House Rules
A Fast-Paced, Competitive Edge on the
Original Version
Table of Contents
iii
Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... v
Chapter 1: Getting Started .............................................................................................................. 1
Objective ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Player Profiles ............................................................................................................................. 1
Situation setting .......................................................................................................................... 1
Play Time* .................................................................................................................................. 1
Game Materials ........................................................................................................................... 1
Chapter 2: Setting Up...................................................................................................................... 3
Pick a Spot .................................................................................................................................. 3
Specialty Cards ........................................................................................................................... 3
Choose a Character ..................................................................................................................... 3
Character Variation ..................................................................................................................... 3
Designate a Banker ..................................................................................................................... 5
Designate a Property Salesperson ............................................................................................... 5
Handing Out Money ................................................................................................................... 5
Handing Out Property ................................................................................................................. 6
Even Shorter Game ..................................................................................................................... 6
Time Limit .............................................................................................................................. 6
First to go Bankrupt ................................................................................................................ 6
Three House Rule ................................................................................................................... 6
Income Tax Penalty ................................................................................................................ 6
Chapter 3: Playing the Game .......................................................................................................... 7
Objective ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Beginning to Play........................................................................................................................ 7
Rolling a One .............................................................................................................................. 7
Getting Out of Jail ....................................................................................................................... 7
Jail Inmates ................................................................................................................................. 7
Just Visiting ................................................................................................................................ 8
Battling for Properties ................................................................................................................. 8
No Auctions ................................................................................................................................ 8
Jackpots ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Railroad Rule .............................................................................................................................. 8
Chance and Community Chest Cards ......................................................................................... 9
Introduction
v
Introduction
Since 1935, more than one billion people have played MONOPOLY. This board game entertains
families and friends across a wide range of countries. Translated into 43 languages, the game has
become very popular in many different cultures since its release in 1935. The game provides
hours of entertainment, but sometimes its players do not have hours of time to play. This manual
lists tips and step-by-step instructions to make the traditional game of MONOPOLY a fastpaced, competitive game for all to enjoy.
This version provides advantages and disadvantages for each character token, jackpots, and
many more variations on the original rules. All of these rules are merely suggestions, you do not
have to use all of them. However, there are some rules that must be used together, such as using
one die instead of two and the “Rolling a One” rule. Since these are variations are based on the
original rules, players need a basic understanding of the original game play.
Three friends getting ready to enjoy a quick game of House Rules Monopoly.
Getting Started
1
Chapter 1: Getting Started
Objective
The objective of the game is to become the wealthiest player through buying, renting and selling
property.
Player Profiles
This version of MONOPOLY requires focus, competitive attitudes, and a basic understanding of
the game. The recommended age for players is 12 and above. Up to 2-8 players in each game.
An underlying knowledge of the classic rules can be helpful in understanding this version of
rules and instructions. Though if you've never played the classic MONOPOLY, refer to the
Rules found in the instruction manual provided by the game.
Situation setting
Considering this is a faster-paced version of the game than the classic MONOPOLY, it can be a
favorable game option for a variety of situational occasions such as at a small friendly gathering,
an after-school and work pastime, and parties. There is an optional rule that gives a guest of
honor an advantage in the game, so this game fits well into any party thrown for a specific
person or couple.
Play Time*
If playing by the rules outlined in this manual, players should expect to play the game anywhere
between 45 minutes to an hour. There are some suggestions in the “Even Shorter Game” section
on page six that will allow players to create their own time schedule.
Game Materials
This version is based on a pre-existing game and the required materials consist of a board, a sixsided die, player tokens, 32 houses and 12 hotels. There are Chance and Community Chest cards,
a Title Deed card for each property, play money and a Banker's Tray. Additionally, you will need
paper and a writing utensil in order to record the game play. A calculator may be desired to help
the Banker with his/her duties.
NOTE: This manual is written for
use on the classic version of the
board game; however, there are many
other versions of the game. Do not
panic if you don’t own the original
version; the rules and instructions
outlined in this manual will work
with most versions.
2
.
House Rules
Setting Up
3
Chapter 2: Setting Up
The game preparation can be a time consuming part of the game, but is necessary for a
successful game experience. In this section, you will find step by step procedures that will speed
up your set-up time.
Pick a Spot
The place you decide to set the game down is critical. If you are in a large crowd of people at a
party, and only a few members are playing the game, you may wish to select a corner of a room
as to prevent the game from possible disruptions. If your game will be played in a less eccentric
setting, then the middle of the floor or table is a good place to set down the board. Try to play in
a well-lit area so that it is easy to see every piece of the game.
Specialty Cards
Shuffle the decks of the Chance and Community Chest cards separately and place them face
down on their allotted spaces on the board.
Choose a Character
In the classical game, each player has the option to choose a token to represent him/her while
travelling around the board from the following character tokens:
Top Left to Bottom Right: iron, wheelbarrow, Scottie Dog, d, racecar, top hat, shoe, battleship, and thimble.
EXTRA INFORMATION: Each player token has its own special meaning. You can read the
stories behind the tokens at http://coolmaterial.com/feature/the-story-behind-monopoly-pieces/.
Character Variation
However, in this game version, each token possesses a different benefit and drawback. The
following tables outline the advantages and disadvantages of each token.
Top Hat
Battleship
• Advantage:
Bonus $750
handout at start
of game
• Disadvantage:
Unable to claim
the free Title
Deed cards
handout at start
of game
Wheelbarrow
• Advantage: Extra
$100 when
passing GO
• Disadvantage:
Property
Purchase prices
increase by 30%
• Advantage:
Additional Title
Deed Card
Handout at
beginning of
game
• Disadvantage:
Increase Bail by
$50
Racecar
• Advantage:
Reduce Taxes
by 30%
• Disadvantage:
Rent collection
is reduced by
20%
• Advantage:
Reduce
Property
Purchase Prices
by 30%
• Disadvantage:
Collect only
$100 when
passing GO
Thimble
• Advantage:
Reduce paying
Rent by 25%
• Disadvantage:
Increase Taxes by
30%
• Advantage:
Free Railroad
Tickets
• Disadvantage:
When player
rolls a one they
must pay a $5
fee to the bank
Cannon
Scottie Dog
• Advantage:
Avoid Bail
• Disadvantage:
Unable to claim
the Jackpots
Shoe
House Rules
Iron
4
• Advantage:
Player gets to
go first and
avoid direction
change
• Disadvantage:
Increase paying
Rent by 10%
Setting Up
5
Designate a Banker
Select a person to be the Banker that manages the money in the Bank. This person should be a
responsible, honest, and alert individual. A Banker who plays in the game must keep his/her
personal funds separate from those of the Bank. The duties of a Banker include:








Handing out the appropriate amount of money at the beginning of the game
Giving players money earned by drawing Chance and Community Chest cards, passing
GO, and other miscellaneous actions
Selling houses and hotels to property owners
Managing taxes and fines
Loaning money for mortgage
Collecting mortgage payments
Adding money to various Jackpots
In the event that the Bank runs out of money, the Banker may keep track of how much
money they give a player by writing the amount on any ordinary paper
Designate a Property Salesperson
Select a player to be the Property Salesperson that manages the Title Deed cards. A Property
Salesperson who plays in the game must keep his/her personal properties separate from those of
the unclaimed Title Deed Cards. The duties of a Property Salesperson include:




Shuffling and dealing the free Title Cards at the beginning of the game
Keeping track of owned and available Title Deed cards
Distributing the correct Title Deed card to players after their purchases
Cooperating with the Banker and can assist the Banker with his/her respective duties
Handing Out Money
In the classic game, players start with $1,500. In this variation of the game, the amount that
players start with double, so they begin with $3,000. The player that selects the Thimble
character token will receive an additional $750. With the exception of the Thimble player, each
player should begin the game with the following play money:

(4) $500

(7) $10

(5) $100

(6) $5

(5) $50

(10) $1

(7) $20
6
House Rules
Handing Out Property
During setup, the Property Salesperson shuffles the Title Deed cards, and deals two properties to
each player before the game begins. These are free --- no payment to the Bank is required. Prior
to the start of the game, trades can be initiated if the players agree to them. These trades should
involve materialistic objects such as Property Title Deeds and money (it is advised not to make
trades involving promises made by other players).
The player that selects the Thimble character token must forfeit their right to the complimentary
Title Deed cards, while the player that selects the Cannon character token will receive an
additional free Title Deed card.
Even Shorter Game
Time Limit
Before starting, agree upon a definite hour of termination, when the richest player will be
declared the winner. Players value their property:





Cash on hand
Property that they own that is not mortgaged, at the price printed on the board
Lots, utilities, and railroads owned, at the price printed on the board
Any mortgaged property owned, at one-half the price printed on the board
Houses and hotels, valued at purchase price
First to go Bankrupt
The game ends when one player goes bankrupt. The remaining players value their property:





Cash on hand
Property that they own that is not mortgaged, at the price printed on the board
Lots, utilities, and railroads owned, at the price printed on the board
Any mortgaged property owned, at one-half the price printed on the board
Houses and hotels, valued at purchase price
Three House Rule
You need only three houses (instead of the standard four) on each lot of a complete color-group
before you may buy a hotel. The turn-in value is still one-half the purchase price. You can also
play with the rule that you don't need to own all the properties of the same color group in order
to start buying houses or hotels (you can start building houses and hotels on your properties as
soon as you buy them).
Income Tax Penalty
The original game states that you may pay $200 or 10% of how much you own when you land
on the "Income Tax" space, but for a faster game you can have that the penalty for landing on the
"Income Tax" space a flat rate of $300, regardless of your total worth.
Playing the Game
7
Chapter 3: Playing the Game
Objective
In order to win the game, a player must have the most money out of the remaining players after
one player goes bankrupt.
Beginning to Play
IMPORTANT: This version of the game is played with only one die instead of a pair of dice
used in the original game.
The player that selects the Racecar character token is given the privilege of starting the game by
being the first to roll the die and moving to the correct number of spaces shown on the die. The
player will perform appropriately for whichever space they land on, able to initiate trades,
manage their properties and then pass the die to the player on their right to end their turn.
If the Racecar character token is unselected then the Banker will be the one to start the game by
doing the same actions as previously stated.
Rolling a One
If a player rolls a one, it is the equivalent to rolling doubles in the classical version—they get to
take another turn. However, if a one is rolled (3) times in a row, the player must go directly to
jail.
The player that selects the Top Hat character token must pay a $5 fee to the Bank every time
he/she rolls a one.
Getting Out of Jail
Directly after being put in jail, a player can pay $500 to bail themselves out, or they may wait
until their next turn to try to roll a one. The amount for bail decreases each turn that the player
chooses to stay in jail as follows:



After first roll-- $400
After second roll-- $250
After third roll-- $100
The player that selects the Scottie Dog character token is exempt from paying bail and the player
that selects the Cannon character token must pay an additional $50 for bail.
Jail Inmates
Players in jail are not permitted to collect rent when players land on their properties.
8
House Rules
Just Visiting
If a player lands on the jail space, and are not actually in jail, they are “Just Visiting.” Then the
player must reverse the direction they were moving around the board until they land on the "Just
Visiting" space again or draw the Chance card that tells them to "go back 3 spaces" where they
must follow the given action, then change their direction.
The player that selects the Racecar character token is immune from having to change game
direction.
Battling for Properties
If a player lands on a space that is currently owned by another player that bought said property
on their last turn, the active player may pay double the original price of the property to the
current owner without paying rent. The player originally holding the property may not dispute
the purchase. If the active player chooses not to pay double the original price for the property,
then they must pay the normal rent for that property.
No Auctions
If a player lands on a property and chooses not to purchase it, there will not be an auction to sell
the property. Instead, the Title Deed is placed underneath the property square on the board, and
the next player to land on it can buy it for half the price.
Jackpots
There are two spaces on the board that a player can land on that a Jackpot bonus will be awarded.
One is the “Rent” Jackpot, and the other is the taxes and fees Jackpot. When a player lands on
their own property, they must pay $5 to the “Rent” Jackpot. Also, the property tax collected from
Chance or Community Chest cards goes into this pile. The money from this collection is won by
the first player to land on the free parking space. The other Jackpot collects all the taxes from
luxury and income, as well as jail fees. This money is won by landing directly on GO.
Immediately after a Jackpot is won, the Bank donates $50, so players are always guaranteed to
win at least $50 for landing on a Jackpot space.
The player that selects the Scottie Dog character token is ineligible to claim the Jackpots.
Railroad Rule
If a player lands on one of the four railroad spaces, they pay whoever owns it (if any) the
specified rent. Then the player who landed on the railroad may pay $25 for a “Train Ticket” to
the person who owns the property plus an additional $5 to the Bank to travel to another railroad
property on the board. If the desired railroad is owned by another player, they do not have to pay
rent to them for traveling there. However, if the railroad is not owned, the player that travels to it
is not allowed to purchase it by buying the train ticket to travel there. Players may only use the
railroad ticket option once per turn.
Playing the Game
9
The player that selects the Top Hat character token has a “Train Pass” that excuses them from
having to purchase “Train Tickets” and paying the Bank fee.
Chance and Community Chest Cards
When a player lands on a Chance or Community Chest space, they must draw three cards instead
of one. They may then pick two out of the three drawn to use, and places the unused card in the
respective discard pile. The piles should be reshuffled if there are no more cards in the draw pile
if the player only drew one or two cards (in which they would draw up to three cards after the
deck is shuffled) or after the player is finished with their turn that they drew those cards.