Frequently asked questions about the Peasant Business School:

1. What is the Peasant Business School (PBS)?
The Peasant Business School (PBS) is an economic board game for 12–30 players which is supervised by a moderator (e.g. a teacher, a coach, a playworker). The unusual history of the village of Andrychów in Małopolska , was the inspiration for the game and through its innovative process – learning in action – it allows for the development of entrepreneurship and social competences.

2. What are the rules of the game??
The players become historical entrepreneurs from Andrychów (Bakers, Blacksmiths, Weavers), they manufacture goods (loaves of bread, waggons, fabrics), they trade and organise trade expeditions to European cities. The player or a group of players who accumulate the biggest amount of funds win the game. There are two versions of the game: basic and advanced. In the advanced version, the players are divided into two-person trading partnerships and they can also hire helpers (e.g. a Master Blacksmith, a Master Baker, a Stall Holder, a Trading Post Keeper and others) in different cities along their trade expedition routes.

3. How old should the players be? ? 
The Peasant Business School game is intended for teenagers aged 12 or older and adults. However, during different educational activities using the game it was clear that the basic version of the game can be successfully played by 5th-6th grade students of elementary school.

4. Is prior knowledge of history or economics necessary to play the Peasant Business School?
No, it is not. The formula of the game is simple and does not require any in-depth knowledge – just the opposite – for the players it is a pleasant way of learning by action. Moreover, in the instruction there is a short introduction concerning the historical inspiration of the game. An extented overview of this history can be found in the Historical Inspiration section.

5. What are the differences between the Peasant Business School and other economic games? 
Firstly, there are no dice and the result depends mainly on the player’s initiative: ideas, bargaining skills as well as on their management of their resources (time, money and goods). Secondly, the players do not sit at the table with the board on it but they move freely within the room (market) – the game is a simultaneous contest with 12–30 players taking part. Thirdly, the game gives the teacher the possibility to use it during different classes with a group, e.g. during lessons in the following subjects: Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship, Civics, History or Fundamentals of Management and Analysis of Group Processes. Depending on the type of class, the time and course of the game can be freely modified.

6. What can the players learn?
Thanks to the Peasant Business School, the players develop their social competences, entrepreneurship, creativity and negotiation skills. They also learn basic economic and financial terms (e.g. supply, demand, company, economic cluster, competition, cooperation). The Peasant Business School allows for the integration of a school group or a group of workers with no economic issues involved. The contest guarantees interesting experiences and interactions with other “peasant entrepreneurs.”

7. Do instructions come with the game?
Yes, there is an instruction manual that comes with the game which explains in detail the rules of the contest in two versions: basic and advanced. More information provided by game users can be found on the Internet forum of the Peasant Business School or via e-mail: csb@mik.krakow.pl. You are also welcome to visit the PSB fanpage on Facebook.

8. How long does the contest take? Is it possible to play the game during a 45-minute lesson?
Yes, it is. The game can be played in two versions: basic and advanced. A 45-minute lesson is enough to play the basic or advanced version. About 10 minutes should be devoted to explaining the rules while the room and game elements should be prepared before the classes. It is a good idea to play the game during a 2 hour-lesson or one lesson with a long break. In such a situation, it is possible to play both versions and/or combine the contest with a broad overview of the players’ experiences and conclusions drawn.

9. I would like to play the Peasant Business School but I am not a teacher or a student. Is it possible to organise a tournament at home with a group of friends? 
Yes, it is. Besides its educational purposes, the Peasant Business School is also entertaining. However, the game is intended for large groups – at least 12 people. There should also be a person who supervises the game and acts as the Banker.

10. What are the contents of the box?
The Peasant Business School box weighs 4 kg and contains the following elements:

• A board with a map of Europe with regions of trade expeditions;
• Blacksmith, Baker and Weaver Character Cards;
• Blacksmith, Baker and Weaver Time Cards;
• Product Cards – fabric, wain and bread;
• Lanyards for hanging the Character Cards around the neck;
• Mountain Gold Pieces (MGPs) cards with denominations of MGP 5 and MGP 1;
• Helper Cards in three colours, depending on the regions of trade they are in.

Apart from this, in the box there are also instructions with a detailed description of the elements and rules of the game.

A detailed description of game elements together with a review can be found on the website gamesfanatic.plor powermilk.pl.

11. Is there an English version of the instructions of the Peasant Business School? 
Yes, there is. Those interested in the English version of the instructions can download them from the PBS website.

12. Where can I find detailed practical information or consult other game users?
You are welcome to join the Internet discussion forum, where the authors of the game and the users exchange their experiences, comments and ideas on the usage of the Peasant Business School. You can also visit our fanpage on Facebook.

13. How can a Peasant Business School tournament be organised? 
Detailed information concerning the organisation of Peasant Business School tournaments can be found in the game instructions, in the 2012 version. If you need any help with the organisation of a tournament, you can also contact with the Małopolska Instytute of Culture.

14. What should I do to organise a Peasant Business School tournament if I do not have enough copies of the game? 
You need four copies of the game to organise a tournament. If you do not have this number, the tournament can be organised with the cooperation of other institutions that own the game. A list of which can be found in the Cooperation and Recommendations section. You can also e-mail us at csb@mik.krakow.pl to obtain information about the institutions in your area which are in possession of the game.

HAVE YOU FAILED TO FIND AN ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION?
You can contact us via email: csb@mik.krakow.pl.