Jokkmokk: The Winter Market (2023) Board Game

Jokkmokk: The Winter Market is a board game released in 2023, designed by Christina Hägerfors. The game is set in the town of Jokkmokk, Sweden, during its traditional winter market where players take on the roles of merchants trying to earn the most profits by trading goods and collecting sets of items.

Game Components of Jokkmokk: The Winter Market

Rulebook

1 Game board

10 Family Members (2 in each of the 5 Player Colors)

18 Set Reference cards

204 game cards

1 Current Player token

1 Midgame Scoring token

12 “5p” tokens

10 “50p/100p” tokens.

How To Setup Jokkmokk: The Winter Market

To set up the game, choose 5 or 6 of the 18 available sets of cards, each with its own reference card explaining the scoring criteria. Place the game board on the table and determine the start player. The meeples are arranged in a snake-draft order on the starting spaces, with the start player’s pieces at the beginning and end of the line. The Current Player token is placed behind the last meeple. Each remaining space on the board is filled with a card dealt face-up. This setup ensures a different game experience each time due to the modular card sets.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Set Collection: Players collect cards representing various items like souvenirs, food, and decorations.

Rondel Mechanics: Players move their meeples around the board in a specific order, with the meeple furthest back taking the next turn.

Modular Sets: Each game uses a different combination of card sets, offering varied strategies and experiences.

Objective: Collect the most valuable sets of cards by the end of the game to win. Points are scored based on collecting matching sets, majorities, valuable cards, and matching quilt patterns.

Player Experience

**Jokkmokk: The Winter Market** offers a charming and easy-going experience, perfect for a 30-minute window. Players take turns moving their meeples, claiming cards, and resolving any special effects. The game’s simplicity lies in its straightforward mechanics, while the complexity arises from the diverse combinations of card sets. The artwork is bright and cheerful, capturing the essence of a Swedish winter market. Players can enjoy collecting traditional items like Dalecarlian Horses, Antiques, and Hot Dogs, or focus on other experiences like Bells, Sparklers, and Fika.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 12 and above.

Modular Variety: Each game is unique due to the different card sets used.

Bright Artwork: The game features cheerful and vibrant illustrations.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Strategic Depth: The combination of card sets offers various strategies and challenges.

Cons

Limited Long-Term Strategy: Players often focus on the nearest available cards rather than planning far ahead.

Lack of Incentive to Plan Ahead: The game continues until all cards are collected, with no bonus for finishing early.

Personal Thoughts on Jokkmokk: The Winter Market

**Jokkmokk: The Winter Market** is ideal for those seeking a light-hearted, family-friendly board game that can be enjoyed in a short amount of time. It’s perfect for casual gamers and families looking to explore different strategies and experiences with each play. While it may not offer the depth required by hardcore strategists, it provides a delightful and varied experience that captures the charm of a traditional Swedish winter market.

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