28 December 2023 , 11:33
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It's the classic family board game that always gets pulled out at Christmas, but it can be pretty frustrating to play - especially when you're losing.
There's no doubt Monopoly can cause chaos and squabbles over who owns what properties and which player owes the bank money, but despite its competitive nature, the investment game is still a favourite in many households. In fact, it remains the world's most popular board game and has been played by more than 500 million people across the globe.
But, there can only be one winner - and it's a whole lot more fun to play when it's you. If you're thinking of having a game of Monopoly in the lead-up to New Year, it's worth understanding the tricks of the board. According to a games expert, there is a secret to cashing in and making all the other players hand over their cards - and it's all about jail time.
Marcus du Sautoy, Oxford University Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science, has revealed the key to winning Monopoly, and it's pretty simple. The maths buff has said owning orange properties near the jail is key, reports The Sun. The orange property group is a three-space set located on the second stretch between the pinks and reds. If you're fast around the board and play tactically, it could see you win.
Marcus explained that jail is twice as likely to be occupied, because it's the space players visit most often, whether they've landed on 'Go to Jail', thrown three doubles, or are 'Just Visiting'. Orange properties, which include Bow Street, Vine Street and Marlborough Street, are just the right distance away from the jail that those leaving it can land on it, he claimed. He also argues that players leaving jail are more likely to throw six, seven or eight and end up on the orange.
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That means they'll owe you rent, and as the owner, you're likely to cash in every time somebody leaves jail - so your chances of winning Monopoly will supposedly skyrocket. Of course, you should try and aim for the full set of orange properties. The magic number three allows you to place houses and hotels on them, which ultimately drives up the rent. A Monopoly win is not guaranteed, but it's worth trying this out to see for yourself.