The Monopoly board game has been judged as the most played board game in the world with over 500 million people having played it. Indeed, we have all been exposed to Monopoly at one time or another during our childhood and teenage years, which often translates to playing the game as adults, too. Its mascot, Rich Uncle Pennybags, is as known to people around the world as Uncle Sam himself.
Altruistic Beginnings
Contrary to its modern-day perspective of acquiring wealth for the sake of it, the beginnings of Monopoly had an altruistic theme. Elizabeth Magie, a Quaker and political activist, published “The Landlord’s Game” to teach people how monopolies gave extraordinary wealth to just a few elite individuals but bankrupting so many in turn. This was the granddaddy of the modern version of the Monopoly board game.
Today, a subsidiary of Hasbro, Parker Brothers, manufactures the many versions of Monopoly, so much so that it virtually monopolizes the market as well. Add in the many versions of the game with popular characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, Buzz Lightyear and even Barbie and Monopoly has, indeed, conquered the world.
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Board Description
On the surface, the Monopoly board looks like any board with spaces on which the instructions are printed on. It is only when the game is played that the primary reason for the game – accumulate as much wealth as possible before the other players and the banker come to take it away – and the logic behind the complexity of the board becomes evident.
The board for the Monopoly board game itself contains 40 spaces consisting of (there are 4 corner squares not counted in this tally):
- 28 properties consisting of 22 colored streets, 4 railroads and 2 utilities
- 3 Chance
- 3 Community Chest
- Luxury Tax
- Income tax
- GO
- Jail
- Free Parking
- Go to Jail
Players are encouraged to wheel and deal with the other players so as to attain more wealth. Many bankers can narrate stories of how Monopoly became their inspiration for getting into a career while others may simply like the fun of earning play money and properties in an imaginary world.
Monopoly can be played by 2-8 players, which makes it fun for large groups. Included with each box are the game board itself, 10 tokens, play money, community chest cards, chance cards, title deed cards, 12 hotels, 32 houses, and 2 dice. Most can be purchased separately should the players lose one of the pieces.
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Board Variations
With the many variations on the classic Monopoly board game, the fun just continues. The rules of the game may change depending on the variation but the main aim of wealth accumulation stays the same. As such, every variant offers a mix of familiarity and excitement that most players enjoy in the game. Just to name a few of these variations:
- Mega Edition has a 50% larger board with new skyscrapers and depots
- Electronic Banking Edition includes new lessons in modern banking methods
- Family Championship that offers families the chance to compete against each other
Indeed, the Monopoly board game has evolved from its humble origins. Its presence in any game room is sure to attract kids and adults alike to play and play well.
