Kolejka (2011) – Board Game Guys

Kolejka

Kolejka, which translates to “queue” or “line” in English, is a board game designed by Karol Madaj and launched in February 2011 by Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance (IPN). The game aims to teach young generations about the hardships under communism (1945–1989), particularly the difficulty of acquiring consumer goods in the shortage economy. Kolejka has become a best-seller in Poland and has been described as inspired by Monopoly.

Why is Kolejka Popular?

Kolejka is popular and significant because it combines humor, history, and nostalgia with slick design and clever, exciting gameplay. The game has been praised for its ability to make history lessons more engaging and accessible for both adults and children. It also serves as an educational tool to remind people of the challenges faced during the communist era, particularly the long lines and shortages of consumer goods.

Game Components of Kolejka

Player pawns: Each player controls five pawns, representing their family members.

Shopping lists: Players are given shopping lists of essential goods.

Queue cards: Used for strategically placing family members in queues.

Event cards: Cards like “This isn’t your place” or “Colleague in the government” to alter queue positions.

Goods cards: Representing historical goods from the era.

Bazaar (black market) cards: For trading surplus goods at higher prices.

Historical brochure: Accompanying the game to explain the economic realities of the time.

Optional documentary: Included with the first Polish edition.

How To Setup Kolejka

To set up **Kolejka**, each player receives a shopping list and five pawns. Players place their pawns in front of various shops, which may or may not have the desired goods. The game includes a board representing different shops and a bazaar. The setup is straightforward, with the main challenge being the unpredictable availability of goods.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hand Management: Players manage their queue cards to optimize their position.

Memory: Remembering which shops might have goods and when.

Set Collection: Collecting all the goods on the shopping list.

Worker Placement: Strategically placing family members in queues.

Take That: Using event cards to disrupt other players’ queue positions.

Objective: The first player to collect all the goods on their shopping list wins.

Player Experience

Playing **Kolejka** is a tactical and engaging experience. Players must navigate the uncertainties of a shortage economy, making strategic decisions about where to place their pawns and when to use event cards. The game’s design ensures that no two games are the same, adding a layer of unpredictability that keeps players on their toes. The educational aspect is woven seamlessly into the gameplay, making it both entertaining and informative.

Pros

Educational value: Teaches about the hardships of Poland’s communist era.

High replayability: Variable availability of goods and event cards ensure unique games.

Strategic depth: Requires careful planning and tactical decisions.

Historical accuracy: Supervised by Polish historian Andrzej Zawistowski.

Multi-lingual support: Available in several languages including English, German, Spanish, Japanese, and more.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to the many mechanics.

Length: A game can take up to 60 minutes, which may not appeal to all players.

Availability issues: Initially, the game’s popularity led to shortages in its availability.

Personal Thoughts on Kolejka

**Kolejka** is an excellent choice for anyone interested in economic and historical board games. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate strategic gameplay and are curious about the historical context of Poland’s communist era. The game’s educational value makes it a great tool for history classes or for families looking to engage in a meaningful and entertaining way. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking quick, light-hearted games due to its complexity and length.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.