Junta (1979) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Junta is a board game that was first released in in 1979. It is a game of power, intrigue, and revolution set in the fictional banana republic of Los Bananos. Players take on the roles of various political factions vying for control of the country and its wealth. The game has gained popularity for its satirical take on political corruption and backstabbing.

Game Components of Junta

Player Tokens: Representing the different families.

Cabinet Position Cards: Denoting roles like Minister of Internal Security, Generals of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd armies, Chief of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Navy.

Junta Cards: Used for various actions and influence.

Influence Cards: For voting and other manipulative actions.

Voting Cards: To command votes in the Chamber of Deputies.

Foreign Aid Money: Used for budget votes and game progression.

Game Board: Featuring a “political track” with seven stages.

How To Setup Junta

Setup involves distributing player tokens, cabinet position cards, and Junta cards. Each player selects a family token, and cabinet positions are assigned. The foreign aid money deck is prepared by placing blank bills at the bottom and “used” bills underneath them. This setup typically takes 10-15 minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Rolling: Used in coup phases.

Counting: For managing money and votes.

Social Skills: Essential for negotiating and manipulating other players.

Game Turns: Each turn represents a year, divided into seven stages on the “political track.”

Elections: Players vote to elect *El Presidente* and pass budgets.

Coup: Players can command troops and use influence cards to overthrow the President.

Assassinations: Players can be executed, leading to a loss of assets.

Game End: The game ends when the President cannot draw eight bills from the foreign aid money. The player with the most money in their Swiss bank account wins.

Player Experience

In Junta, players embody corrupt family members in a banana republic, constantly maneuvering for power and wealth. The game is marked by frequent assassinations, coups, and electoral manipulations. Players must balance their political influence with strategic military actions, all while managing their finances carefully. Death in the game is temporary, with another family member stepping in on the next turn, but it still results in significant financial and political setbacks.

Pros

Engaging Social Interaction: Encourages negotiation and manipulation among players.

Complex Strategy: Combines political maneuvering with strategic combat.

High Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and random elements ensure different outcomes each game.

Satirical Humor: Provides a humorous take on political corruption.

Cons

Long Playtime: Games can last 3-7 hours.

Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve.

Player Elimination: Though temporary, player deaths can be frustrating.

Personal Thoughts on Junta

Junta is for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex, strategic games with a strong social element. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the blend of politics, strategy, and humor. However, due to its lengthy playtime and complex rules, it might not be suitable for casual players or those new to board games. If you’re looking for a game that challenges your social skills, strategic thinking, and ability to navigate intricate rules, Junta is an excellent choice.

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