This hack is a gamechanger
Monopoly has been a family favourite since its inception in the 1930s, revered the world over for its ability to both elevate boredom and absolutely obliterate relationships.
While many a family has dusted off the board game when there’s nothing left to watch on the telly, many have quickly regretted it – when someone has stormed off or upended the board in a fit of rage.
The game seldom disappoints for the drama it creates. Just like in real life, some have all the luck of the dice and live a lovely life, accruing houses and hotels and fat stacks of cash with every move. For others, it’s never-ending bills, and sometimes even, jail.
And the winners… they often get worse as the game goes on, the good fortune turning them into greedy ghouls, hellbent on making their loved ones broke and homeless.
So, now that you’re excited to play, here’s a little hack that might just change the game in your favour.
One of the more frustrating Monopoly moments occurs when you eye up a property, only to see someone else land on it first.
But, as one Twitter user pointed out, there’s a lesser-known rule that comes into play on property.
They said: “Just found out I’ve played Monopoly wrong my whole life. If you don’t buy a property you land on it goes to auction for everyone for any bid amount. Had no idea.”
They even posted a screenshot of the rules where it clearly says: “Whenever a player lands on an unowned property he may buy that property from the Bank at its printed price […] If he does not wish to buy the property it is sold at auction by the Banker to the highest bidder.”
Just found out I’ve played monopoly wrong my whole life. If you don’t buy a property you land on it goes to auction for everyone for any bid amount. Had no idea.
— Dtrain22 (@dtrain22k) September 24, 2022
The user is indeed right.
According to the rulebook: “If the player lands on an unowned property, whether street, railroad, or utility, they can buy the property for its listed purchase price. If they decline this purchase, the property is auctioned off by the bank to the highest bidder, including the player who declined to buy.”
— Dtrain22 (@dtrain22k) September 24, 2022
You’re welcome!
Go forth and add another argument to this year’s game.
Many voiced their shock at the rule, with one person saying: “Just realised that this is [probably] why my games went on for so long.”
Another said: “Adds a whole new layer of ruthless,” to which the original tweeter answered: “It really changes the whole game lmao.”
A third commented: “No wonder the game always takes me so friggin [sic] long to finish. Every time a property is landed on it’s fair game? Makes way more sense actually.”
Monopoly was first patented on 31 December 1935, though the rules of the game were said to have been invented in Washington DC in 1903 by Elizabeth Magie, the Guardian reported.
The winner-take-all board game has been translated into 37 languages and evolved into over 200 licensed and localised editions for 103 countries across the world.
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