Monopoly fans shocked to learn they've been playing game wrong and ignoring hidden rules
Monopoly fans have been left astounded after learning they've been playing it wrong this whole time.
The divisive board game is infamous for the arguments it causes, often leaving families on sour terms for hours at a time. Despite how many rows it can lead to, it remains one of the most popular games on the market and even boasts a number of spin-off versions, including The Simpsons, 'Dog-opoly', Fortnite and even a Bass Fishing-themed edition.
Regardless of how your board is decorated, however, the instructions stay largely the same. But many players are now learning they have not been following the rules.
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Age-old spats between loved ones have been put to bed by a TikTok board games fan who has revealed there are a few hidden rules to be aware of which should replace your house rules. And National Play Monopoly Day (November 19), is the perfect time to brush up on the official rules.
A user named Tanner took to the app and has since gone viral for his breakdown of official Monopoly rules, with some never realising the game was meant to be played this way. He said: "Over the Christmas period, it's likely you'll bust out the Monopoly board at least once. But you've probably been playing by house rules instead of the official ones."
A small list of the official instructions soon followed and people were left stunned by some of the game's longstanding rules which they had snubbed in favour of their own. Tanner revealed a major rule many may not be aware of about when you can start purchasing properties. He revealed: "You can start buying property straight away. You don't have to go around the board once beforehand."
Another rule finally revealed the point of Free Parking. Tanner explained that many people think "all the taxes go in the middle, and the person who lands on Free Parking gets it all," but that's not the case. "Free Parking is just a normal square that doesn't do anything," he added.
According to another official rule, when someone doesn't want to buy a property, it goes to an auction where players can bid to buy it. He explained: "According to the official rules, when a property is landed on, and nobody wants to buy it, that property goes to auction."
A fourth official rule has confirmed you can make money while in prison. He explained: "You can earn money while in jail: In the official rules, you simply can't go around the board or buy anything."
Some players may assume there is an incentive for landing on "Go" such as more money, but this is not featured in the official rules, Tanner revealed. Another contentious rule comes over what a player must do when bankrupt. It is not the bank who receive their property and leftover cash but the player they owe money to.
