Monopoly rules and score tracker
The quick version of Monopoly's rules, the official short-game ending for when nobody wants to play for four hours, and a way to track wins across a series.
How to play Monopoly
- Setup. Each player gets 1,500 in the classic edition. One player is the Banker.
- Roll and move. Roll both dice and move. Doubles let you roll again, but three doubles in a row send you to Jail.
- Buy or auction. Land on an unowned property and you can buy it. If you don't, it goes to auction.
- Pay rent. Land on someone else's property and you pay rent. Rent doubles on unimproved sites when the owner holds the whole colour set.
- Build. Once you own a full colour set, build houses evenly across it, then hotels.
- Go. Collect 200 each time you pass Go.
- Bankruptcy. If you can't pay, you're out. The last player left wins.
The short game
Agree a time limit, say 90 minutes. When time is up, everyone adds up their net worth:
| Count | Value |
|---|---|
| Cash | Face value |
| Each property | Printed price (half if mortgaged) |
| Houses and hotels | Their purchase price |
Enter each player's net worth in the scorecard. The highest total wins.
Popular house rules like collecting money on Free Parking aren't in the official rules. They put more cash into the game and make it last longer.
Common questions
How much money do you start with in Monopoly?
1,500 in the classic edition. Some regional editions use different amounts.
Do you get money for landing on Free Parking?
Not in the official rules. Free Parking is just a rest square; collecting taxes there is a house rule.
How do you finish Monopoly faster?
Set a time limit, then compare net worth: cash, property values and buildings. The highest total wins.
How do you get out of jail in Monopoly?
Roll doubles, use a Get Out of Jail Free card, or pay 50 before rolling. After three failed turns you must pay.