Monopoly Junior (1990) – Board Game Guys

Monopoly Junior

Monopoly Junior is a simplified version of the board game Monopoly, designed for young children, which was originally released in 1990 by Parker Brothers. The game has a rectangular board that is smaller than the standard game and is based on a city’s amusements (a zoo, a video game arcade, a pizzeria, etc.) to make the game more child-friendly.

Why is Monopoly Junior Popular?

Monopoly Junior is popular because it is a simplified version of the classic Monopoly game, designed for younger children aged 5 to 8 years old. The game is significant because it introduces children to the concept of buying and selling properties, counting money, and making decisions based on chance.

Game Components of Monopoly Junior

Monopoly Junior game board

“Monopoly” brand money

Deck of 24 Chance (“?”) cards

4 Car movers

Die

48 Plastic ticket booths (4 sets of 12)

How To Setup Monopoly Junior

To set up the game, each player picks a car mover and places it on the “GO!” space. Players then take 10 (or 12 in a 2-player game) Ticket Booths matching the color of their mover. The Banker separates the money into different denominations and gives each player a specific amount: five $1’s, four $2’s, three $3’s, one $4, and one $5. The Chance cards are shuffled and placed face down on the marked space on the board. The player with the highest roll of the die goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Be the player with the most money when another player runs out of cash.

Setup Ticket Booths: Players set up Ticket Booths on Boardwalk Amusements to collect entrance fees.

Roll and Move: Players roll the die to move their car movers around the board.

Follow Space Instructions: Players follow instructions on the space they land on, such as paying fees or collecting money.

Chance Cards: Players draw Chance cards and follow the instructions, which can include moving to different spaces or placing free Ticket Booths.

Collecting Money: Players collect $2 each time they pass “GO!” and can collect money from “Rich Uncle Pennybags’ Loose Change” if available.

Player Experience

Monopoly Junior provides a fun and introductory experience to the world of board games for young children. The game is designed to be easy to understand, teaching basic financial concepts like earning and spending money. The game’s pace is relatively fast, keeping children engaged and excited about their turns.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible for young players.

Teaches Financial Concepts: Introduces children to basic money management.

Engaging: Fast-paced gameplay keeps children interested.

Develops Strategic Thinking: Players learn to strategize about where to place their Ticket Booths.

Cons

Limited Complexity: The game may be too simple for older children or adults.

Short Game Time: Games can end quickly, especially with fewer players.

Luck-Based: The roll of the die and Chance cards introduce a significant element of luck.

Personal Thoughts on Monopoly Junior

Monopoly Junior is an excellent introduction to board games for young children. It is designed to be fun and educational, teaching key concepts about money and strategy in a way that is both engaging and easy to understand. This game is perfect for families looking to spend quality time together and for parents who want to introduce their children to the world of board games. However, it may not be as appealing to older children or adults who prefer more complex gameplay.

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