Grade Up to Elite Cow

Waddingtons · Board game · 1986
— Ludopedia 5.6 BGG 2–4 · best 2, 3, 4 60 min Weight 2.0/5
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— rating Ludopedia
5.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy farming-themed games with an educational twist, "Grade Up to Elite Cow" might be a nostalgic and fun choice!

Highlights
  • Unique farming theme
  • Interesting educational element
  • Mixes luck and strategy
  • Accessible gameplay
Keep in mind
  • Luck can be frustrating
  • Theme might be niche
  • Older production
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Hey folks! Check out this 1986 classic, "Grade Up to Elite Cow," a game that mixes luck, strategy, and a touch of education about dairy farming. Created by Waddingtons on behalf of "The British Friesian Cattle Society," this game was a way to raise funds for the young farmers' association, showcasing the real process of "upgrading" a herd of cows.

The objective is straightforward: be the first to transform at least 4 of your starting 6 cows into "Elite Cows." To achieve this, you'll need to understand the generational cycle, from common animals to reaching the highest "Elite Cow" status, which involves rigorous standards for milk production and physical characteristics. It's like an "upgrade" for your cows, where each generation can achieve a superior level of pedigree and excellence.

The game uses dice rolling to determine actions and movement, and features a trading element between players. The core mechanic revolves around managing your herd, understanding the requirements for each pedigree level, and making strategic decisions to breed and develop your animals. It's a journey into the world of elite cattle breeding, with a touch of luck that can help or hinder you. Perfect for those who enjoy games with a unique theme, a bit of management, and that still teach something new. It's not an overly complex game, with a weight of 2/5, but it requires attention to detail to master the art of raising the best cow!

Get ready to roll the dice, trade with your friends, and see who becomes the top cattle breeder around. It's a nostalgic and fun experience, ideal for those who appreciate games with a purpose beyond pure entertainment, like this one, which was designed to educate and entertain simultaneously.

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 BEST
3 BEST
4 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Animals: Cattle / Cows Promotional: Board Games
Publisher Waddingtons
Designer Philip Gilbert

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

14owners
8wishlist
5want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the average playtime?
The game is designed to last around 60 minutes, which is a reasonable time for its era and game type.
How many players can participate?
It accommodates 2 to 4 players, making it ideal for small groups.
Is the game very complicated to learn?
With a weight of 2/5 on BGG, it's considered light to moderate in complexity, being relatively easy to grasp, especially with the educational theme.
What are the main components?
Expect to find a board, dice, markers, and cards or tokens representing the cows and their pedigree status.
Who is this game best suited for?
It's perfect for those who enjoy games with animal and farm themes, for families looking for something educational, and for collectors of older or promotional games.
Is it a competitive or cooperative game?
It's a competitive game, where each player tries to be the first to achieve the goal of breeding 'Elite Cows'.
Is the dice luck element very strong?
Yes, dice rolling carries significant weight in actions and progression, which can be both exciting and frustrating depending on your luck.

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