Monopoly Editions

Monopoly fun facts

Quick hits on where the game came from, why the board looks like Atlantic City, and which rules everyone plays that were never in the box.

Six things worth knowing

  • It started as a lesson, not just a game

    Monopoly traces back to The Landlord's Game, created by Lizzie Magie to demonstrate how land monopolies and rent concentrate wealth.

  • Monopoly took off during the Great Depression

    The game gained real commercial traction when Charles Darrow sold a version to Parker Brothers in 1935.

  • The classic board is tied to Atlantic City

    Many property names reflect real places in and around Atlantic City, New Jersey, which is where the board's famously specific feel comes from.

  • One of the most famous properties is misspelled

    Marvin Gardens is based on Marven Gardens, near Atlantic City. The misspelling became part of Monopoly lore.

  • Free Parking is just free parking

    In the official rules, landing on Free Parking pays nothing. Any jackpot sitting in the middle of the board is a house rule.

  • There is a limited supply of buildings

    The official game includes 32 houses and 12 hotels. Building shortages are real, and they change the strategy mid game.

Myth versus the official rules

  • Myth: Free Parking pays out a money pot.

    Official: Officially, Free Parking is a resting spot. No money, no property, no reward.

  • Myth: You can build however you want on a color set.

    Official: You must build evenly across a color group. No stacking several houses on one property while the others in the set have fewer.

  • Myth: Jail means you are out of the action.

    Official: Even in Jail you can buy, sell, build and collect rent.

  • Myth: There is no reason to read the rulebook.

    Official: The official rules include auctions, mortgages, building limits and shortages, and those details change who wins.

Common questions

Did Monopoly start as a teaching tool?

Yes. Monopoly traces back to The Landlord's Game, created by Lizzie Magie to demonstrate how land monopolies and rent concentrate wealth.

Is Free Parking a jackpot in the official rules?

No. Officially, Free Parking is a resting spot with no money, property or reward. Any jackpot is a house rule.

Why is Marvin Gardens misspelled?

Marvin Gardens is based on Marven Gardens near Atlantic City. The misspelling stuck and became part of Monopoly lore.

Can you build unevenly on a color set?

No. You must build evenly across a color group, so you cannot stack several houses on one property while others in the set have fewer.

How many houses and hotels are in the official game?

The official game includes 32 houses and 12 hotels, and shortages can happen, which changes the strategy mid game.

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