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Monopoly is the classic board game. Printed in 37 languages and licensed in over 100 countries, millions of people around the world gather to play this American classic.

The original Monopoly board game was created by Charles B. Darrow in 1934 and was produced by Parker Brothers the following year. In 1935, Monopoly was already the best-selling game in America. The original layout is based on the streets of Atlantic City in New Jersey, but today you can find Monopoly games created for many cities.

The game play is simple. The board is made up of properties and some special spaces. When your token lands on an unowned property, you have the option of buying it. But buying properties is only the beginning. Once you own all the properties in a color block, you can begin to build houses and hotels, which means larger rents and a fatter wallet. But if you aren't careful and become cash-poor, you'll find yourself tearing down those buildings and mortgaging properties just to stay afloat. Remember, the object of the game isn't just to have the most money. The object is to bankrupt the other players.

Monopoly is a great game for rainy days or a marathon game night. But when you don't have the time to play a full game, rules for a short game are included. The short rules include passing out properties to buy before play begins and letting players buy a hotel with only three houses. In a short game, the game is over either when the second player is bankrupt or at the end of a predetermined time limit.

Monopoly editions exist in many themes. There are versions based on movies, TV shows, cartoon characters, and anniversary editions. There is Monopoly Jr for very young players and a recent Electronic Banking version that uses bank cards and a card swiping machine to track each players account.

Some Monopoly editions have special rules or design layouts. For example, Spongebob Squarepants Monopoly includes a metal coin with Plankton embossed on it and special "Plankton Rules". The Plankton coin is placed on the first property and advances around the board any time a player rolls a 1. When Plankton reaches the final property (the Krusty Krab), the game is over. This makes for a fun and exciting short game.

While Monopoly is a great game on its own, players often play by their own "House Rules". The most common House Rule probably involves Free Parking. The classic Monopoly rules state the Free Parking space is only a place to rest with no penalties or rewards. However, players often make it a rule to win money whenever someone lands on Free Parking, either a fixed amount or from a pot paid into with fees from the game play.

However you play it, Monopoly is a great classic board game for players of all ages. For strategy tips, history, fun facts, and more, you can visit the official Monopoly website at www.hasbro.com/monopoly. You can even print your own Monopoly money!

Learn more about this author, Susan Quilty.
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