Monopoly has a bit of a bad name around the gamer circuit, partially because of its extended game length, somewhat because of its old school methods of game play, and also because it's an easy target. Billions (just a guess) have sold and every house has multiple copies (just another guess). With being the most popular game in the world comes a lot of extra baggage.
Some of this extra baggage is because people are playing the game wrong. What?! Yes, it's true… you are probably playing wrong.
RULE #1: Free Parking
Free Parking doesn't do anything. It doesn't collect or gather money, and it certainly doesn't award the player who lands there with Free Money. I'm curious to how this house rule became the worldwide norm, but it's one of the biggest reasons games last forever. The less money going around (and unearned money in this case), the longer it will take for a player to bankrupt all of the other players. This rule is hard, fast, real life… when you pay taxes and fees that money is gone forever. And when you see a sign that says "Free Parking" it means exactly that. Not "Free Money".
RULE #2: Auction Properties
What happens when you land on a property and choose not to buy it? You probably pass the turn to the next player AND YOU WOULD BE WRONG! The rules state that an auction is to take place, and by the end of this turn one of the players will own that land. It can get interesting where a player passes on a property just to get it for less in the subsequent auction. This keeps the game moving along, with all/most properties getting picked up sooner than later.
RULE #3: Trading Properties
This one is written right on the box: "The Fast Dealing Property Trading Game". Many don't even realize how much of an effect trading can have on the game. In tournament play, the winner of Monopoly isn't always the most strategic player, but instead the slickest trader. Next time you play, cut some sharp deals with your opponents and see how different the game is.
Using the correct rules, Monopoly isn't as long and drawn out as you know it to be. It's actually much more enjoyable, especially with the right group. Play with kids and they will want the free money and get lost in the auction and trading, but try it with some adults (after taking a few minutes to read the rulebook) and you may be surprised…. it's not that bad.
I didn't know about the auction rule until I got Monopoly on my iPad, and I agree that playing by the rules makes it fun and way faster. And I really love being a massive jerk by sending properties to auction when I know my opponent has nowhere near enough money to buy them. Muah ha ha.
ReplyDeleteHaha, playing on the iPad is great. No banker, very speedy, and no house rules!
DeleteI couldn't STAND monopoly if it weren't for the trading...it's the best part of the game! I've also always used auctions...BUT...c'mon...FREE PARKING = $$$!! It may make the game longer, but it increases the drama!
ReplyDeleteI also like to "seed" free parking with $500.00 to start with, along with any fees/taxes/whatever...just to really make it worthwhile...
Haha, so you throw away all your hard work bankrupting other players when someone lands on free parking by the luck of a die roll! It makes the game super long by feeding money into a system that's built for taking money. I'm shocked that it's become the universal house rule.
DeleteIt makes it all the sweeter when you win despite the opposition's dumb luck! Or gives you a chance for a comeback if you've dug too deep a hole...makes the game more exciting!
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