Monopoly Deal

 

       Monopoly Deal is a card base game derived from the hit board game Monopoly. The game itself contains 106 cards, 4 simple rule cards, and an expanded rule sheet. The rules are easy to learn and the length of play can last as little as 5 to 15 minutes with 2 to 3 players or up to 45 minutes with 5 players.


     To start out the game you must first remove the 4 simple rule cards and hand them to each player. Then take the remaining cards and shuffle them. In my personal experience it's easier to split the deck in half and have 2 people shuffle the cards. Next each player is dealt 5 cards face down. Next you determine who will go first. The suggested first player is the youngest person, but you can decide however you want. The first player will start their turn by drawing 2 cards from the draw pile. Then they have to play up to 3 of their cards in their hand. The things that they can do are as follows:

• Play money or action cards. Money cards get put in to your bank
• Play action cards as money. Action cards played as money will stay as money until the end of the game.
• Play property cards

At the end of the turn the player cannot have more than 7 cards in their hand. If they do have more than 7 they will have to discard until they only have 7 cards. The next player takes their turn.
A winner is declared when a player can obtain 3 sets of properties.


     I use the word "obtain"  because there are various, and sometimes downright devious, ways a player can obtain properties. One of my favorite ways is to play the "Sly Deal" card which allows you steal 1 property from one of your opponents. Now you are not allowed to steal a property that is already part of a set those cards are considered "locked" and no longer playable unless you play the "Forced Deal" card. Forced Deal allows you steal an entire set of properties from one of your rivals. If played at the right time this card can change the outcome, or if it is played against you can be truly devastating. 


     What I really like Monopoly Deal is that it is a game that can be learned in a matter of minutes and play roughly 2 games (depending on the number of players) in under 30 minutes. Another thing I enjoy about this game is the fact that it adds a whole new twist on the Monopoly game, but still feeling like Monopoly with the iconic properties such as Park Place and Boardwalk.


     There is not much to this game that I don't enjoy so I will end with this. If you're looking a fun, fast, family  game and you like the Monopoly franchise then I suggest that you pick a deck and give it a go. I can guarantee that you, your friends, and family will not regret this purchase.