How to Play Monopoly - Rules & Pro Tips to Win
Published on 6th March 2023 by Jimmy Bennett
Monopoly remains a household stable in 2023 as much as it ever has, proving the never-ending popularity of the much-loved board game. With a huge variety of boards available, there’s no better time to gather your friends and family around and see who can win the fast-dealing property game.
If you’ve never got hands-on before though, you might well be asking “How do I play Monopoly?”. Thankfully, we have your back. Here at GAME, we’re experts in toys and board games as much as we are in video games. We’re going to share our knowledge of how to play monopoly with you, covering the rules as well as giving you some pro tips on how you can win the game.
How to Play Monopoly - Getting Started
To get you started, there are a few things you need to know about Monopoly’s rules. First of all, the game can be played between 2-8 players. Before you begin, each player chooses a token and is dealt 1500 Monopoly money. Players then roll the dice to see who will roll first. The person who gets the highest number roll gets to start.
There are different types of squares or spaces situated around the Monopoly board. The most common is property spaces, which can later be bought by the player to generate income. Alongside this, there are also Train Stations and Utilities, which function in a similar way. Alongside these, you have the Community Chest and Chance spaces, which grant random effects. There are also Tax spaces which require you to pay if you land on them. There’s also a Jail space, a Go To Jail space, Free Parking and Go, which we’ll explain a little later.
Once everything is set up, you’re good to start playing!
Playing Monopoly
Players take turns rolling 2 dice to determine where they will land, moving one space at a time. If a double is rolled, players can roll again, but if 3 doubles are rolled, you instantly go to Jail and do not pass go. At the start of the game, all property spaces will be available to purchase, which can be done if the player lands on them and has the available funds. If the player doesn’t have the funds, properties go up for auction where players can bid on them to win them..
If a player lands on a property that is owned, they must pay the owning player rent. How much rent is paid varies depending on the property, how many houses or hotels are built and if the player has a full set. Each property card will detail the breakdown for this. As you move closer to Go, the properties increase in value, and the rent associated with them.
Building
To build on your property, you must own the complete set, meaning 3 cards of the same colour. Officially, you can then build either during your turn or in between other players’ turns, however, many play with the rule that you can only build at the start or end of your turn. You must pay the indicated amount on the card for each house, and must build evenly across the property spaces, i.e. you can’t build 3 houses on one space if there’s nothing on the others. Once you have 4 houses on a property, you can then build a hotel. You cannot build on a property if any of them have been mortgaged.
Trading
Players can trade with one another for any items they possess. Officially, this can be done at any time both parties agree to trade, however, many players limit this to the beginning or end of a turn. properties cannot be traded if they have been built upon.
If you need money to pay rent you cannot afford, there are several options open to you. You can either trade with other players to raise the funds, sell houses or hotels, or mortgage properties. If you opt to sell the houses/hotels on a property, you will only get back half of what you have paid. To mortgage a property, it must have no developments on it. You will receive half the amount paid for the property when you mortgage this, but to unmortgage, you will have to pay this back with 10% interest on top. Importantly, a mortgaged property cannot collect rent.
Bankruptcy
If you land on a property space, and cannot raise the funds to pay rent, you must declare bankruptcy. At this point, you are out of the game and all of your possessions go to the player whose property you have landed on. Any buildings on these must be returned to the bank, and mortgaged properties must either be unmortgaged, or the bank paid 10% of their mortgaged value to keep them as mortgaged.
Should a player find themselves bankrupt to the bank, all their property is auctioned off to remaining players while the bank keeps hold of any other assets. Buildings are again returned to the bank.
Jail
If you land on the Jail space normally during a turn, you are “Just Visiting” and receive no effects. However, if you land on the Go to Jail space, you must go straight to Jail and not pass go. Once in Jail, there are two ways to get out, either by paying 50 Monopoly money or by rolling a double. You must decide which at the start of the go. On your 3rd round in Jail, if you do not roll a double you must pay the fine and exit Jail.
If you make it all the way around the board, you will pass Go. At this point, the player receives their “Salary” of 200 Monopoly money.
How to Win Monopoly
Depending on how you look at it, you win Monopoly either by avoiding going bankrupt or by being the last player standing. If all other players declare bankruptcy, you are the winner! This being the case, the aim of the game is to make sure you always have enough cash to cover any rent you’ll have to pay, while also making sure your own income stream is strong.
Pro Tips for Success
Everybody who plays Monopoly wants one thing: to win. We have a number of pro tips that might help you get an edge over your opponents, giving you the knowledge you need to take home the win.
Gather Properties Fast
Gathering properties as early as possible is the key to winning Monopoly. You need to ensure an income stream as soon as possible, so buy as many properties as you can as early as possible. Often, the first person who gets a set can go on to win a game.
Avoid Mortgaging Properties
If you land on a space and have to pay a large amount of rent to another player, it can be tempting to start mortgaging properties. However, if this can be avoided, it’s best to do so. If your properties are mortgaged, you have no income from them and without income, it’s only a matter of time before you go bankrupt.
Spread Property Out
Particularly when trading with other plates, try and spread the properties you own out across the board. The more spread out your properties are, the less chance there is that players will avoid them. If you pin all your hopes on one set, and it gets repeatedly missed, you may find yourself in trouble.
Always Have Some Emergency Cash
It’s always good to have some cash on standby, should you need to pay a lot of rent. Otherwise, you’ll have to rely on mortgages and selling houses, which is less efficient as you pay interest or get a bad return.
Make Sure you get Houses
There’s a limited number of houses available in Monopoly. This means if it takes a while for you to gather a set, you may be left high and dry. Try and build early, making sure that you get access to houses, and maybe taking them away from your opponents.
Jail can be Your Best Friend or Worst Enemy
Early on in Monopoly, landing in Jail can derail any chance of you winning. If you spend consecutive rounds in Jail while others are collecting property, you’ll be left behind. If you land in jail early, spend money to ensure you get out. Landing in Jail later in the game, when you have sets is a great move, letting you collect rent with no risk of having to pay yourself.
Now you have all the tools you need and know how to play Monopoly, gather your friends and hone your skills. Don’t forget to check out 5 Monopoly versions you might not know about to find the perfect board for you.
FAQs
How much money do you start with in Monopoly?
Each player starts with 1500 Monopoly money at the start of the game.
When does Monopoly end?
A game of Monopoly ends when there is only one player remaining who is not bankrupt. Typically, games last between 60 and 90 minutes. If Players add optional house rules, this can quickly grow much longer.
How do you get out of Jail in Monopoly?
If you end up in Jail, there are 3 ways to get out. Pay a fine of 50 Monopoly money, roll a double or use a Get Out of Jail Free Card if you have one.
How many people can Play Monopoly?
You need at least 2 players for a game of Monopoly and can play with up to 8 players.
Can you sell houses in Monopoly?
It is possible to sell houses in Monopoly which could mean the difference between going bankrupt or staying in the game. However, you only get half of whatever you paid for the house back.
