Headache (1968) – Board Game Guys

Headache

Headache is a board game that was first introduced in 1968 by the Kohner Brothers and later manufactured by Milton Bradley. In the UK, the game was released in 1968 through Peter Pan Playthings. The game is designed for two to four players, and the objective is to capture every other player’s cone-shaped pieces on the board.

Why is Headache Popular?

Headache is a classic board game that has been enjoyed by many families and children over the years. It is similar to other popular games like Trouble, which also uses a “pop-o-matic” bubble to roll the dice. While the game may not be particularly strategic or complex, it can be a fun and entertaining way to spend time with family and friends.

Game Components of Headache

Round board with two parallel tracks and 48 spaces, including 8 track intersections marked with an “X”

“Pop-o-matic” bubble with two dice: one regular die and one with a red dot on one side

Four sets of cone-shaped pieces (or “men”) in different colors

Starting points for each color on the board

How To Setup Headache

To set up the game, each player chooses a set of cone-shaped pieces and places them on their respective starting points on the board. The first four turns involve each player introducing one cone at a time onto the board from their starting spot. The game starts with a dice roll to determine who goes first, based on the highest roll.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Order: Players take turns rolling the dice to move their cones around the board.

Movement: Cones move along one of two tracks, with the option to cross tracks only at intersections marked with an “X”.

Stacks: Landing on another player’s cone creates a “stack,” which is controlled by the player whose cone is on top.

Capturing: Stacks can capture other cones or be captured themselves.

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

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

Player Experience

Playing Headache involves a mix of strategy and probability. The unique “pop-o-matic” dice and the ability to form stacks add an exciting layer of complexity. Players must strategically move their cones to capture others while protecting their own. The game’s circular tracks and intersection points require careful planning to outmaneuver opponents.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The “pop-o-matic” dice and stack formation mechanics make the game engaging and fun.

Simple to Learn: The rules are straightforward, making it accessible to younger players.

Strategic Depth: The game requires strategic thinking, especially when managing stacks and protecting cones.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a wide age range, making it a great family game.

Cons

Luck Element: The dice rolls introduce a significant element of luck, which may frustrate strategic players.

Length of Game: While the gameplay is generally around 20 minutes, it can extend if players continually form and break stacks.

Component Quality: Older versions may have worn-out components, such as the “pop-o-matic” bubble.

Personal Thoughts on Headache

Headache is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a fun, interactive game that doesn’t require a significant time commitment. It’s particularly good for younger players due to its simple rules and engaging gameplay mechanics. However, players who prefer games with less randomness may find the dice rolls a bit frustrating. Overall, Headache is a classic game that combines strategy and luck in a delightful and challenging way.

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