Entrepreneur receives patent for new game

WAUPACA – There’s a new game in town and it’s been popping at ballparks and lakefronts. It’s called Batter Up Flip Cup. It’s a baseball-inspired game with elements of pong and flip-cup. It’s a fast-paced game and fun for almost all ages (little ones might not understand the baseball rules but they will certainly enjoy the ball-tossing and cup flipping part of the game).
It was invented by Jennifer Lauritzen as an antidote for screen time. “As someone who has always loved games and the connections they create, I wanted to develop something that combined competition, activity, and fun in a way that everyone could enjoy. In a world where so much of our time is spent staring at screens, I wanted to create something that would get people off their phones, engaged with one another, and enjoying each other’s company. That’s what inspired me to create,” she said.
This last year she achieved a milestone: she was awarded a patent for her game. The design and testing took over two years, refining the rules, the format and the concept. She said it was an extremely rewarding experience from starting with a vague game idea and turning it into a finished product.
Recently she has demonstrated the game at Community First Lakemen Field and at the waterfront of Clearwater Harbor—as in, the game table was set up in the knee-deep water that is located in front of the outdoor bar area and between the boat docks. In some ways, this is a perfect venue as the game involves tossing a ping-pong-like ball into a cup. If played in a garage, a missed shot could roll under a dusty workbench. Set up on the water, the missed ball plops and floats and is easy to retrieve and keep the game moving along.
Lauritzen said it’s a game for tailgating, BBQs, beach parties, campgrounds and backyards. Set up is easy and all one needs is a rectangular folding table.

The goal of the game is to sink as many pong balls into your opponents’ cups and to also win the flip-cup battles. Anyone with a basic knowledge of baseball/softball rules will understand the game quickly.
The game comes in two versions: an eight-foot mat and a six-foot mat (both $89). The game kit includes baseball ping pong balls, custom game cups, table clips to secure the mat, a table squeegee for games on the water, scorekeeping discs, a rulebook and a carry bag.
The game can be ordered at https://batterupflipcup.com and the website has a detailed breakdown of the rules and how the game is played.