Objective of the Game

Junta is a satirical board game set in a fictional banana republic. Players assume the roles of powerful figures in the country and aim to achieve the greatest financial gain through betrayal, bribery, and violence. The player with the most money in their Swiss bank account at the end of the game wins.

Game Setup

The game includes a game board, cards for events, assassinations, and orders, as well as play money and other markers. Each player represents an influential figure in the country’s government: the President, commanders of military forces, police leaders, etc.

Rules

Starting the Game

• First, the President is democratically elected. The President can propose how to distribute the national budget.
• Each player receives a set of cards to use during the game.
• All players begin with a certain amount of starting capital and a number of troops.

Game Flow

The game proceeds in successive rounds:

1. Event Phase: The President draws an event card, which can influence the game in various ways.
2. Budget Phase: The President proposes a budget allocation, which can be approved or rejected by a simple majority vote. Players may attempt to bribe others to influence the vote.
3. Planning Phase: Players can plot assassinations or form alliances. Any player can attempt to eliminate others at government meetings.
4. Coup Phase (optional, if triggered): If a player is dissatisfied, they can play a coup card. This is followed by a battle for control of the country among the different factions.

Assassinations

• Any player can attempt to assassinate another by playing an assassination card.
• The potential assassin must secretly plan and ensure that their target is at the right place at the right time.

Banks

• Players may transfer funds from the state treasury to their private Swiss bank accounts. This is a crucial aspect of strengthening their position.

Strategic Insights

• Betrayal is a recognized strategy: Breaking trust can often lead to tremendous gains, but should be used wisely.
• Coalitions can be helpful, but alliances may quickly unravel if the price is right.
• The use of bribes is essential for gaining favor and securing power.

End of the Game

The game ends when the event cards are depleted or after a certain number of rounds have been played. Then the funds in players' Swiss bank accounts are tallied, and the richest player is declared the winner.

Special Features

• Bribery and lying are integral parts of the game, not only allowed but encouraged.
• There is a strong emphasis on resource management and power shifts, leading to many tactical considerations.