of the card 100. When the slots 120, 124 are moved toward the middle of the first card 100 such that they pass the hooks 104, 108 of the second card when both cards are level with each other, the first card 100 maybe inserted into the second card. Specifically, the innermost or deepest portions of the slots 120, 124 of the first card 100 may clear the tips of the hooks 104, 108 of the second card for insertion. In order to insert the first card 100 into the second card, a player may hold the second card in another hand and bring the tabbed side 103 of the flexed first card 100 into contact with the hooked side 101 of the second card.

[0025] The slots 120, 124 of the card 100 are shaped such that the first card 100 cannot be inserted into the second card without the first card 100 being flexed. Should the player attempt to do so, the tabs 118, 122 of the first card 100 may be physically impeded by the hooks 104, 108 of the second card. Such blocking may prevent the slots 120, 124 of the first card 100 from occupying the hook openings 106, 110 of the second card, and thus may prevent the hooks 104, 108 of the second card from being secured.

[0026] The slots 120, 124 of the card 100 are shaped such that the slots 120, 124 of the card 100 cannot secure the hooks 104, 108 of the second card without the card 100 being unflexed. For example, the player may release his index finger and thumb from the first card 100 to unflex the first card 100, and the characteristics of the material of the first card 100 may cause the first card 100 to return to its unflexed shape. While returning to its unflexed shape, the slots 120, 124 of the first card may occupy the hook openings 106, 110 of the second card (filling up some or all of the space of the slots 120, 124 and hook openings 106, 110), thus securing the hooks 104, 108 of the second card.

[0027] The slots 120, 124 of the first card 100 are shaped such that secured hooks 104, 108 of the second card cannot be unsecured without the first card 100 being flexed. The slots 120, 124 of the first card 100 are also shaped such that the first card 100 cannot be removed from the second card without the first card 100 being flexed. Specifically, the hooks 104, 108 of the second card may be physically impeded by the first card 100, and such blocking may prevent the hooks 104, 108 of the second card from being unsecured. By flexing the first card 100 in the manner described above, the slots 120, 124 of the first card 100 may be moved toward the middle of the first card

100 such that they pass the hooks 104, 108 of the second card causing the hooks 104, 108 of the second card to become unsecured. Specifically, the innermost or deepest portions of the slots 120, 124 of the first card 100 may clear the tips of the hooks 104, 108 of the second card to cause the hooks 104, 108 of the second card to become unsecured. In order to remove the first card 100 from the second card, a player may remove the tabbed side 103 of the flexed first card 100 from contact with the hooked side 101 of the second card.

[0028] In this way, the tabbed side 103 of a first card 100 may be secured to the hooked side 101 of a second card, the tabbed side 103 of the second card may be secured to a hooked side

101 of a third card, and so on until the tabbed side 103 of the nth or final card is secured to the hooked side 101 of the first card to construct a stackable element (described in detail with respect to Figure 4). The base sides 105 of each card may contact the ground, table, carpet, or like playing surface to support the bottom stackable element. The tip of the tab 118 on the base side 105 of each card may be flush with the base sides 100 of the cards to provide additional support by also touching the playing surface.

[0029] Other stackable elements may be supported by the bottom stackable element via support grooves 116. Specifically, the support side 107 of the card 100 includes a support groove 116 shaped to support two other flexible cards, both identically shaped to the card 100, when the other cards are secured to each other. The base sides 105 of the other cards may contact the support side 107 of the card 100 within the groove 116, and gravity may hold such contact in place. The support groove 107 creates two top protrusions 112, 114 the inside edges of which may also support the two other flexible cards. One card of the other two cards may contact the inside edge of one top protrusion 112 while the other card may contact the inside edge of the other top protrusion 114. The outside edge of one of the top protrusions 112 forms the tab 104, and the outside edge of the other top protrusion forms the slot 124. Each of the top protrusions 112, 114 may be flush with each other and may also be flush with the tip of tab 122 on the support side 107. As such, a stackable element may stand upright when turned upside down.

[0030] As shown, the card 100 includes a base hole 126, adjacent to the base side 105, shaped to receive a base tab from a base card (described with respect to Figures 3 and 4). Stackable elements, including the bottom stackable element, may be formed by flexible cards 100 with or without a base hole 126 because the base card does not provide direct support to any stackable element to stand upright on the playing surface or on another stackable element. If formed without a base card, a projectile will pass through the stackable element into the stackable elements below until it hits a base card of any stackable element, including the bottom stackable element, or the playing surface that supports the bottom stackable element.

[0031] Figures 2 and 3 are diagrams of illustrative base cards 200, 300 in accordance with at least one embodiment. Each base card 200, 300 is shaped as a regular polygon with base tabs 204, 304 protruding from each side of the regular polygon. In Figure 2, the regular polygon is a square 202, and in Figure 3 the regular polygon is a triangle 302. The regular polygon may also be a pentagon, hexagon, septagon (heptagon), octagon, nonagon (enneagon), decagon, and the like. In other embodiments, base cards maybe non-regular polygons such as rectangles, parallelograms, and the like. The base tabs 204, 304 may be inserted into the base holes of the flexible cards described above.

[0032] The length of one side of a regular polygon 202, 302 of a base card 200, 300 (not including any base tabs 204, 304) may be equal not only to the length of the other sides of the regular polygon 200, 300 (making it regular), but also may be equal to the length of the other sides of other types of regular polygons 202, 302 of other base cards 200, 300. For example, the length of one of the sides of the square 202 may be equal to the length of one of the sides of the triangle 302. In at least one embodiment, this length is approximately 82 millimeters, but other lengths may be used as well. In at least one embodiment, the length is approximately the same as the horizontal length from the innermost portion of the slots 120, 124 of the card 100 of Figure 1 to the innermost section of the hooked side 101, but other lengths may be used as well. In this way, the same identically shaped flexible cards may be used with any base card of any shape to create stackable elements.

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an illustrative system 400 of games including stackable elements 402 and projectiles 404 in accordance with at least one embodiment. The stackable elements 402 include flexible cards 406 and optional base cards 408 as described above. Any base card 408 of any shape and an amount of identically shaped flexible cards 406, equal to a number of sides of the base card 406, secure together, without additional fastening elements, to construct a stackable element 402. The shape of the stackable element 402 (referred to by the shape of its cross section) is determined by the amount of cards used to construct the stackable element 402. Three flexible cards will form a triangular stackable element, four flexible cards will form a quadrilateral stackable element, five flexible cards will form a pentagonal stackable element, and so on. The shape of the base card 408 used with the stackable element 402 is determined by the shape of the stackable element 402. Hexagonal stackable elements use hexagonal base cards, septagonal stackable elements use septagonal base cards, and so on. Here, the base cards 408 are pentagonal, and each stackable element 402 includes five flexible cards 406 secured as described above. Each stackable element 402, no matter the shape, may be stacked on other stackable elements 402 having the same shape. Here, hexagonal stackable elements 402 are stacked upon other hexagonal elements 402 using support grooves as described above.

[0034] For clarity, three players will be used to describe operation of the game. In various embodiments, any amount of players or teams may play. For clarity, the stackable elements 402 are clear and labeled with numbers, such as the shown 1-6, indicating their position from the bottom of the stack, and the sixth stackable element is about to be placed on the stack. In various embodiments, any label, artwork, advertisements, numbering scheme, and/or the like may appear on the stackable elements 402 and may represent points, a rule change for the current round, a certain player or team, and/or the like.

[0035] In the first round, the stack includes one stackable element 402, and each player attempts to score via lodging their projectile 404 into the stackable element 402 by throwing the projectile 404 through an opening in the stackable element 402. Each stackable element 402 is able to contain at least one projectile 404. The projectile 404 may be any item able to pass through an opening in the stackable element 402. For example, the projectile 404 may be a ball. As shown, the projectile 404 is a ping pong ball. The players may throw in turns or simultaneously in various embodiments. The players may or may not be allowed to score by bouncing their projectile 404 once or multiple times off of the table, floor, carpet, or like playing surface into the stackable element 402 in various embodiments. Each player may have a unique color or pattern on their projectiles 404 for ease of score computation. After one or more attempts by each player, the round ends and the score is computed. The projectiles 404 may or may not be removed from the stackable element 402 after the score is computed in various embodiments. In an alternative embodiment, the score is computed after all the rounds have ended instead of after each round has ended. [0036] At the beginning of the second round, a second stackable element 402 is stacked onto the first stackable element 402. The second stackable element 402 rests on the first stackable element 402 such that a projectile may not pass through the opening of the first stackable element 402, i.e. the opening of the first stackable element 402 may be completely or partially covered by the second stackable element 402. If the projectiles 404 are not removed from the first stackable element 402 before the second round, the second stackable element 402 rests on the first stackable element 402 such that a projectile within the first stackable element 402 does not touch the second stackable element 402. As such, the stack remains level, the stack is easy to build, and the stackable elements 402 may be identical and interchangeable.

[0037] Next, the players attempt to score via lodging their projectile 404 into the second stackable element 402, which rests on the first stackable element 402. The projectile 404 may not intentionally or inadvertently be lodged in the first stackable element 402 due to its opening being covered by the second stackable element 402. The height of the stack is different in each round, which increases the strategy and skill necessary to score as the rounds progress. At the end of the second round, the score is computed.

[0038] The score for each projectile 404 lodged within the stackable element 402 may be the same or different for each round. For example, each score in the first round may be worth one point, each score in the second round may be worth two points, each score in the third round may be worth three points, and so on. In another embodiment, the score for each projectile 404 lodged within the stackable element 402 may be worth one point every round. Similarly, scoring may be varied, and strategy and complexity may be increased, with the introduction of uniquely labeled stackable elements 402 ("bonus rounds") or projectiles 404 ("bonus balls") or by shuffling the order of the stackable elements 402 ("randomized rounds") or projectiles 404 ("randomized balls").

[0039] Future rounds are played in the manner described above with another stackable element 402 being added to the stack at the beginning of each round. As shown, the stackable elements 402 are all identical physically, i.e. apart from the labels. As such, the stack may reach an indefinite height.

[0040] The stackable elements 402 constructed for the game described above may be deconstructed and constructed into stackable elements 402 of different shapes for subsequent games. Specifically, the base card 408 of the stackable element 402 may be replaced with a second base card, shaped as a different regular polygon with base tabs, and the amount of identically shaped flexible cards may be adjusted to be equal to a number of sides of the second base card.

[0041] Another game may include multiple stacks. Each player or team may target a different stack or stacks, or the different stacks may represent a different amount of points. Each stack may include a different number of stackable elements, or may acquire stackable elements at a different rate, resulting in stacks of differing heights, which increases strategy and complexity. The stackable elements may be interchangeable between stacks, and various rules or conditions may result in stackable elements moving between stacks, being added to stacks, or being removed from stacks to increase strategy and complexity. The same flexible cards that make the stackable elements in Figure 4 may make the stackable elements in Figures 5-7.

[0042] Figures 5-7 are perspective views of illustrative stacks and projectiles in accordance with at least some embodiments. Figures 5, 6, and 7 depict a stack of stackable elements including triangular 502, quadrilateral 602, and hexagonal stackable elements 702 respectively, and the projectiles rest on base cards that are triangular, quadrilateral, and hexagonal respectively. The base cards and flexible cards secure together without additional fastening elements, and because the base tabs on all the base cards are shaped similarly, any of the flexible cards may secure with any base card of any shape. For example, the stack in Figure 5 may be deconstructed, and reconstructed as the stacks in Figures 6 or 7, and vice versa by replacing the base cards and adjusting the number of flexible cards used per stackable element.

[0043] Figure 8 is a diagram of players playing with an illustrative stack 800 in accordance with at least one embodiment. As shown, the players 808 are seated on chairs surrounding a table 810, but in various embodiments players sit or stand and the stack 800 may be placed on a table or floor. For clarity, two players 808 are shown, but many players may play simultaneously. In order to bounce projectiles 804 into the top most stackable element 802 in the stack 800, a player 808 may retrieve a projectile 804 from a projectile holder 806 placed in front of the player 808. The projectile holder 806 is able to contain at least one projectile 804, and the projectile holder 806 includes an opening through which a player may retrieve a projectile 804. Because the projectiles 804 may be spheres, a projectile holder 806 prevents the projectiles 804 from rolling away from the players 808. Also, the projectile holder 806 prevents the players 808 from being required to hold or carry every one of their projectiles 804 during play.

[0044] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a stack with opaque stackable elements 902 in accordance with at least one embodiment. Specifically, the flexible cards are opaque, obscuring the view of any projectile lodged within the stackable elements. Players may try to guess how many projectiles have been lodged in the stackable elements when play is complete or after each round. Correct guesses may be rewarded with points, and a player with the most points at the end of the game may win the game.

[0045] Multiple games may be played using the stackable elements constructed from flexible cards described above but not stacked. Rather, all the stackable elements may be arranged in various formations on the playing surface. Figures 10-15 are perspective and top views of such arrangements. Figure 10 shows a row of stackable elements 1002. Players may stand at one end of the row and attempt to lodge projectiles in the stackable elements 1002 in a particular or random order. More points may be rewarded for lodging projectiles in stackable elements 1002 that are further from the players, and players may compete for the highest point total. Figure 11 shows a flower arrangement of stackable elements 1102. The first player to lodge a projectile in all six stackable elements 1102 may win the game. Figure 12 shows stackable elements 1202 arranged in the shape of a plus sign. Players may throw simultaneously, and the first player to lodge a projectile in all five stackable elements may win the game. Figure 13 shows a pie arrangement of stackable elements 1302. The first player to lodge a projectile in each slice of the pie, i.e. each stackable element 1302, may win the game. Figure 14 shows the stackable elements 1402 arranged in the shape of a tic-tac-toe board. The first player to lodge projectiles in a row, column, or diagonal of three stackable elements 1402 may win the game.

[0046] Figure 15 shows an arrangement of two rows of stackable elements 1502, each row containing stackable elements 1502 of a different shape. The different stackable elements 1502 in one row represent different ships of one player, the different stackable elements 1502 in another row represent different ships of another player, and the projectiles represent missiles. For example, the triangular stackable element represents a submarine, and it may be sunk with one missile. That is, once a player has lodged one projectile into the triangular stackable element, the player may target another stackable element. The square stackable element represents a battle ship, and it may be sunk with two missiles. That is, once a player has lodged two projectiles into the square stackable element, the player may target another stackable element. The pentagonal stackable element represents an aircraft carrier and may be sunk with three missiles. That is, once a player has lodged three projectiles into the pentagonal stackable element, the player may target another stackable element. The first player to sink all of the opposing player's ships may win the game.

[0047] Any of the games described above may be played with one player, attempting to complete the game or achieve a personal high score, or multiple players attempting to achieve the best score. Players may throw the projectiles in turns or simultaneously, and the games may consist of a series of rounds as described above.

[0048] Figure 16 shows a stack of stackable elements 1602 on a base 1604. The base 1604 may rotate causing the stack to rotate continuously or intermittently to make the game more attractive and/or challenging. The support grooves described above help stabilize each stackable element. The base 1604 may also include a system of lights that illuminates the stack and an audio system that entertains the players with music or commentary during the game.

[0049] Figure 17 shows a structure that may be built using stackable elements 1702. As shown, the structure 1702 represents a crane, but other structures may be built as well. Projectiles may be thrown into the stackable elements 1702 during a game as described above, or the structure may be built without using projectiles.

[0050] Figures 18-19 are flow diagrams of illustrative method of games with flexible cards and stackable elements in accordance with at least some embodiments. Figure 18 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 1800 of play. At 1802, one or more stackable elements are constructed using flexible cards as described above. At 1804, one or more players playing individually or as teams attempt to lodge one or more projectiles into a stackable element alternately or simultaneously. For example, projectiles may be thrown, bounced, and the like into the stackable element. At 1806, another stackable element is constructed and placed onto the stack, or a previously constructed stackable element is placed onto the stack. One or more players or teams may be selected to add the stackable element based on their score, and adding or failing to add the stackable element to the stack may affect their score. At 1808, if the stackable element is not the final stackable element, play may continue as detailed with respect to 1802. The final stackable element may be predetermined or may be determined during play. For example, if no player or team, or only one player or team, lodged a projectile into the previous stackable element, then the current stackable element may be determined to be the final stackable element.

[0051] If the stackable element is determined to be final at 1808, then at 1810 the one or more players or teams attempt to lodge projectiles into the final stackable element. At 1812, the final score is optionally determined and the player or team with the best score is optionally declared the winner. For example, projectiles lodged within the stackable elements may contribute to the score, and the score may be recorded. Instead of at the end of play, the score may be alternatively determined at the end of each round. In other embodiments, no score is determined or recorded. Projectiles not lodged within the stackable element may be reduced from the score, or may have no impact on the score. Also, lodged projectiles may be removed from the stackable elements if desired. The winning player or team may determine the rules or competitors for the next game.

[0052] Figure 19 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 1900 of play. At 1902, a stackable element is constructed using flexible cards and optional base cards described above. At 1904 and 1906 a second stackable element for use in a second game is constructed by replacing the base card of the stackable element with a second base card, shaped as a different regular polygon with base tabs, and adjusting the amount of identically shaped flexible cards to be equal to a number of sides of the second base card.

[0053] Figure 20 is a diagram of an alternative flexible card 2000 in accordance with at least one embodiment. Here, the flexible card 2000 is inserted into another identical flexible card (the "second card") using the protrusions 2002 of the card and openings 2004 of the second card. Each protrusion 2002 includes a larger portion and a smaller portion, and each opening 2004 includes a larger portion and a smaller portion. The protrusions 2002 are inserted into the openings 2002 by inserting the larger portions of the protrusions 2002 into the larger portions of the openings 2004. Next, the two flexible cards 2000 are slightly pulled apart at an angle such that the smaller portions of the protrusions 2002 occupy the smaller portions of the openings 2004. As such, the larger portions of the protrusions 2022 abut the second flexible card 2000, and secure the two flexible cards 2000 together. In this way, many flexible cards can form a stackable element as described above. To deconstruct the stackable element, the two flexible cards may be pushed together at an angle such that the smaller portions of the protrusions 2002 occupy the larger portions of the openings 2004 (instead of the smaller portions of the openings 2004). Next, the larger portions of the protrusions 2002 may pulled through the larger portions of the openings 2004 by pulling the flexible cards 2000 apart.

[0054] Figure 21 is a diagram of an alternative flexible card 2100 in accordance with at least one embodiment. Here, unlike Figure 20, the protrusions 2102 and openings 2104 do not include smaller and larger portions. Rather, each protrusion 2102 is uniform in shape, and each opening 2104 is also uniform in shape.

[0055] Figure 22 is a diagram of an alternative flexible card 2200 in accordance with at least one embodiment. Here, unlike Figure 21, the bottom protrusion 2206 includes a hook for insertion into a bottom opening 2208. Both the bottom protrusion 2206 and the bottom opening 2208 are different sizes than the other protrusions and openings respectively.

[0056] In some aspects, apparatuses, systems, and methods for multiple games are provided according to one or more of the following examples:

[0057] Example 1: A flexible card ("the card") includes a hooked side including two hooks. The flexible card also includes a tabbed side including two tabs created by two slots, one slot in each side of the card adjacent to the tabbed side. Each slot is shaped to secure one of two hooks of a second flexible card ("the second card") when the card is flexed, inserted into the second card, and unflexed. The second card has an identical shape to the card. The slots of the card are shaped such that the card cannot be inserted into the second card without the card being flexed. The slots of the card are shaped such that the slots of the card cannot secure the hooks of the second card without the card being unflexed.

[0058] Example 2: A system of games includes flexible cards, and each flexible card includes a hooked side includes two hooks. Each flexible card also includes a tabbed side including two tabs created by two slots, one slot in each side of the card adjacent to the tabbed side. Each slot is shaped to secure one of two hooks of a second identically shaped flexible card when the card is flexed, inserted into the second card, and unflexed. The slots of the card are shaped such that the card cannot be inserted into the second card without the card being flexed. The slots of the card are shaped such that the slots of the card cannot secure the hooks of the second card without the card being unflexed.

[0059] Example 3 : A method includes constructing a stackable element, for use in a game, the stackable element including flexible cards, each flexible card including a hooked side including two hooks. Each flexible card also includes a tabbed side including two tabs created by two slots, one slot in each side of the card adjacent to the tabbed side. Each slot is shaped to secure one of two hooks of a second identically shaped flexible card when the card is flexed, inserted into the second card, and unflexed. The slots of the card are shaped such that the card cannot be inserted into the second card without the card being flexed. The slots of the card are shaped such that the slots of the card cannot secure the hooks of the second card without the card being unflexed.

[0060] The following features may be incorporated into the various embodiments described above, such features incorporated either individually in or conjunction with one or more of the other features: The slots of the card may be shaped such that secured hooks of the second card cannot be unsecured without the card being flexed. The slots of the card may be shaped such that the card cannot be removed from the second card without the card being flexed. The card may include a base side and a base hole, adjacent to the base side, shaped to receive a base tab from a base card. The card may include a support side including a support groove shaped to support third and fourth flexible cards, both identically shaped to the card, when the third and fourth flexible cards are secured to each other. The system may include base cards, each base card shaped as a regular polygon with base tabs protruding from each side of the regular polygon. Any base card of any shape and an amount of identically shaped flexible cards, equal to a number of sides of the base card, may secure together, without additional fastening elements, to construct a stackable element. The stackable element may be constructed for a first game, and a second stackable element, having a different shape from the stackable element, may be constructed for a second game by replacing the base card of the stackable element with a second base card, shaped as a different regular polygon with base tabs, and adjusting the amount of identically shaped flexible cards to be equal to a number of sides of the second base card. Each flexible card may include a support side including a support groove shaped to support third and fourth identically shaped flexible cards of a second stackable element when the third and fourth flexible cards are secured to each other and the second stackable element is stacked onto the stackable element. The system may include at least two stackable elements, each stackable element able to contain at least one projectile, each stackable element including an opening through which the projectile may pass when not covered by another stackable element and through which the projectile may not pass when covered by another stackable element. At least one of the identically shaped flexible cards may be labeled with a value representing points earned for lodging a projectile into the stackable element. The second stackable element may represent a different value of points earned for lodging a projectile into the second stackable element than points earned for lodging a projectile into the first stackable element due to a difference in size. Multiple base cards having different shapes and an amount of identically shaped flexible cards, equal to the total number of sides of the multiple base cards, may secure together, without additional fastening elements, to construct multiple stackable elements having different shapes. Flexible cards that secure with a base card shaped as a first regular polygon with base tabs may also secure with a second base card shaped as a second regular polygon with base tabs, the second regular polygon having a different shape than the first regular polygon. Any of the flexible cards may secure with any base card of any shape. The method may further include constructing a second stackable element including identically shaped flexible cards. The method may further include stacking the second stackable element onto the stackable element, each stackable element able to contain at least one projectile, each stackable element including an opening through which a projectile may pass when not covered by another stackable element and through which a projectile may not pass when covered by another stackable element. The stackable element may include a base card, the base card shaped as a regular polygon with base tabs protruding from each side of the regular polygon, the amount of identically shaped flexible cards used to form the stackable element equal to the number of sides of the regular polygon. The method may further include constructing a second stackable element for use in a second game by replacing the base card of the stackable element with a second base card, shaped as a different regular polygon with base tabs, and adjusting the amount of identically shaped flexible cards to be equal to a number of sides of the second base card. The projectile may be a ball. For example, the projectile may be a ping pong ball. The stackable elements may be identical. The card may be predominantly quadrilateral. The card may be approximately 87 millimeters by 92 millimeters.

[0061] Numerous other modifications, equivalents, and alternatives, will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such modifications, equivalents, and alternatives where applicable.