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Easy Money (1935) Board Game

ByMichail

Easy Money is a classic board game that was first released in in 1935. It has been enjoyed by families and friends for generations, with its simple yet engaging gameplay that revolves around economic themes. The game was designed to teach players about financial concepts such as income, ownership, and stock holding in a fun and interactive way.

Game Components of Easy Money

  • Board:** Features properties, houses, and various action spaces.
  • Cards:** “Give-or-Take” cards, which players draw under certain conditions.
  • Money:** Players start with $2,000 (later editions start with $20,000).
  • Properties and Houses:** Can be purchased and developed with houses.
  • Dice:** Used for determining player movement.
  • Exception Cards:** For taxes and traffic fines, replacing the “Get Out of Jail Free” card found in Monopoly.

    How To Setup Easy Money

    To set up Easy Money, players first place the board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a token and receives the starting amount of money. Properties, houses, and cards are placed within reach of all players. The game is ready to start once all players have their initial funds and tokens.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Player Movement:** Determined by rolling dice.
  • Property Purchase:** Players can buy properties and build houses on them.
  • Rent Collection:** Owners charge rent when other players land on their properties.
  • Card Draw:** Players draw “Give-or-Take” cards when they roll doubles.
  • Exception Cards:** Used for taxes and traffic fines instead of jail.
  • Game Objective:** The game ends when one player cannot pay their debts after selling or mortgaging all their properties. The player with the highest net worth, including cash and un-mortgaged properties, wins.

    Player Experience

    Easy Money offers a dynamic and engaging experience similar to Monopoly but with some distinct differences. Games can last several hours, especially with fewer players, but tend to be shorter than Monopoly sessions with the same number of players. The absence of a “Jail” space and the use of exception cards for taxes and traffic fines add a unique twist.

    Pros

  • Faster Games:** Generally shorter than Monopoly with the same number of players.
  • Unique Mechanics:** Different card draw rules and no “Jail” space.
  • Negotiation and Resource Management:** Encourages strategic play and negotiation.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** Similar complexity to Monopoly, which can be daunting for some players.
  • Mortgaging Flaw:** Players can collect more by mortgaging properties than they paid for them.
  • Legal Issues:** Initial versions were so similar to Monopoly that Milton Bradley had to make significant changes due to patent infringement lawsuits.

    Personal Thoughts on Easy Money

    Easy Money is ideal for fans of Monopoly looking for a similar but slightly different experience. It is suitable for players aged 7 and above and supports 2-8 players. The game requires negotiation skills, resource management, and strategic thinking, making it a great option for those who enjoy economic and real estate-themed board games. However, the game’s complexity and the need for lengthy gameplay sessions might not appeal to casual gamers.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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