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Monopoly Junior (1990) Board Game

ByMichail

Monopoly Junior is a simplified version of the classic Monopoly board game, designed for younger players aged 5 and up. It was first released in 1990 by Borras Plana S.A., intended to introduce children to the concepts of money management and strategy in a fun and accessible way. The game retains the iconic Monopoly theme of buying and trading properties, but with simpler rules and faster gameplay.

Game Components of Monopoly Junior

  • Game Board:** Featuring a fair’s midway with 24 spaces (originally 32 spaces).
  • Amusements:** 16 “amusements” instead of properties, grouped into color categories.
  • Tokens:** Four car tokens (red roller coaster car, blue bumper car, green flume, and yellow carousel horse).
  • Ticket Booths:** Used to denote ownership of amusements.
  • Money:** Players start with $31 ($1×5, $2×4, $3×3, $4×1, $5×1).
  • Die:** A single six-sided die.

    How To Setup Monopoly Junior

    To setup the game, each player selects a token and places it on the “GO” space. Players are dealt their starting money: five $1 notes, four $2 notes, three $3 notes, one $4 note, and one $5 note. The initial player is determined by a roll of the die, with the highest roller going first.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Rolling the Die:** Players roll a single six-sided die to determine how many spaces to move.
  • Buying Amusements:** Players must purchase an amusement when they land on a vacant space, with no option to decline or auction.
  • Collecting Rent:** Players pay rent when landing on an amusement owned by another player, with double rent for landing on a pair of the same color.
  • Bankruptcy:** The game continues until one player is bankrupted, and the player with the most cash wins.
  • GO Space:** Players collect $2 when passing or landing on the “GO” space.

    Player Experience

    Monopoly Junior is designed to be easy to learn and fun for young children. The game teaches basic financial concepts, such as counting money and understanding the value of transactions. The simplified rules and short gameplay make it an excellent introduction to board games, keeping children engaged without overwhelming them.

    Pros

  • Educational:** Teaches counting, basic financial concepts, and strategy.
  • Easy to Learn:** Simple rules make it accessible for young children.
  • Short Gameplay:** Games are typically shorter than the standard Monopoly game, keeping children’s attention.
  • Fun and Engaging:** Designed to be enjoyable and interactive, promoting family fun.

    Cons

  • Limited Complexity:** May be too simple for older children or those seeking more complex gameplay.
  • No Property Improvement:** Unlike the standard Monopoly, amusements cannot be improved with houses or hotels.

    Personal Thoughts on Monopoly Junior

    Monopoly Junior is ideal for young children looking to learn basic board game mechanics and financial skills in a fun and interactive way. It is a great introduction to the world of board games, teaching valuable lessons about money management and strategic thinking. The game’s simplicity and short playtime make it perfect for families with young children, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all players involved.

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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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