Kurt Vonnegut's Lost Board Game
Curated by
dailies
3 min read
6,541
139
Kurt Vonnegut's long-lost board game "General Headquarters" (GHQ), designed in 1956 during a period of financial struggle, has finally been brought to life and made available for purchase. As reported by Open Culture, this two-player battle game, played on a standard checkerboard, features military units maneuvering to capture the opponent's headquarters, offering a unique glimpse into the renowned author's lesser-known creative pursuits.
Creation and Purpose
axios.com
In 1956, amidst financial struggles following the release of his first novel "Player Piano," Vonnegut designed GHQ as a potential income stream to support his growing family
1
2
. The game was conceived during a period when Vonnegut explored various endeavors, including public relations and a brief stint at Sports Illustrated1
. Despite his efforts, including pitch letters to board game companies suggesting GHQ could "become the third popular checkerboard game" alongside chess and checkers, the game remained unsold and was subsequently filed away1
2
. This early creation offers a unique insight into Vonnegut's diverse creative pursuits before his breakthrough as a novelist.2 sources
Gameplay Mechanics
barnesandnoble.com
Played on a standard 8x8 checkerboard, GHQ is a fast-paced strategic battle game lasting 20-40 minutes. Players command various military units including infantry, armored vehicles, artillery, and an airborne regiment, maneuvering them to capture the opponent's headquarters
1
2
. The game's setup takes approximately 5 minutes and is designed for two players aged 14 and up1
. While specific movement rules for each unit type are not detailed, the gameplay is described as utilizing real-world combined arms tactics, allowing players to call on reinforcements to turn the tide of battle1
.2 sources
Rediscovery by Engelstein
Tabletop game designer Geoff Engelstein spearheaded the revival of GHQ after discovering mentions of the game and inquiring about its status with Vonnegut's estate. Upon securing permission, Engelstein accessed 40 pages of Vonnegut's original notes and instructions from Indiana University's Lilly Library
1
2
. These materials included multiple rule revisions and pitch letters, providing crucial insights into Vonnegut's creative process. Engelstein's efforts in sorting through six versions of the rules and making necessary tweaks for playability were instrumental in bringing this long-lost game to life, nearly seven decades after its conception2
3
.3 sources
Current Release Details
The first edition of GHQ, now available exclusively at Barnes & Noble stores and the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library, retails for $35
1
. This deluxe version features wooden pieces and includes a 24-page commentary booklet showcasing Vonnegut's original design notes, offering fans and game enthusiasts unique insights into his creative process2
3
. The game's launch was celebrated with a party at the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library just before Gen Con 2024, North America's largest tabletop gaming convention4
.4 sources
Related
How did Vonnegut's experience in World War II influence the design of GHQ
What inspired Geoff Engelstein to revive GHQ
How does GHQ reflect Vonnegut's literary themes
What makes GHQ a must-have for collectors of Vonnegutiana
How did the pitch letters to game companies influence the game's design
Keep Reading
The history of Magic: The Gathering
Magic: The Gathering, conceived by mathematician Richard Garfield, has revolutionized the gaming world since its 1993 debut, blending complex strategy and collectible elements to create a global phenomenon. From its origins influenced by Garfield's mathematical background and inspirations like Cosmic Encounter, the game introduced innovative mechanics and a unique mana system, leading to rapid growth, numerous expansions, and a thriving competitive scene. As the first trading card game, it has...
2,977
Enigma: WWII Code Breaker
The Enigma machine, a complex encryption device used by Nazi Germany during World War II, posed a formidable challenge to Allied codebreakers, with its staggering 158,962,555,217,826,360,000 possible configurations. According to the Imperial War Museums, the brilliant mathematician Alan Turing played a pivotal role in cracking this seemingly unbreakable code, developing innovative techniques and machines that significantly contributed to the Allied war effort and potentially shortened the...
5,907
The Oldest Known Board Game
The ancient Egyptian game of Senet, dating back to around 3500 BCE, holds the distinction of being the oldest known board game in the world. Discovered in Predynastic and First Dynasty burials, Senet's enduring legacy is closely followed by the Royal Game of Ur from ancient Mesopotamia, originating around 2600 BCE.
11,515
The Creation of the First Video Game
The creation of the first video game is often attributed to "Tennis for Two," developed by physicist William Higinbotham in 1958 at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Designed to entertain visitors, this groundbreaking game was constructed in a few weeks with the help of technician Robert Dvorak, using an oscilloscope for display and simple controls, and it became an instant hit, showcasing interactive gameplay and inspiring future innovations in the gaming industry.
7,511