Monopoly, the board game that has broken friendships and lasted longer than some people’s careers, is about to get a serious upgrade: drinking! If you’ve ever found yourself staring down at your stack of fake money, hoping the game would somehow get more exciting, then you’re in for a treat. Dive into the Monopoly drinking game! Get ready to swap bankruptcies for beer runs and trading properties for tequila shots.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Play the Monopoly Drinking Game
Basic Monopoly Setup
First things first, you need a regular Monopoly set. You can use any version of the game—Classic Monopoly, Monopoly Deal, or even one of the themed editions like Star Wars or Friends. It doesn’t matter which one you choose because we’re here to add something way more exciting than Boardwalk: booze.
Drinking Essentials
Now, let’s talk about the essentials. You’ll need your choice of drink—whether it’s beer, wine, or cocktails. To really up the ante, get a few shot glasses handy. You can go for shots, but we also recommend having some lighter drinks for those moments when the penalties start piling up.
How to Play Monopoly Drinking Board Game
Basic Drinking Triggers in the Game
To kick things off, let’s set up some basic drinking rules. Every time you:
- Land on a Property: Take one sip of your drink.
- Go to Jail: Uh-oh, it’s not just time to lose a turn—take a shot!
- Pass Go: Time to celebrate your “payday” with a celebratory drink.
- Roll Doubles: Drink for each double you roll, and if you roll three doubles, that’s another shot as you head straight to jail.
Advanced Drinking Rules
For those looking for a real challenge, here are some more creative drinking triggers:
- Upgrade Properties: Whenever you add a house or hotel, take a drink to toast your growing empire.
- Trading Deals: Every time you make a deal or trade with another player, you both have to drink as a sign of good (or not-so-good) faith.
- Free Parking: Whoever lands on Free Parking gets a break, but everyone else? They have to drink!
Social Drinking Rules
We all love a good group drink moment! Here’s when everyone should raise their glass:
- Property Monopoly: If a player gets a full set of properties, everyone else has to drink in their honor.
- Buying a Hotel: If someone’s rich enough to buy a hotel, we’ll drink to that!
Fun Variations for Monopoly Drinking Game
Looking to take your Monopoly drinking game to the next level? Well, these wild variations will have your group laughing and sipping their way through the board, with some hilarious twists to keep things unpredictable and entertaining!
1. The Bank of Booze Variation
In this variation, the Bank isn’t just responsible for the money—they’re in charge of booze too! Instead of only doling out cash, the banker distributes shots, sips, or drinks along with property purchases or certain board events.
How it works:
- Buying Property: Whenever you buy a property, you must take a sip of your drink. However, if you buy something pricey like Park Place, you owe the Bank a shot.
- Paying Rent: If you land on someone else’s property, in addition to paying rent, you drink the same amount in sips. For example, if the rent is $200, take 2 big gulps.
- Mortgage?: If you can’t afford the rent and need to mortgage your property, take a shot. It’s a rough financial move, after all!
Bonus Banker Rule:
If the Bank ever runs out of money, the Banker must take a shot and then start dealing from their own stash. If the banker runs out of booze too… well, that’s a whole different problem!
2. The House Rules Variation
This is where things get really crazy—in the “House Rules” variation, every time someone lands on a utility or community chest, they draw a “House Rule” from a deck of cards or slips of paper. These House Rules can change the game, and most importantly, they add even more ways to drink.
Example House Rules:
- “Swap It” Rule: Players have to swap drinks with the player to their left.
- “Drunk Trade” Rule: You must trade one of your properties with any other player—while both of you are taking gulps.
- “Double or Nothing” Rule: Roll the dice, if you roll doubles, take a shot and pass your turn. If not, everyone else has to drink instead.
- “Community Toast” Rule: Everyone raises their glass and drinks to the player with the most properties (jealousy’s a good motivator).
The unpredictability of this keeps everyone on their toes!
3. Monopoly Happy Hour
Monopoly Happy Hour introduces timed drinking rounds! This is for when the game gets a little too long and you need to add some urgency. Every 20-30 minutes, the game enters “Happy Hour,” where special drinking rules are enforced, causing absolute chaos.
Happy Hour Round Rules:
- Free-for-All Shots: For the next 5 minutes, every time anyone rolls the dice, everyone takes a sip.
- Open Bar: Any player who buys a property during Happy Hour must take a shot and make a “toast” to the rest of the table (you know, classy).
- Go to Jail (Double Trouble): If anyone lands on Jail during Happy Hour, they take two shots and sit out for 1 turn.
Happy Hour rounds can be triggered by specific moments too, like when someone reaches $1,000, gets a Monopoly, or lands on Free Parking.
4. Drunk Monopoly Tycoon Mode
Ever dreamt of being a ruthless Monopoly tycoon? Now’s your chance, with Drunk Monopoly Tycoon mode! In this mode, players who reach a certain wealth level get to enforce ridiculous rules on their opponents.
How it works:
- Tycoon Power: Once a player accumulates $2,000 in cash or owns 5 properties, they become a “Monopoly Tycoon.”
- Tycoon’s Revenge: The Tycoon can create one new drinking rule that everyone else must follow for the rest of the game. For example:
- “Every time someone lands on one of my properties, they take a shot in addition to paying rent!”
- “No one can speak directly to me unless they take a drink first—peasants!”
The goal here? Become so rich, you’re controlling the table—and everyone’s booze intake. Tycoon status can be stolen by others if they reach the $2,000 threshold.
5. Chance Chaos Mode
In Chance Chaos Mode, Chance and Community Chest cards come with both a challenge and a drinking rule, adding a whole new level of randomness to the game.
How it works:
- When a player draws a Chance or Community Chest card, they must do the following:
- Complete the task on the card (could be something simple like “You inherit $100” or wild, like “Trade a property with the person across from you”).
- Follow the drinking command attached to the card. Example commands include:
- Take 3 drinks to get out of this situation.
- Hand out 2 drinks to other players.
- Finish your drink if you’re the poorest player.
- Everyone drinks if the Tycoon has spoken at the last minute.
This adds an unpredictable, hilariously chaotic element—because the cards will always make things harder and boozier.
6. Property Wars Variation
Instead of friendly trading, we’re bringing full-on war to the Monopoly board. In Property Wars, any time a player wants to buy a property, the entire table can challenge them for it. How? By entering a drinking showdown!
How it works:
- Bidding War: When a player lands on an unowned property, anyone else who wants it can challenge them. They engage in a rapid-fire drinking contest, where each player takes a shot and keeps going until one of them gives up (or can’t handle it anymore). Whoever lasts the longest wins the property.
- Bonus Drinking Rule: If no one challenges you, you still have to take a victory sip for gaining the property uncontested.
These innovative, wild Monopoly drinking game variations ensure that your next game night is a riotous mix of strategy, chaos, and hilarity. Whether you’re aiming for Tycoon status, dodging Chance Chaos, or just trying to survive Happy Hour, these twists will keep the party going long after Boardwalk’s been bought. Remember, it’s all in good fun—so pace yourself and drink responsibly while you conquer the Monopoly world!
Themed Monopoly Drinking Games
If you’re a Monopoly fanatic, chances are you’ve played some of the amazing themed editions out there—like Star Wars, Harry Potter, or even Friends Monopoly. Now, imagine combining those beloved themes with a drinking game twist! Here’s how to level up your Monopoly drinking game by tailoring the rules to your themed edition.
1. Star Wars Monopoly Drinking Game
“May the Force be with your liver!”
For the Star Wars edition, you can split the table into Jedi vs. Sith and assign different drinking rules based on which side you’re on.
- Jedi Rules:
- If you land on a Sith-controlled property, take two drinks to “endure the dark side’s influence.”
- Roll a double? Use “The Force” and hand out a drink to any player.
- When you buy a starship, everyone else takes a drink to honor your victory.
- Sith Rules:
- Every time you send someone to jail, take an “evil shot.”
- If someone tries to “escape” by paying $50 to get out of jail, they must take two drinks for their cowardice.
- If the Emperor (richest player) commands it, you must take a sip of your drink for every Jedi you encounter on the board (i.e., anytime a Jedi player passes you).
2. Harry Potter Monopoly Drinking Game
“Accio… booze!”
Cast some magic on your Monopoly game with these Harry Potter-themed drinking rules:
- Hogwarts Houses:
- Each player chooses a Hogwarts house (Gryffindor, Slytherin, etc.). Whenever someone from your house buys a property, you drink in solidarity.
- If you’re sent to Azkaban (jail), take a shot to “reflect on your mistakes.”
- If you draw a Chance card, shout a spell out loud. If you forget, take a drink for your lack of wizardry!
- Butterbeer Bonus: Every time you pass GO, everyone must “cheers” and take a drink of their Butterbeer (or whatever magical drink you prefer).
3. Friends Monopoly Drinking Game
“Could this BE any more fun?”
The Friends edition is perfect for a game night filled with laughter and booze.
- Monica’s Rules:
- If you land on Monica’s apartment, you need to “clean up” by taking two drinks.
- Get sent to jail? It’s because you tried to steal cheesecake. Down a shot and wait for your next turn.
- Ross’s Rules:
- If you land on Ross’s space, scream “We were on a break!”—if you forget, take a drink.
- Roll doubles? Yell “Pivot!” and make everyone else drink for your smooth moving skills.
Bonus Tip: Make the game extra special by using themed drinks (butterbeer, space cocktails, or Central Perk-style coffee cocktails). These variations will not only bring your favorite themes to life but also ensure your night is full of laughs and tipsy fun!
Monopoly Drinking Game Playlists
Let’s face it—Monopoly can get a little long, especially with added drinking penalties. That’s where the perfect music playlist comes in! A well-curated playlist will keep the mood light, the energy high, and ensure there’s never a dull moment, even when you’re stuck in jail.
1. Upbeat Party Vibes Playlist
To get the night started right, pump up the volume with high-energy, upbeat songs that keep everyone on their toes. This is the perfect vibe for when the drinks are flowing, and the board is starting to fill up with houses and hotels.
- “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake
- “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus
- “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars
- “Don’t Stop the Music” by Rihanna
These tracks will keep the energy high, making sure no one is too bored waiting for their next turn. Perfect for early rounds when excitement is building!
2. Chill Background Tunes for Longer Games
Once the drinks have settled in and the game is in full swing, it’s time to tone down the party vibe slightly with some chill but still upbeat tracks. These tunes will keep the game flowing without overwhelming the room.
- “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd
- “Levitating” by Dua Lipa
- “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran
- “Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles
- “Shivers” by Ed Sheeran
This playlist works best for the middle part of the game, when everyone is building their property empire but still trying to keep their drinks in check.
3. Victory Lap & Closing Time Playlist
As the game heads towards its epic conclusion, you need a soundtrack that captures the final showdown’s intensity. Whether you’re on your last dollar or about to secure your empire, these songs will make those final moments unforgettable.
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
- “We Will Rock You” by Queen
- “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
- “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
- “Closing Time” by Semisonic
These tracks will crown the winner and soften the blow for those on the losing side, all while giving everyone an excuse to down a final celebratory drink. Just remember: drink responsibly, play fairly, and may the best (or tipsiest) player win!
FAQs for the Monopoly Drinking Game
What’s the Best Version of Monopoly for Drinking Games?
While any Monopoly edition works, we recommend going with a shorter version like Monopoly Deal if you’re pressed for time. But if you’re aiming for an epic, all-night party, the classic version is unbeatable.
What’s the ideal number of players for the Monopoly drinking game?
4-6 players works best for a balanced game. Any more, and you might need to add extra house rules or make people play in teams.
Can we mix different Monopoly editions in one drinking game?
Absolutely! Just adjust the rules to fit both versions—whether it’s a Star Wars x Harry Potter mash-up or a classic vs. themed Monopoly battle!
Can You Play Monopoly Drinking Games Without Alcohol?
Of course! Swap drinks for fun penalties like doing push-ups, eating spicy snacks, or wearing goofy hats. It’s all about making the game more interactive and fun.
How Do You Modify the Rules to Make the Game Shorter?
If you’re not ready for a marathon session, simply set a time limit. Whoever has the most money or properties by the end of the timer wins. You can also cut out some of the more advanced drinking rules to speed up the game.