A review, with 48 refs., of methods for prepn. of coal charge for coking was given. Bituminous coals from 6 Polish coal mines (including coals with low coking properties) and a coke dust were used for prepn. of coal charges with varying d. changed by optimization of grain size distribution, drying, oiling, partial briquetting and mech. stamping. The charges were then coked at 950 degrees C and the coke was studied for d., coke reactivity factor and coke strength after reaction with CO2. The highest increase in the coke quality was achieved after mech. stamping the coal charge and preliminary drying of the coals.