Easy Money (1935) – Board Game Guys

Easy Money

Easy Money is a board game introduced by Milton Bradley Company in 1935. The game is based on The Landlord’s Game, which is also the basis for Monopoly, in the movement of pieces around the board, the use of cards, properties that can be purchased, and houses that can be established on them. The game was designed during the Great Depression and was popular during that time.

Why is Easy Money Popular?

Easy Money is significant because it was one of the earliest board games to be based on The Landlord’s Game, which is the basis for Monopoly. The game was also popular during the Great Depression, and it provided a way for people to escape their financial troubles and enjoy themselves.

Game Components of Easy Money

Game Board: Designed with properties, utility spaces, and various action spaces.

Properties: Can be purchased and improved with houses.

Give-or-Take Cards: Players draw these when rolling doubles on the dice, leading to rewards or penalties.

Money: Players start with $2,000 (or $20,000 in the 1974 edition).

Dice: Used for movement around the board.

Colored Houses: Represent ownership and property information directly on the board.

Utility Spaces: Spaces like Milton Motels, which require auctions to purchase and offer variable rents based on dice rolls.

How To Setup Easy Money

To set up Easy Money, each player starts with a set amount of money ($2,000 or $20,000 depending on the edition). The game board is placed in the middle of the playing area, and players choose their tokens. Properties, Give-or-Take Cards, and other game components are shuffled and placed according to the instructions. Players must own a property in each section of the board before they can buy additional properties in those sections.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Movement: Players roll dice to move around the board.

Property Purchase: Players can buy properties when they land on them, provided they meet the prerequisite of owning a property in each section.

Rent Collection: Owners of properties charge rent based on the number of houses built.

Give-or-Take Cards: Players draw these cards when rolling doubles, which can either reward or penalize them.

Utility Spaces: Special spaces that require auctions and offer variable rents.

Game Objective: The game ends when one player goes bankrupt and cannot pay their debts. The winner is determined by the player with the highest net worth, including cash and the value of their properties.

Player Experience

Playing Easy Money is a dynamic experience that combines elements of negotiation, resource management, and chance. The game allows for faster cash acquisition compared to Monopoly, with features like utility spaces and Give-or-Take Cards adding an extra layer of excitement. Games typically last several hours but are generally shorter than Monopoly sessions, especially with multiple players.

Pros

Faster Cash Acquisition: Players can acquire cash more quickly compared to Monopoly.

Balanced Gameplay: Some players find the game more balanced and fair than Monopoly.

Variety in Gameplay: The inclusion of utility spaces and Give-or-Take Cards adds variety to the gameplay.

Shorter Games: Games are generally shorter, especially with multiple players.

Cons

Complexity: The rules can be complex, particularly with the prerequisites for buying properties.

Patent Issues: The game had to be modified multiple times due to patent infringement suits, which might have affected its consistency.

Major Flaw: A player can collect more by mortgaging a property than they paid to purchase it.

Personal Thoughts on Easy Money

Easy Money is for those who enjoy the strategic and financial aspects of Monopoly but are looking for a slightly different and potentially more balanced experience. It’s ideal for players who appreciate the unpredictability of chance events like rolling doubles and drawing Give-or-Take Cards. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a game with simpler rules or those who are highly invested in the traditional Monopoly experience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.