Monopoly is the classic board game that has existed since before most of us. In American history, it is one of the oldest and most famous games on record. Invented in 1903 by Elizabeth Magie, a game designer who doubled as an economic reformer.
Her aim behind this game was to prove that one could acquire wealth without bankrupting everyone else in the process- as mentioned by Mary Pilon, author of The Monopolists, the New York Times bestselling book on the game’s history.
Monopoly game was originally called “The Landlord’s Game” but picked up immense popularity, when the Parker Brothers (predecessor of Hasbro), started mass producing this real-estate-themed game as “Monopoly” in 1935.
Now, since the inception of this game, many players, and enthusiasts like you have been trying to find the answer to how to win at Monopoly.
Winning at Monopoly is not just a matter of sheer luck— world champion Nicolò Falcone will tell you that much. As with most strategy games with multiple players, skill is of utmost importance in Monopoly too.
But there are ways to tip those odds in your favour. Ready to be a Monopoly master? If yes, then read on.
Best Strategies to Win At Monopoly: Read & Learn
- To become a monopolist, you’d have to understand the mechanics of the game. Imagine a 40-square board that you like circling, with each step closer toward victory.
- The whole board is illustrated with real estate opportunities spread out in 8 groups, with each one more appealing than the last—and at an ever-higher price! Your goal is to take whole colour groups hostage, establishing a monopoly that lets you build houses and hotels and jack up those rents to stratospheric heights.
- Monopoly, however, isn’t a game solely about property ownership; it is a game that involves strategic manoeuvring and money. Added to this absolute thrill of the game are 4 railroads and 2 utilities, as other opportunities for dominance with the threat of rent always looming, and being mindful of your savings while making wise investments becomes extremely important—after all, running out of cash means defeat.
- Unlike many games where turn order might be an issue in determining the winner, the winner of Monopoly is usually chosen by skill but also with a dash of luck.
- Although there is no single way to win at Monopoly, there are definite ways to tilt those odds in your favour. Each of them stands like a well-placed house, strengthening your position, and together they are a blueprint powering strategy for success.
So roll those dice, embrace that thrill of the chase, and let’s delve into tactics that’ll turn you into a Monopoly magnate.
Moreover, to succeed in Monopoly, follow the official rules and avoid all the house rules. Your rulebook is not there to help you play but is a strategic weapon!
Keeping the game close to the book will keep the games under two hours, which is important when keeping people focused. It also opens several opportunities, such as being able to claim uncollected rent or even trade properties outside of your turn.
Remember, the strategies that we’ll cover in the next section are based on the official rules, which can be found with any Hasbro set. Yes, it only takes a few minutes to read, and it will have you well-equipped and ready to outrun the competition.
Be Aware of These General Monopoly Rules
Auctions, Trading, and Mortgaging: All properties are auctionable; feel free to bid. This brings flexibility with trading and mortgaging properties to maintain or acquire cash flow and strategic assets.
In addition to the above, here are some of the rules that can help you in building a winning strategy:
- Board Movement: Be aware of the chances of landing on each square. The “heat map” uncovered orange properties as prime real estate because the chances of players landing on these squares are the highest.
- Early Acquisition: Acquire properties early and often to control the board while minimising the amount of rent paid. Prioritise color groups which will render a higher ROI.
- Houses over Hotels: Focus on acquiring houses early in the game, especially three per property for optimum ROI. This Scarcity creates a “housing shortage” that works in your favour.
- Jail as Haven: Later in the game, Jail can be a haven of sorts from the high rents as other players collect their pay while you sit relatively safely in Jail.
- Utilities and Railroads: Having utilities and all four railroads means continuous income and strategic advantages for you.
By mastering these strategies and playing by the official rules, you’ll be well on your way to being a champion at Monopoly.
How to Win Monopoly Fast?
- If you are wondering how to win Monopoly fast, first you should know that the fastest play ever recorded from start to finish was played with more players involved, up to eight.
- Be mindful that this is not a two-person game so, the more players play this game, the better this game becomes.
“Be the first to build houses,” says Falcone. “If one of your opponents lands on a three-house property, that alone could bankrupt them.” Pilon puts it another way.
“Leverage the housing shortage,” she advises. “Every house I buy prevents my opponent from building. And that improves your cash flow and makes the game go faster.”
How Long Does it Take to Win a Game of Monopoly?
If played by the rules, winning Monopoly should take no longer than 90 minutes to two hours. “If you change even one rule,” Falcone notes, “the game will take longer.”
Likewise, in the interest of the most efficient gameplay, Pilon advises that all players pay close attention, so as not to miss an opportunity to collect rent or acquire a property; she also advises against injecting additional cash into the game.
“Some folks drop $200 into the middle of the board for whoever lands on Free Parking,” she says. Hasbro’s official rules are pretty clear that, nope, that’s not a thing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Monopoly Game
There are a handful of mistakes you’ll want to avoid if you want to win Monopoly.
Be sure to steer clear of these expert-avoided strategies:
- Don’t stray one millimetre away from the official rules.
- Never turn down an opportunity to purchase a property.
- Never count on the bank “exclusively” to get properties.
- Never wait to construct houses on your properties.
- Never build hotels.
- Never assume that more expensive properties guarantee you a better return on investment.
- Never assume that having monopolies of cheaper properties can’t squash the competition.
Wrapping Up
Remember! This game is not just about the thrill of rolling the dice; it’s about understanding the game’s intricate dynamics and outmanoeuvring your opponents.
With practice and a keen eye for opportunity, you’ll be well on your way to claiming victory and establishing yourself as the undisputed champion of the Monopoly board.
We believe that going through this blog post, withholding the rules of the game, will help you to transform from an amateur Monopoly player to a pro!
Star it if you find it helpful.
