Playing board games at Christmas SHOULD be all about having fun with your family and friends, not war but the “go-to” traditional board games can cause arguments due to the flawed nature of the game mechanics and rules.
Following on from my post about some rule variations for
Scrabble HERE, read on for some variations for playing Monopoly.
As of October 11th 2017 there are 1,298 versions
of Monopoly with new versions being shipped every year. There are some fab ones from our favourite TV
series and hobbies including Game of Thrones, Star Wars & Mario.
My favourite of course was Star Trek The Next Generation
complete with Gold Pressed Latinum, planets, ships and space stations.
The main problem with Monopoly is the game takes too long to
get going and then drags on, especially if one player has amassed a huge lead. Or if four people are playing, 2 have gained
a lead and are battling between themselves; the remaining 2 are left trying to
be good humored losers. Most
importantly of course, don’t change the rules mid-game. You can use one or a combination of these
alternatives...
Alternative 1
Accelerated start. Each player gets 2 property cards dealt randomly
from the deck. This helps things get
started. (This is easier than the
alternative rules packaged in the modern game that has an extra dice and extra
rules). If there are 4 players, randomly
deal the 4 stations also. This stops one
player getting the full collection too early. If there are 5/6 players add in the utilities.
Alternative 2
Timed ending. Set an
alarm clock with a time limit of about 60 minutes (go with 57 or 62 to keep
people guessing a little). Hide the
clock. When the alarm goes off each
player has one more move. Add up money
after this.
Alternative 3
Help the game end quicker.
Remember the recession, nobody could get a mortgage. Don’t allow any loans from another player, “letting
off” of a rent bill or taking out a mortgage.
All bills should be paid, sell what you need back to the bank and go
bankrupt. Let the game finish as quickly
as possible. Not allowing loans or “letting
off” of a rent bill also heads off what normally causes arguments with players helping
each other to beat the other opponent. Don't allow exchange of property to settle a bill, sell the property back to the bank and have an immediate mortgage for it.
Alternative 4
Extra money at the start.
Be careful with this one. Yes, it
helps the game get going but the flip side is players have more money so the
game will last longer.
Alternative 5
Auction off everything.
Don’t forget the rule at the start of the game that when a property is
landed on, the player can chose to buy it or IT MUST BE auctioned by the bank. Help get all property bought up as quickly as
possible by auctioning all remaining property after all players have gone
around the board 3 times. This brings an
interesting tactic into the game, the player who has been unlucky in landing on
property squares gets a chance to buy and also the players who has been frugal
with their money gets an opportunity to buy up what’s left.
(image courtesy of www.maze.icomix.com)
Adults Only
Check out this nice printable A4 poster I've done up, played between consenting adults of course...
Check out this nice printable A4 poster I've done up, played between consenting adults of course...
These alternatives should help, let me know how you get on or if you have any other variations. Remember make fun, not war and no throwing game pieces around the room (but it's ok to throw your clothes)!
John The Captain Ryan
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