Rules - Generally
Monopoly™ rules are notoriously obscure. While written rules come in every box, few players are expert in their detail. “House rules” infiltrate almost every game (“no property sales during the first round”; “Mom always goes first”), even in tournament play (“nothing may be written down”). Commonly used house rules are even an option in commercial online games (“penalty money goes onto Free Parking”).
The more players are able to agree on the rules, especially prior to starting the game, the less likely someone will overturn the table and storm off.
Negotiating the rule options suggested here can provide a useful prelude to the negotiation within the game itself. While this may frustrate the casual “make them up as we go along” player, these suggestions may interest players who want to explore the essence of Monopoly™--negotiation--more fully.
