by Sheree Zielke

Created on: March 30, 2007   Last Updated: August 26, 2011

You want to win at Monopoly? Well, you are in good company, because the original designer of this popular board game wanted to win, too.

Charles Darrow may not have invented the first versions of the board game, Monopoly, but he certainly must be credited for his perseverance in getting the game to market. From creating the iconic elements of the game to pounding the sidewalk in search of a buyer, Darrow never gave up.

Back in 1933, the ex-heater salesman built the modern-day version of Monopoly based upon two older games: "The Fascinating Game of Finance" and "The Landlord's Game." With the help of family members, Darrow instigated the design of, the names, and the colors of the game's elements, like the red GO space arrow which has become so familiar to Monopoly lovers.

It wasn't until 1935 that Parker Brothers decided to purchase the rights to Monopoly (the company had originally rejected Darrow's game).

Recently, a 70-year old Monopoly game, designed on oilcloth, and including its hand-typed money, sold at Noel Barrett auction for $47,500 - in spite of being valued at only an estimated $10,000 - $20,000.

How fitting for a game that has taught many generations of players how to spend money. And that's exactly what winning at this popular board game is all about - you must spend money to win at Monopoly. Cling to your cash, and you are sure to be one of the first players to lose.

STRATEGIES FOR WINNING:

We played endless games of Monopoly on the farm where I grew up. I noticed certain systems that always seemed to result in a win. But regardless of the system there was one thing that had to be achieved: a monopoly. If you didn't spend money right at the start, and try to own all the properties within a color group, as fast as possible, you simply couldn't win.

RAILWAYS:

My Father had a thing for railways. He would do everything necessary to get all 4 railways and then collect $200 at least once or twice in every round from the other players. His secondary interests were the Electric Company and Water Works. He won most games he played.

PARK PLACE AND BOARDWALK:

My cousin was sometimes successful with the turquoise blue Park Place and Boardwalk properties. He was assured a win if he could also own all three of the green properties (North Carolina, Pennsylvania Avenue, Pacific Avenue) leading up to Park Place. But it's expensive to put houses and hotels on this side of the board, so he had to put his system into effect early in the game. Or he would lose.

RED

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