Welcome to the exciting world of Monopoly! If you're new to this classic board game, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the basic rules of Monopoly GO, a fast-paced version of the original game, perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike.
Monopoly GO is designed to be played in just 60 minutes, making it an ideal game for quick, fun sessions with family and friends. The rules are similar to the classic Monopoly, but with some unique twists that make it even more engaging. Let's dive right in!
Setting Up the Game
To start your Monopoly GO adventure, you'll need to set up the game board, money, and player tokens. The game board is a spiral track with spaces for players to move their tokens, buy properties, collect rent, and more. Each player chooses a token and receives a set amount of money.
One key difference in Monopoly GO is the 'GO' space. Instead of receiving $200 for passing 'GO', players now receive $1,000,000 - a million-dollar head start to kickstart your property-buying spree!
Moving Around the Board
In Monopoly GO, players take turns rolling two six-sided dice and moving their tokens clockwise around the board according to the sum of the dice roll. If a player rolls doubles, they get to roll again and move the total of the two rolls. However, if they roll doubles three times in one turn, they go directly to 'Jail'!
Landing on Properties
When a player lands on an unowned property, they have the option to buy it. If they choose to, they pay the bank the listed price, and the property is now theirs. If the player decides not to buy, the bank auctions the property to the highest bidder.
In Monopoly GO, properties are grouped into three color sets: Red, Green, and Blue. Owning all the properties in a set allows players to charge more rent, as they can now build houses (or 'hotels' in the classic Monopoly). The rent for each property increases with each house built, making it more lucrative for players to own entire sets.
Paying Rent and Collecting Income
When a player lands on a property owned by another player, they must pay rent. The amount of rent depends on the number of houses built on the property. If the property has no houses, the player pays the listed rent on the property card. If there are houses, the player pays the amount listed on the property card plus the additional rent for each house.
Players also receive income from their properties when other players land on them. It's a great feeling to see your opponents paying you for the privilege of moving their tokens! Remember, the more properties you own, the more income you'll collect.
Dealing with 'Chance' and 'Community Chest'
Monopoly GO includes two decks of cards: 'Chance' and 'Community Chest'. When a player lands on one of these spaces, they draw a card and follow the instructions. These cards can provide a windfall of cash, send you to 'Jail', or force you to pay a fine. They add an element of surprise and unpredictability to the game!
Chance Cards
Chance cards can have various effects on your game. Some may require you to pay a certain amount to the bank, while others might force you to swap places with another player. There are also 'Get Out of Jail Free' cards that can help you escape from 'Jail' if you're ever unfortunate enough to land there.
One unique Chance card in Monopoly GO is the 'Speed Die'. If you draw this card, you get to roll a special die that allows you to move your token forward or backward one space. It's a small advantage, but it can sometimes make all the difference in a close game!
Community Chest Cards
Community Chest cards are similar to Chance cards, but they often have more financial implications. You might be required to pay a certain amount to the bank, or you might receive a windfall from the bank. Some cards might even force you to pay rent to another player, regardless of whether they own the property you're on.
One interesting Community Chest card in Monopoly GO is the 'Income Tax' card. If you draw this card, you must pay 10% of your total cash to the bank. It's a significant amount, so it's essential to keep an eye on your cash flow throughout the game.
Winning the Game
The goal of Monopoly GO is to become the wealthiest player. The game ends when one player goes bankrupt, or when all other players have quit the game. The player with the most money at the end of the game is declared the winner and gets to celebrate their victory!
Monopoly GO is a fast-paced, exciting twist on the classic Monopoly game. With its unique rules and quick gameplay, it's an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned players looking for a fun, engaging board game experience. So, gather your friends and family, roll the dice, and let the games begin!