Headache (1968) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Headache is a classic board game that was first released in in 1968. It was designed by Paul and Frank Kohner and has since become a beloved game for many families. The game is categorized as an abstract strategy game and is suitable for children aged 5 and above. With a quick runtime of 20 minutes, Headache is a great choice for a fun game night with friends or family.

Game Components of Headache

Board: A round board with two parallel tracks (outer and inner) and 48 spaces, including 8 intersections marked with an “X”.

Dice: A “pop-o-matic” bubble containing two dice – one standard die (1-6) and one special die with a red dot on one side, allowing for an extra turn.

Pieces: Four cone-shaped pieces (cones or men) per player.

Tracks: Outer track with three spaces between intersections, inner track with two spaces between intersections.

How To Setup Headache

To set up the game, each player chooses their colored cones and places them on their respective starting spots. The game begins with players rolling the dice to determine who goes first, based on the highest roll. Each player introduces their cones to the board one at a time during their first four turns.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Order: Turns pass to the left.

Movement: Players roll the dice to determine how many spaces to move their cones.

Track Intersections: Players can switch tracks only at intersections marked with an “X”.

Safe Spots: Starting spaces and optional intersection spaces are safe and cannot be captured.

Stacks: Cones can be stacked when a player lands on another player’s cone; stacks can move in either direction.

Objective: The game ends when one player captures all other players’ cones, declaring them the winner.

Player Experience

Headache is a game that combines strategy and probability, making it engaging for both children and adults. The use of the “pop-o-matic” dice adds an element of excitement and unpredictability. Players need to strategically move their cones around the board, leveraging the safe spots and the ability to form stacks to their advantage.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 5 and above.

Strategic Depth: Combines strategy and probability.

Interactive: Players can form stacks and capture each other’s pieces.

Quick Gameplay: Typical playing time is around 20 minutes.

Cons

Luck Element: The game relies heavily on dice rolls, which can lead to unpredictable outcomes.

Simple Rules: While easy to learn, the rules may be too simple for some older players.

Personal Thoughts on Headache

Headache is an excellent choice for families or casual game nights. It’s easy to learn, fun to play, and the short playing time makes it accessible for younger players. However, for those seeking more complex strategy games, Headache might not offer the depth they are looking for. Nonetheless, its nostalgic value and simple yet engaging gameplay make it a great addition to any board game collection.

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