How to Play Monopoly

Step 1: Set up the board Place the Monopoly board on a table, with the game cards face-down in their allotted spaces.
Step 2: Choose a banker Select one player to be the banker. The banker will handle any play money not owned by the players and will initially distribute $1,500 in play money to each player.
Step 3: Choose the first player Roll the dice and compare your score with those of the other players. The player with the highest roll goes first.
TIP: Play proceeds in a clockwise direction.
Step 4: Roll the dice Place your marker in the corner of the board marked “Go.” When it is your turn, roll the dice and move your marker the corresponding number of board spaces.
Step 5: Evaluate your roll Respond to your dice roll. Depending on where you land, you may be able to purchase property or build houses or hotels that will generate income for you.
TIP: If you land on someone else’s property you will have to pay rent to them. Other possibilities include having to pay taxes or going to “Jail.” You may also have the option of taking a Chance or Community Chest card.
Step 6: Continue playing Continue playing, responding to the game’s cues, until you run out of money or until the game is called because of time. The individual with the most money at the end of the game wins.
FACT: Although usually associated with the Great Depression, Monopoly was actually based on another game that was patented in 1904.

Lessons in this Guide