10 Unwritten Rules of Monopoly That Every Family Follows
For years, family game nights have revolved on Monopoly. While the official rulebook is available to help you, seasoned players understand that the real enjoyment comes from the unwritten rules that every family appears to follow. These rules may not be in the box, but they have become crucial to how we all enjoy the game. Here are the ten unwritten Monopoly rules that practically every family follows:
1. Free Parking Jackpot
One of the most common house rules is turning the Free Parking space into a cash bonanza. Any fines or taxes paid go into a pot, and the lucky player who lands on Free Parking collects it all. This rule isn’t in the official rulebook, but it adds an exciting twist that can change the game in an instant.
2. No Immediate Builds
Some families impose a rule where players cannot build houses or hotels immediately after buying all the properties in a color group. This unwritten rule gives other players a chance to gather their resources and keeps the game more balanced.
3. Must Auction Unwanted Properties
According to the official rules, if a player decides not to buy a property they land on, it must be auctioned off to the highest bidder. However, many families skip this rule entirely, allowing the property to remain unowned until someone lands on it again. But in those who follow it, the rule often comes with a silent understanding that lowballing at auctions is perfectly acceptable.
4. The "Friendly Loan"
Families often allow players to lend each other money, especially when a player is close to bankruptcy. These unofficial loans often come with no interest and are a way to keep the game going and everyone involved.
5. No Dealing Out of Jail
In some households, trading is not allowed while a player is in jail. This unwritten rule can prevent unfair advantages and adds a layer of strategy to when and how players make their deals.
6. Rolling Doubles Three Times Sends You to Jail
While the official rules send you to jail for rolling doubles three times in a row, many families add their twist. Some only send you to jail on the third double if it's on your turn; others enforce it strictly. This house rule adds drama and suspense to each roll.
7. Start with a Different Amount of Money
Some families start with a different amount of money than the standard $1,500. Whether it’s more to speed up the game or less to make it more challenging, this unwritten rule sets the tone for the rest of the game.
8. No Breaking the Bank
When the bank runs out of money, some families create their own—handwritten IOUs or the like—while others declare the game over. This unwritten rule often depends on the family’s patience and willingness to continue.
9. Negotiations Are Encouraged
In many families, everything is negotiable. Want to trade properties for a “get out of jail free” card or agree not to charge rent on a certain space? Go ahead! This unwritten rule makes Monopoly as much about diplomacy as it is about luck and strategy.
10. Winner Takes All (Bragging Rights)
Finally, the ultimate unwritten rule: the winner has bragging rights until the next game night. Some families even make it a practice to crown the winner with a homemade "Monopoly Champion" title, which keeps the competition fierce.
These unwritten rules are what make Monopoly unique in every household. They add a personal touch to the game, making it more than just a roll of the dice. So next time you sit down for a game, think about the house rules that have become part of your Monopoly tradition—because that’s where the real fun begins!
