The Landlord’s Game (1903) Board Game

The Landlord’s Game is a board game that was originally created by Elizabeth J. Magie in in 1903. It was designed to illustrate the economic consequences of land monopolism and the concept of Georgism. The game was later patented in 1904 and marketed by the Economic Game Company. It eventually became the inspiration for the popular game Monopoly.

Game Components of The Landlord’s Game

Game board

Dice

Tokens

Property cards

Money

Houses and hotels

How To Setup The Landlord’s Game

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player selects a token and places it on the “start” space.

Shuffle the property cards and place them face down on their designated spaces.

Each player starts with a set amount of money.

Roll the dice to determine who goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

The objective of The Landlord’s Game is to accumulate wealth and bankrupt your opponents. Players take turns rolling the dice and moving around the board, buying properties, collecting rent, and building houses and hotels. The game ends when one player has bankrupted all other players.

Player Experience

Pros

Educational and teaches about economic concepts

Strategic gameplay with negotiation elements

Historic significance as the predecessor to Monopoly

Cons

Lengthy play time of 2 hours

Can be complex for younger players

Player elimination may not be enjoyable for all

Personal Thoughts on The Landlord’s Game

The Landlord’s Game is a unique and historically significant board game that offers a deep dive into economic principles. While the gameplay may be lengthy and complex for some, it provides a rewarding experience for those interested in strategic gameplay and learning about the history of board games. The build quality of the game may vary depending on the edition, but it is generally well-made. The availability of the game, both new and used, can be limited due to its age and historical significance. Alternatives and similar games include Monopoly, which was inspired by The Landlord’s Game. Overall, The Landlord’s Game is worth your time if you enjoy economic and strategic board games, but may not be suitable for everyone due to its complexity and lengthy play time.

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