Monopoly has been the source of family resentment for decades, but it turns out we’ve been playing it wrong this whole time.
Ever since hitting the shelves back in 1935, the board game has become synonymous with family feuds and temper tantrums, usually kicking off with who gets the Scottie Dog.
Things get even hairier when people start introducing houses onto their properties, especially if they bagged one of those dreaded dark blues.
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And all of these issues are only exacerbated by the fact that the game seems to go on for eternity.
But thanks to a resurfaced tweet, we now know that Monopoly was never intended to last for so long.
You might not have been aware of a rule that states when someone lands on a property in Monopoly and doesn’t buy it, it should go on auction for any player to buy.
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This was shared by Twitter user Ruben, who wrote: “When someone lands on a property in #Monopoly & they don't buy it, IT GOES TO AUCTION for any player to buy.
“IT. IS. IN. THE. RULES.”
We can confirm this to be true, as is outlined in the official Monopoly rulebook: “Whenever you land on an unowned property you may buy that property from the Bank at its printed price. You receive the Title Deed card showing ownership; place it face up in front of you.
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“If you do not wish to buy the property, the Banker sells it at auction to the highest bidder. The buyer pays the Bank the amount of the bid in cash and receives the Title Deed card for that property.
“Any player, including the one who declined the option to buy it at the printed price, may bid. Bidding may start at any price.”
Turns out we’re not the only ones who overlooked this rule, as dozens of people took to the comments section to thank Ruben for the tip.
“Thank you for your truth today,” wrote one, while another said, “Wow never knew this. Never too old to learn, thanks!"
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A third admitted, “I'm disappointed that I haven't played #Monopoly since I came to this realization a while back.”
But there were even more comments from people who were shocked to discover just how many people didn’t know about the rule, suggesting it makes the game a far more enjoyable experience.
“Yes! Speeds up game enormously and guaranteed to divert all pre-existing family animosities into silent resentment as they are bankrupted far sooner,” said one.
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A second chimed in, “So many house rules make the game miserable. The formal rules keep the game to an hour instead of a lifetime.”
Well, there you have it – be sure to set this rule before you pull out the Monopoly board and there might be a few less temper tantrums at your next game night.
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