Introduction
This paper is going to describe one of the most popular games in the world – “Monopoly”. The game was founded in United Stated, created by Parker Brothers. It gained its popularity in 20th century, and became one of the most played games in the world. The major idea behind this game is to build a monopoly (to become the only owner of the businesses) and become the most successful and powerful businessman in the game. Moreover, the main task of the player is to lead other players to the bankruptcy. However, the most fascinating merit of this game is that all the players begin with the same amount of play-money (budget), and each player has to choose the proper and the most appropriate approach in order to win.
This is not only entertaining game, it teaches the players how to deal with business, how to invest money and get the profit out of it. Moreover, it contains the real-life business issues and problem solving. The players are able to buy or sell the property, put it up for auction, to pay rent for using other player’s facilities, to wait for the opportune moment in order to buy or sell the property, as well as, players are able to build the edifices and charge the payments from other players. The game forces people to think widely and for the future, not only for the existing moment. “Monopoly” is all about economics and strategic planning.
The player does not have to be skilled in the economic or business area, however, he or she has to choose the tactics in order to win. “Monopoly” game is a great opportunity for those who have vehemence towards business and various deals, which can be made by businessmen. This game is also a great opportunity to try various ways of business dealing. It teaches the players to think and act according to the situation.
This game does not bore because there is always action going on, the players do not have any time to relax because each choice can lead to the bankruptcy or to the progression to the major goal – setting monopoly in the game and becoming the only owner of all businesses.
Materials Needed to Play the Game
Classic “Monopoly” is a board game, which includes 2 dices, tokens, houses (32 pieces) and hotels (12 pieces), 16 chance cards and 16 community chest cards, and, of course, money pack.
However, nowadays it is possible to play “Monopoly” game not only in its classic way. It is possible to download a game to your devices such cell phones, tablets, laptops, PCs or even on the game console. The rules and appearance of the game are pretty much the same; here comes only the choice of the customer.
In order to play “Monopoly” you do not need a big company – it is possible to play “Monopoly” with only two players. However, the assumed maximum of players is eight players.
Rules of the Game
In order o start playing “Monopoly” the players have to take into consideration several rules, which will regulate the gaming process.
The first rule is to choose the token, which corresponds to each player, and to choose the banker, who is going to be in charge of money. This player can also join the game, as an ordinary player. If the banker chooses to be an ordinary player, he or she has to keep his money separate from the bank.
The second rule is about dealing the money. Each player has to receive 1500$ at the very beginning of the game. This is going to be the starting budget for each player. The dealer has to divide money in the following way: two 500$ notes, four 100$ notes, one 50$ note, one 20$ note, two 10$ notes, one 5$ note and five 1$ notes.
The third rule is about who starts the game and what happens if one rolls doubles. The opportunity to start the game gets a player, who rolls the highest number, and than the row goes clockwise. If a player rolls doubles in during his turn, he is able to through dices one more time.The fourth rule is about buying the property in the game. If the token lands on one of the spots, the player is able to buy this property for the charged amount (it is printed on the board), and the banker has to give a card to the player, which testifies the ownership of a certain player. However, if the player does not want to buy the property, it goes to the auction. The highest bidder gets the property.
The fifth, if a player stop at the other player’s property, he or she has to pay the rent, and it works the opposite way, as well. The players is able to build houses and hotels on his property, however, he or she has to collect the property with the same color (marked on the board). The rent charges increase in this way.
Sixth, when crossing “GO” space, players get 200$ salary.
Seventh rule is about jail. The player has to visit jail “spot” if he rolls doubles more than three times per his turn, and if a player gets a chance or community card “go directly to jail”. Moreover, this player does not get 200$ salary, when crossing “GO” spot. In order to get out of the jail, a player has to pay 50$, use the card “get out of jail free” or to roll doubles.
Eighth, players are able to trade their property at any time, if both came to the agreement to
Deal so.
Ninth, it is possible to mortgage the property, and to get the compensation for it. Moreover, it is possible to redeem it back.
Tenth, if a player does not have enough money, and all his property is mortgaged, he or she has to admit their bankruptcy, and leave the game.
Game Objectives
The game assets belong to different branches and appear as “streets”. Each industry includes from two to four companies, or assets. On the playing field the same industry enterprises are located nearby and are designated by color. They also have similar economic characteristics (price, income). The player, who owns all of the assets of the same type, becomes a monopolist. Once the player becomes a monopolist, he earns increased income from all of the companies. Basically, the main strategy of the game is to purchase as many cards of the same type to monopolize the industry. Various industries bring different economic effect to its owner, so the player should think carefully which cards to purchase during different stages of the game. Generally, the players tend to start the game by acquiring the most inexpensive assets, and while progressing in the game acquire more expensive buildings and companies. Assets, which are a part of a Monopoly, can be further “improved” by investing the money in them. “Improved” monopolies bring more money to the owner when the rival “visits” their assets.
The game includes many opportunities to make crucial decisions, so the ability to make quick decision is valued in the game. Experienced players believe, that a winning strategy is a skillful combination of existing capabilities with an eye on the budged and what other players own.
As players say, first of all Monopoly is a game of luck. There are some ways to apply a strategy on the game’s outcome, but generally a successful player is the one who combines skill, luck and personal skills. The most interesting thing about the game is that in some cases a newcomer can beat a champion and the game is still entertaining for everyone.
Psychological, Sociological and Physiological Effects of the Game
Even though the core of the board game is the process of buying and selling properties, the game is played among people of all ages. The economic factor of the gameplay is visible in the very beginning of each game; however, during the game the players tend to use their personal skills, logic and strategy rather than economic factors. For instance, throughout the history of Monopoly, there have been various editions of the game.
First of all, there is Monopoly Junior, which is very popular among the children. The distinct feature about this edition of the game is that it lacks some of the sectors that are present in the game for adults and older children. Instead of companies and enterprises kids have a chance to own pony rides, puppet shows, waterslides and video arcades. Not only that, the Monopoly Junior also includes different editions of the game. Each edition brings new characters, buildings and possibilities.
The reason why there is a kids’ edition to the game is that sometimes the set of rules and strategies is too complex for children to fully comprehend. Moreover, in the “adult” version there is an aspect of psychological pressure. For instance, when adults play the game and one player becomes a monopolist, the other players have little to no chances to get back in the game unless they own at least one monopoly. Due to these peculiarities, the losing player slowly loses all his property and money. The kids’ edition does not include overly expensive buildings and companies; thus, the kids won’t get frustrated when playing the game.
In addition, there are multiple editions in the Monopoly for adults as well. There are games that portray the modern business world, the ones that are based on films, books or other popular stories.
Another feature that makes Monopoly a game for everyone is that there are countless numbers of adaptations for different parts of the world. For example, in Russia there is a Monopoly adaptation called “The manager”, where the properties are named after famous Russian companies. In Finland and Sweden there are editions that include the local TV channels, newspapers and even sights. The same applies to many other countries.
The most distinct social aspect about Monopoly is that no matter how much logic it requires, it is still a game that is played in a company of people. It can be played in families, during parties among friends, be an icebreaker for co-workers, etc. The fact that Monopoly is a very well known game also makes is a fun game to play with newly met people – everyone knows the rules.
Discussion and Comparison
The fact that Monopoly has been around for so long guarantees the game’s quality that has proven itself over time. Nowadays there are countless numbers of editions of the game, including online and digital versions. No matter how much time has passed since its initial release, it is still a popular game to play at parties, among family or even online.
It is hard to compare Monopoly to other board games because the concept of buying and selling property is unique to the game. In can be compared to some other games only in its design: playing pieces and dice.
References
Darling, T. (2007, November). How to Win at Monopoly® – a Surefire Strategy. Retrieved from Amnesta: http://www.amnesta.net/other/monopoly/
Hasbro. (n.d.). Monopoly Game Description. Retrieved from Hasbro: http://www.hasbro.com/monopoly/en_us/shop/details.cfm?R=8EE05CCF-6D40-1014-8BF0-9EFBF894F9D4%3Aen_US
Hasbro. (n.d.). Monopoly Game Instructions. Retrieved from Hasbro: http://www.hasbro.com/common/instruct/monins.pdf
Monopoly History. (n.d.). List of Monopoly Games (Board). Retrieved from Monopoly Games: http://monopoly.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_Monopoly_Games_%28Board%29
Newman, M. (n.d.). THE STORY BEHIND MONOPOLY PIECES. Retrieved from Cool Material: http://coolmaterial.com/feature/the-story-behind-monopoly-pieces/
The Board Game Family. (2012, September 9). Monopoly Millionaire Board Game Review. Retrieved from The Board Game Family: http://www.theboardgamefamily.com/2012/09/monopoly-millionaire-board-game-review/
Wanat, A. (2013). Economic Board Games: Monopoly and Real-Life Economics. Retrieved from Inomics Blog: http://blog.inomics.com/en/economic-board-games-monopoly-and-real-life-economics/
Wilding, R. (n.d.). Official Monopoly® Game Rules. Retrieved from http://richard_wilding.tripod.com/monorules.htm
