Yes, some of us adults still play Monopoly, competitively. Yes, you did read that right.
Play Monopoly by the strict rules and the entire strategy changes. Whenever I play with someone I have to ask if we are playing by the rules or are there some house rules being employed. Kind of like asking what is the rule on extra balls in a pinball tourney. Have they been turned off?
Most casual players hate playing Monopoly with people who won’t employ house rules. And vice versa. I feel, house rules ruin the game. Free money for landing on a safety square? Skip that. (Think of getting some random jackpot award in pinball for doing nothing but lucking into a drain)
Anyway...
For example, I would venture to guess that most people do NOT play by the rule that requires a property immediately go up for auction for all players if the player who lands on it passes on buying it. Most people think it is simply luck and maybe some negotiation and trading mid to late game that gets you the properties you want.
By playing by the actual rules, properties can often be gained at well under the listed board price. It is important to pay attention to the cash distribution of the players at the table.
It is important to know when to stay in jail and when to pay to get out.
Knowing the statistical roll of the dice spots is also a factor in which properties to buy, and to avoid.
Knowing how to buy properties cheaply and use the mortgage value to improve other valuable properties or buy valuable properties is also a key.
Knowing when 15% is less than $200 for tax can matter.
Knowing that you can buy houses and hotels when it is not your turn matters.
Lots of other considerations, but you get the idea.
Usually my discussing Monopoly nuances is met with “you take it too seriously”. Well, I hear that in pinball too
