Junta (1979)
Junta
Junta is a board game designed by Vincent Tsao, first published in 1978 by Creative Wargames Workshop and published, as of 1985, by West End Games. The game’s title is taken from the Spanish term “Junta” that originally referred to the executive bodies that frequently came to power after a military coup in 20th century Latin America (the Spanish version is called Golpe, which means coup d’état). In the game, the term refers to the players who declare “Rebel” at the beginning of the coup phase, and—if the coup is victorious—to the players who declare “pro-Junta” at the end of the coup phase to elect a new president.
Why is Junta Popular?
Junta is a popular game because it creates a mood and captures a theme brilliantly, and integrates every single design element to that cause. With its wonderful sense of comical menace, political instability, and institutionalized corruption, Junta is a hoot and a half to play. It was chosen for inclusion in the 2007 book Hobby Games: The 100 Best.
Game Components of Junta
How To Setup Junta
Setup involves distributing family tokens, Junta cards, influence cards, and vote cards among the players. Each player starts with some cash and Junta cards. The foreign aid money is prepared by mixing blank bills with used bills to mark the progression of the game. The game board is set up to display the political track with seven stages for each turn. Cabinet positions are assigned, and El Presidente is elected during the initial phase.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– Dice rolling for resolving conflicts
– Counting and managing money
– Social skills for negotiating and influencing votes
– Strategic card play for actions and control
– Accumulate the most money in your Swiss bank account before the foreign aid money runs out.
– Each game turn represents a year, divided into seven stages on the political track.
– Players manage their money, influence votes, command troops during coups, and navigate cabinet positions and presidential elections.
Player Experience
Playing Junta immerses you in the cutthroat world of corrupt politicians vying for power and wealth. The game is filled with intrigue, negotiation, and strategic maneuvering. Players must balance their efforts between accumulating wealth, influencing votes, and potentially engaging in coups to overthrow the current president. Despite the complexity, the game maintains a light-hearted and humorous tone, reflecting its satirical take on banana republic politics.
Pros
Cons
Personal Thoughts on Junta
Junta is a game best suited for experienced board game players who enjoy complex, strategic games with a strong social element. It’s ideal for groups of 4-7 players looking for a game that combines negotiation, strategy, and a bit of humor. The game’s long playtime and complex rules make it less suitable for casual gamers or those looking for quick, light-hearted experiences. However, for those willing to invest the time, Junta offers a deeply engaging and rewarding gaming experience.
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