From: obrien@netcom.com (Robert O'Brien)
Subject: Re: Monopoly Rules
Organization: Netcom Online Communications Services (408-241-9760 login: guest)
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1992 09:41:37 GMT

I have to doubt that Parker Brothers has significantly changed the rules
over the years. I have access to a pre-1940 rules set that differs
almost insignificantly from what is published today.

As for these specific examples some are from other games that may or may
not be derivative of Monopoly.  After all, Monopoly itself is not an original
game, but directly descended from a sort-of public-domain game usualy called
"The Landlord Game"


mdm@bnr.ca (Diane MacMartin) writes:

>Over the years, Parker Brothers has had many coprighted sets of
>rules for Monopoly.  When two or three generations get together
>to play (Grandma / us / our kids) we agree beforehand on what
>variations we are playing with today, but this has made me 
>curious as to what has changed since 1929 (or whenever the original
>set of rules was printed).

The first Parker Brothers release was early 1935.  The previous year,
Charles B. Darrow sold 5,000 self-published units through Wanamakers
of Philadelphia.

>
>The following are some variations I am aware of in the basic game
>rules - not including the short game versions:
>
>1.  If you roll a two and a one, you could elect to stay where you
>are and take a chance.  Outdated.  

Never heard of it.  Would be very interested to see any copy of Parker Bros.
rules mentioning this.
Same goes for #2 and #3

>2.  You must build at the beginning of your turn.  In the same turn,
>you can tear down at full price.  Again, outdated.
>3.  You must ask for your rent before the next player rolls.  We
>play anytime until your roll comes up, you can ask, to prevent 
>collusion.
>4.  Getting out of jail - if your third roll in jail is not doubles,
>you pay $50 and MOVE THAT ROLL.  This is in the rules, but some
>people play that you get one more turn in jail before having to
>move.

to quote the rules:        (*___* represents italics)

	if the player does not throw doubles by his third turn he *must
	pay* the $50 fine. He then gets out of Jail and immediately
	moves forward the number of spaces shown by his throw.


>5.  Free Parking - as kids, we used to either place one of each
>bill in free parking, or pay misc. dues (income tax / luxury tax /
>etc) to the center, or both; if you landed on free parking you
>got the money.  To my knowledge this has never been written in
>the rules.  How did this custom become so widespread?

This has definitey always been contrary to P.B. rules, and may have come
from other games


>6.  Housing shortage auction - this supercedes the rule that you
>must build at the beginning of your turn.  But my husband's family
>doesn't play this rule.  Was it not in the rules at one time?

Again, a common one, again, I am certain P.B. has always had the housing
shortage rules, though the exact wording seems to have been changed at least
once, probably to try and make it clearer.

>
>Are there other variable rules anyone else plays?
>
>My real question is - I was wondering if the history of Monopoly
>rules has ever been compiled?  What abou the reasons for the
>rule changes?

There have been papers published on variations in the play.  I believe
You are mistaken in understanding the rules published with the game have
changed significantly.

P.B. are very good about answering letters with questions about the rules.
Most rulesheets printed since thed1960's have an address to write.

	Bob	<obrien@netcom.com>
{sorry about typos, if any got thru, very noisy connection tonight}