How to Win at Monopoly

Any time the board game Monopoly arises in a discussion somebody is sure to make a joke about how the game goes on forever and ever and by the end of the game everybody hates everybody else. Have you ever stopped to think that maybe the game goes on and on because you're not that good at it? Here is a simple strategy on how to win at Monopoly.

Get the Properties First
This sounds like an easy strategy. From the early outset any player that wants to win should get as many properties as possible. Obviously you don't want to go bankrupt, but don't worry too much about money early on. If you're spending money because you are buying up properties then you can always sell them back to the bank if you really have to.

Focus on the First Half of the Board
The second half of the board contains a lot of valuable property. I love owning all of the green and yellow properties, but a better strategy to winning is loading up on the properties on the first half of the board. Obviously these properties are cheaper and can be bought for a cheaper price. If you are successful in loading up on these properties then you'll be out ahead in the game and can buy the more expensive properties later.

Buy Houses
Another reason to buy properties on the first half of the board first is the best chance of winning is to be the first person to put houses on the board. Houses cost less on smaller properties so start by building houses there. Once a player has an entire set of properties immediately put three houses on each property that is affordable.

Second Half of the Board
If a player quickly collects the properties on the first side of the board and immediately puts houses on them then the other players will be spending a lot of money on paying rent. This will make it difficult for them to buy the more expensive properties and they will have to pass allowing you to pick off those properties later. If some of those properties are already acquired then you can persuade the owner in financial trouble to sell the properties.

Singular Properties are Useless
If your opponent has one of the red properties and you land another red property then there is no point on buying it to use for your own good. If the opponent has two red properties and you want to purchase the third simply to block him then that is the one exception. This is only advised if you have a large amount of money though. Even if the opponent gets in a jam and has to sell property they will sell the colored properties that they only have one of before the colors they have two properties. Two properties of the same color they will likely always hold onto and you have to decide if it is worth the money to buy a property that you won't use in any way.

Jail
Early in a game of Monopoly it is important to pay the $50 to get out of jail so you can continue to accumulate property. Once an opponent has a monopoly it might be better to stay in jail A player can only leave if they roll doubles and that will decrease the number of properties you can land on and three out of the six possibilities (Electric Company, Free Parking and Chance) are not properties that houses and hotels can be build on. Another tip is if you need Virginia Avenue, St. James Place or Tennessee Avenue then stay in jail. You can't leave jail until you roll doubles so there is a good chance to land on one of those properties right out of jail.