[1] Each player introduces their cones to the board, one at a time, using the appropriately-colored starting spot, during their first four turns.

All players are welcome to occupy any space on either track throughout the game, provided the die rolls allow.

However, the standard rules state that each player's starting space is a "safe" spot and may not be captured immediately after being introduced.

The spaces protrude from the surface of the board, thereby allowing the cones to rest on them neatly.

A player is allowed to keep their cone on a safe spot as long as they wish, provided there is another legal move.

The exception is on the first four rounds of turns, in which each player must move a different cone, clearing the starting space.

Like similar games such as Trouble, Headache has its dice in a "pop-o-matic" bubble in the center of the board.