Making family fun more fun – Alternatives for Monopoly.

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 11^th 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...

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