Review Monopoly

KA CHING!!!, December 3, 2005 By L. Shirley "Laurie's Boomer Views" (fountain valley, ca United States)

Searching for this site today, I noticed there are so many different editions of "Monopoly" out now. Deluxe, American, Junior, etc. It appears the reviews are mixed together. This review refers to the good ole original, regular editon, that I've had for several decades now, and it still continues to be a fun time, every time! For such a small price, it has given us years of fun. The Box top is flattened, the money has a few folds, the edges of the cards a little worn,the board has some greasy finger stains and the middle fold shows use, but considering I've had this set over 30 years now, and the use it has seen, I'd say it's in darn good shape. Amazingly, we even still have all the playing pieces(I always have to be the little dog, or I take my game and go home!) Just in case there is someone out there, who has never played this game, the object of Monopoly is to buy real estate, charge rent to anyone who lands on it, build it up with houses, or even better hotels. As you travel around the board, you go from the low-rent district, to the upper class and highly coveted properties. Buy these, improve on them and charge ridulously high rent, just like real life. The person with all the money and property in the end, as in life, is the winner. But also just like life, there are many ups and downs along the way. Life may through you curve when, you land on Community Chest. You have been assessed for property taxes(just after you spent all you money improving your real estate), and you have to begin to mortage your property to pay what's due. Other times, you may "inherit" money, or get a prize for winning a beauty contest. If you are really lucky, someone may land on "Boardwalk"(the most expensive property on the board), and owe you rent, after you've built a hotel on it. It's a game that the entire family can play together and have a blast trying to wipe each other out!. Little ones can team up with mom, dad or big brother, and as they get older, it will keep them busy for hours with friends. I remember often playing it in college, till all hours of the night, when we should have been studying. Then I played with my own kids. I USED to let them win.Then I got tired of losing, so I whooped em good, not letting anyone get away rent free! But as they got older, they beat me at my own game, and delighted in yelling "KA CHING!" as they cleaned me out. It's as educational as it is fun. Without even realizing it, kids will be using Math skills to make change, will need to read the cards they pick,and will learn to think about what they are doing with their money as well! Maybe, even see the value of keeping something aside for a rainy day, instead of spending it all at once. It's a nice taste of good competive fun, and good sportmanship is required!(well, try anyway) Sometimes you will find, different people have different traditions. A community kitty, in the middle of the board, or having to go all the way around the board before you can buy real estates are some variations, that some people use and some don't. Please try to get these very important details sorted out before the game begins!!!! A tradition that has lasted generations, and played by all generations.Put on the Holiday music and get out your game. It'll keep everyone busy for hours! WHAT??? You don't have this game? It's a must have, that'll keep em away from the TV or video games, for a while. Be careful though, you may get involved as well,and pretty soon you'll be yelling "KA CHING!" Have fun, share this this old friend with a new generation, and Happy Holidays! Laurie