Go to the Head of the Class (1936)

Go to the Head of the Class

“Go to the Head of the Class” is a roll-and-move board game published originally by the Chad Valley Co Ltd. in 1936 and later by Milton Bradley (now owned by Hasbro). The game was last produced by Winning Moves USA in 2013. The game is designed to look like a top view of a school classroom with the teacher’s blackboard at one end. Players advance to the “head of the class” by moving tokens from desk to desk as a result of answering questions correctly. The game includes random “chance cards” that add or subtract positions without involving a question, such as “Put away that peashooter and go back 3 desks” or “For good penmanship, advance two desks”.

Significance and Gameplay

The game is popular and significant because it tests players’ knowledge in various subjects, including Language, Science, Art & Music, Mathematics, History, Literature, and Geography. The game has been produced in various editions, with some being vintage and collectible.

Game Components of Go to the Head of the Class

Game board designed to look like a top view of a school classroom

Cardboard or wooden/plastic tokens representing adult and children figures

Question booklet with various topics, updated in different editions

Luck and examination cards for random events

Dice for determining player movement

How To Setup Go to the Head of the Class

To set up the game, place the board in the center of the table. Shuffle the luck and examination cards and place them on their corresponding spaces on the board. Players choose their difficulty level from the junior, intermediate, or senior sections of the question booklet. Each player selects a playing piece and rolls the dice to determine which desk they start on. The player starting on the lowest numbered desk goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll-and-Move Mechanics: Players roll the dice to move their pieces around the classroom.

Question Answering: Players answer questions based on the number rolled, with correct answers advancing them six desks and incorrect answers moving them back two desks.

Luck and Examination Cards: Players may draw luck or examination cards, which can advance or set them back.

Game Objective: The first player to reach the last five desks (green chairs) and then the final desk (desk 100) wins the game.

Player Experience

Playing **Go to the Head of the Class** is an engaging and somewhat nostalgic experience. The game is designed for 2-6 players and is suitable for children aged 6 and above. The gameplay is straightforward, with a mix of luck and knowledge that keeps players entertained. However, the game’s simplicity and repetitive nature may make it less appealing to adults or players seeking more complex strategies.

Pros

Educational Value: The game introduces children to various trivia questions across different subjects.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to young players.

Nostalgic Appeal: For those who played it as children, it offers a nostalgic experience.

Variety in Questions: Different editions include updated questions to keep the game fresh.

Cons

Simplicity: The game mechanics are quite basic and may not hold the attention of older players.

Repetitive: Players may encounter the same questions multiple times, especially in earlier editions.

Luck Over Skill: The role of luck in the game can sometimes overshadow the importance of answering questions correctly.

Personal Thoughts on Go to the Head of the Class

**Go to the Head of the Class** is a game best suited for families with young children or for those looking for a light, educational game. While it may not have aged well in terms of complexity, it remains a charming and easy-to-understand game that can still provide a fun and educational experience for its target audience. However, it may not be the best choice for players seeking more intricate gameplay or strategic depth.

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