Kolejka (2011) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Kolejka, which means “queue” in Polish, is a board game designed by Karol Madaj and published by Instytut Pamięci Narodowej (IPN) in in 2011. The game is set in Poland during the time of communism, where players take on the roles of citizens standing in line to buy goods in a shortage economy.

Game Components of Kolejka

Game board: Representing a Polish town with various shops.

Player pawns: Five pawns per player, symbolizing family members.

Goods cards: Cards illustrating historical goods from the era.

Event cards: Cards such as “This isn’t your place”, “Colleague in the government”, and “Store closed”.

Bazaar (black market) mechanism: Allows goods exchange.

Historical brochure: Explains the economic realities of the shortage economy.

Optional documentary film: Included with the first Polish edition.

How To Setup Kolejka

To set up the game, each player chooses their five pawns and places them on the starting point on the board. The goods cards and event cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. The game board is set up to show the various shops, each of which will have limited and unpredictable availability of goods.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player count: 2-5 players.

Objective: The first player to collect the required set of goods cards wins.

Queue mechanism: Players queue in front of stores, with event cards allowing them to jump the queue or force others out.

Bazaar mechanism: Players can exchange goods on the black market.

Store availability: Goods delivery is random and unpredictable.

Historical context: The game reflects the economic hardships and shortages of communist Poland.

Player Experience

Playing **Kolejka** is an immersive experience that simulates the frustrations and strategies people employed during Poland’s communist era. Players must navigate the uncertainties of goods availability and use event cards strategically to outmaneuver their opponents. The game is both entertaining and educational, providing a unique insight into historical conditions.

Pros

Educational value: Teaches about the economic realities of communist Poland.

Historical accuracy: Supervised by Polish historian Andrzej Zawistowski.

Engaging gameplay: Combines strategy and luck.

Multi-language support: Available in several languages including Polish, English, German, Spanish, Japanese, French, Romanian, Russian, and Czech.

Awards and recognition: Won the 2012 “Gra Roku” (Game of the Year) award in Poland.

Cons

Complexity: May be challenging for younger players due to the historical context and game mechanics.

Limited availability: Initially faced production shortages due to high demand.

Potential controversy: Faced criticism and potential banning in Russia due to its portrayal of the Soviet system.

Personal Thoughts on Kolejka

**Kolejka** is an excellent choice for those interested in historical and educational games. It is particularly suitable for history enthusiasts, educators, and anyone looking for a game that offers more than just entertainment. The game’s unique mechanics and historical context make it a compelling addition to any board game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for very young players or those seeking a light, casual gaming experience.

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.