Instrumental case for "dwa"
When you play a board game with someone, use the preposition z (with) followed by the Instrumental case. For the number two (dwa), the masculine and neuter Instrumental form is dwoma.
Group sizes with Locative
To say "the three of us" or "the four of us" are playing (for groups containing at least one male), Polish uses the preposition w (or we) followed by the Locative case: trzech (three) or czterech (four).
Locative and Genitive (-ch)
For the numbers 2, 3, and 4, the Locative case (used for "in" or "on") and the Genitive case (used for "for" or "of") are identical. They always end in -ch:
- 2: dwóch
- 3: trzech
- 4: czterech
You use these exact same forms for the Genitive case, such as after the preposition dla (for).
Instrumental of 3 and 4 (-ma)
Except for the feminine form of 2, the Instrumental forms of these small numbers all end in -ma:
Use these forms when doing an action with an instrument, like a pawn (pionek), or playing with opponents.
The feminine "dwiema"
The number 2 is unique because it has a special Instrumental form specifically for feminine nouns: dwiema. You will use this when rolling two dice (kostka).
Turns and moves
Board games are all about taking turns (tura) and making moves (ruch). Notice how the Instrumental case is used for the physical object you make a move with!