Monopoly is one of the most well-known family board games around today. The game dates back to the early 20^th century, with the earliest version known as The Landlord’s Game, existing as early as 1902 (patented in 1904) by American Elizabeth Magie. The Landlord’s Game was originally intended to illustrate the economic consequences of Ricardo’s Law of Economic rent as well as economic privilege and land value taxation.

After this, a series of similar property buying and selling games were created. By 1933, a board game had been created like Monopoly seen today, this was patented in 1935 by Charles Darrow and released by Parker Brothers.

Today, the game is owned and produced by the American game and toy company Hasbro, there have been over 1000 versions of the game since it was created: from classic Monopoly, to TV and film versions, as well as county and country versions too. There have also been various add-on games released including: Monopoly Stock Exchange Add-on, Free Parking Mini Game and Get Out of Jail Mini Game.

Playing a Game of Monopoly

Monopoly is a property owning game. Players are land owners who are attempting to buy and develop their land at a faster and more successful rate than the other players. When other players land on property that is owned, the land owner receives income (rent) for this. When money gets low, players need to mortgage their own properties to raise money for fines and taxes owed to other players.

Once a player owns all properties of the same colour they can build houses and hotels which will incur higher penalties if other players land on their space. There are other spaces on the board which cannot be purchased but which involve taxes, choosing cards or even going to jail. The aim of the game is to be the last player who still has money.

Hints & Tips

Some strategies that I would suggest during your next game of Monopoly include:

• Buy as many properties you want early on.
• Try to get a few houses on properties as soon as possible.
• Buy properties other players need.
• Try not to buy the properties players don’t land on! Don’t just go for the cheapest properties!

Editions

One of the biggest selling points for Monopoly in the modern age is that there are many different versions that can appeal to a much wider audience. The stereotype that the game is boring is based around the original theme, however (if you’re one of these people who think it’s boring) there are now other editions such as:

• Deadpool.
• Star Wars.
• Stranger Things.
• Gamer Edition.
• The Big Bang Theory.

Alongside the movie and TV shows, there are also editions released each season for your favourite football clubs and for your favourite video games.

Closing Thoughts on Monopoly

Even though there some people that loathe the game, there are a lot of benefits to children playing Monopoly. The game can help develop mathematics and English skills, as well as handling money and making decisions. Other benefits include improving social and inter-personal skills.

Board games also are good equalisers, so a child or teen could do just as well as or even win against a parent, this can give them a great confidence boost for real life. The game also teaches about investments, taxes, fines and using money wisely which are all important skills for young people to learn.

It’s easy to see why this game has been so popular, it’s great for the whole family to enjoy. Typically you’ll need to set aside a few hours for a proper game of Monopoly, it’s a few hours very well spent. Also with the variety of Monopoly games there’s a very good chance there is a version based on your favourite TV show or film, or even your football team or hometown.

I’ve always loved the game, there’s lots of different aspects to it with the community chest and chance cards as well. Also I’ve always loved the whimsical pieces used in the games, from boots to ships and thimbles, I think they’re great little game pieces!

Given how much I love this game and the fact that there are so many different themes and editions on the market, I’m going to give Monopoly a five on the Fun-O-Meter!!

Editors note: This post was originally published on 20th June 2018. Updated on 14th March 2024 to improve the information available.