[cryptoz]

My favorite monopoly games are those where the players have played together before, and agree on a set of custom rules to the game in advance, and are fast-paced. I remember having rules added like loans and interest, and effectively unlimited freedom to make deals with players. Deals logged on paper, loan interest measured in turns and percentages, so much...fun. Actual fun though.

A game like this can even go fast paced where the next player is making their turn while you're still interacting with the bank from your turn, while someone else is calculating interest.

Doesn't sound fun typing it out but it was a blast.

[Stratoscope]

Many years ago I was at a church singles retreat, and someone suggested playing Monopoly. At 11:30 at night. With an early worship service scheduled the next morning.

A couple of people groaned about the late hour and how long the game would take.

So I suggested some simple rule changes that make for a faster game.

The pastor's daughter said "we can't do that." She pulled out the Monopoly rules, pointed to the relevant chapter and verse, and said "Look. It Is Written."

People drifted off to do other things or just call it a night.

In hindsight, maybe I should have gone along with her literal interpretation of the rules. After everyone else gave up, it would have been just her and me playing until the wee hours. That might have been nice!

[aidenn0]

So I suppose that church hews to the doctrine of "Sola monopolia"

[xahrepap]

My favorite variation included these rules:

1 - Double 1s or double 6s: steal any property from any player. 2 - you can build on any property you own. You’re not forced to build evenly and you’re not forced to own a monopoly on that color.

A 2 player game would last an hour, maybe 2 tops. 4 player still took some time but was still fun and exciting :P

Also, with these rules the balance of the game shifted. BW/PP are good, but not the best. Utilities and railroads are pretty lame. The winning properties seemed to me to be, from best to less best: Orange, Red, Pink, Yellow, Green. Orange and red because they’re properties most likely to be landed on after leaving jail. :)