Monopoly Deal: Who’ll Be a Millionaire or Bankrupt in 15 Minutes?

Looking for a game that’s fast, thrilling, and packed with surprises? Monopoly Deal delivers all the fun of Monopoly in quick, 15-minute rounds with plenty of unexpected twists! Perfect for casual hangouts and road trips, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about mastering the game—and even spicing it up with unique versions and drinking games!

What is Monopoly Deal?

A Brief History

Released by Hasbro in 2008, Monopoly Deal reimagines the traditional Monopoly experience as a compact, travel-friendly card game. It borrows elements from the original game, such as collecting properties and bankrupting opponents, but simplifies the mechanics for faster gameplay.

Monopoly Deal Versions

Monopoly Deal has expanded its reach with various editions and themes, such as Hong Kong, Australia, UK and 2014 Egypt World Cup, which features iconic landmarks from the region. These versions add a cultural twist to the gameplay while keeping the core rules intact.

Monopoly Deal Card Count and Deck Variants

A standard Monopoly Deal game includes 110 cards. However, expansions can introduce additional cards to mix things up. For larger groups or creative variations, combining two decks adds extra complexity and fun!

How to Play Monopoly Deal: Step-by-Step Rules

The Goal of the Game

Be the first player to collect three complete property sets. Sounds simple? Not when opponents are scheming to steal your cards or force you into disadvantageous trades!

Setup and Player Requirements

• Players: 2–5 (6+ players can be adjusted with expansions or 2 decks).
• Setup: Shuffle the deck, deal five cards to each player, and place the remaining cards in the draw pile.

Gameplay Basics

1. Draw Two Cards: At the beginning of your turn, draw two cards from the draw pile. If the draw pile is empty, shuffle the discard pile to replenish it.
2. Play Up to Three Cards: You can play up to three cards from your hand. Here are your options:
   • Play Property Cards: Add property cards to your collection to work toward complete sets.
   • Use Action Cards: Execute game-changing moves, such as stealing properties, charging rent, or forcing trades.
   • Bank Money Cards: Add money cards or action cards as cash to your bank to pay debts or protect against rent charges.
3. End Your Turn: If you have more than seven cards at the end of your turn, discard the extras into the discard pile.

Card Types and Their Roles

1. Sly Deal:
   Steal a single property card from any other player and add it to your property collection. This card cannot be used to take a property from a completed set. It can also be banked as money.
2. Forced Deal:
   Swap one property from another player with a property from your collection. This is great for strategic trades. Like most action cards, it can also be banked as money.
3. Deal Breaker:
   One of the most powerful cards, it allows you to steal a complete set of properties from another player and add it to your collection. This card can also be banked as money.
4. Just Say No:
   Cancel the effect of any action card played against you, protecting your assets. However, the attacker can counter your defense if they also have a “Just Say No” card. This card can also be banked as money.
5. Debt Collector:
   Use this card to demand $5M from one other player. It’s a quick way to drain their bank. Like other action cards, it can also be banked as money.
6. It’s My Birthday:
   Make every other player pay you $2M as a celebratory gift. It’s a fun and lucrative card that can also be banked as money.
7. Rent Cards:
   Charge rent on properties matching the color of the rent card. For example, a red Rent card collects rent for red properties. These cards can also be banked as money.
8. Multi-Colored Rent Cards:
   These cards allow you to charge rent on any property set, giving you flexibility. Like standard rent cards, they can also be banked as money.
9. Double the Rent:
   Play this card alongside a Rent card to double the amount charged. It can be a game-changer when used strategically. This card can also be banked as money.
10. House/Hotel:
    • House: Add a house to a complete property set to increase its rent value.
    • Hotel: After adding a house, you can further boost rent by adding a hotel. (Houses and hotels cannot be added to railroad or utility property sets. These cards can also be banked as money.)
11. Pass Go:
    Draw two extra cards from the draw pile. You can play multiple “Pass Go” cards during a turn. This card can also be banked as money.
12. Money Cards:
    These are used to pay rent and debts to other players. You can also bank them to build your funds for future expenses.
13. Property Cards:
    These cards form the basis of the game. Each card specifies the number of properties required to complete a full set in its color. This rule applies to railroads and utilities as well.
14. Property Wildcards:
    • Color-Specific Wildcards: These can substitute for any property of the colors shown on the card.
    • Multi-Colored Wildcards: These are universal wildcards and can act as a property of any color. However, they have no monetary value and cannot be used to pay other players. 

(Wildcards can be moved between sets during your turn for maximum flexibility.)

Monopoly Deal Strategies to Win

Using Action Cards Effectively

Action cards are the game-changers in Monopoly Deal. Here’s how to use them to your advantage:

• Deal Breaker: Save this card for a crucial moment when an opponent is about to win. Stealing a complete set can reverse the game’s momentum instantly.
• Forced Deal: Use this card to sabotage an opponent’s strategy while gaining valuable properties. Target players who are close to completing sets.
• Rent Cards: Timing is everything. Use rent cards when you have multiple properties of the targeted color to maximize your earnings. Pair with “Double the Rent” for a devastating effect.
• Debt Collector: Force opponents to pay you cash. This can deplete their bank and leave them vulnerable to rent charges.

Resource Management Tips

Managing your resources is critical in Monopoly Deal. Here are some strategies to keep in mind:

• Banking Money Cards: Always keep a healthy bank to pay off opponents’ rent demands. Without a bank, you’ll have to forfeit properties or valuable cards.
• Spending Action Cards: Don’t hoard action cards for too long. Using them at the right moment can give you a significant advantage.
• Trading Properties: Sometimes, trading properties with opponents can help both parties complete sets. Just ensure the trade benefits you more.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors to improve your gameplay:

• Underestimating Wildcards: Wildcards are incredibly versatile, but they’re also vulnerable to theft. Bank them early or place them strategically.
• Misusing Action Cards: Wasting cards like “Deal Breaker” or “Rent” on low-value moves can cost you later.
• Overextending Property Sets: Don’t leave property sets incomplete for too long, as they’re susceptible to forced deals and theft. Focus on completing one set before starting another.

Drinking Games to Play with Monopoly Deal

Ready to turn Monopoly Deal into a laugh-out-loud, drink-filled adventure? With these hilarious drinking game twists, every “Deal Breaker” and “Rent Roulette” becomes a reason to sip, chug, and cheer. 

1. Deal and Drink

How to Play:

• Every time you use an action card (e.g., Sly Deal, Forced Deal), take a sip.
• If someone plays “Deal Breaker” on you, finish your drink to “mourn” your stolen set.
• When a player completes a full property set, everyone else takes two sips as a tribute.
• Play a “Just Say No” card? Everyone except you drinks—cheers to your defensive move!

This game makes every move count and guarantees laughs when someone is forced to down their drink over a brutal card play.

2. Rent Roulette

How to Play:

• Every time you’re charged rent, take one sip for each million you owe.
• If someone plays “Double the Rent,” double your sips!
• No money to pay rent? Take a penalty shot instead of handing over properties.

The unpredictable nature of rent cards keeps everyone on edge—and the penalty shot rule ensures the game stays wild.

3. Pass Go, Chug Slow

How to Play:

• Every time you play “Pass Go” and draw two cards, you must also take two sips.
• If you draw an action card, assign a drink to someone else at the table.
• If the draw pile runs out and is reshuffled, everyone must take a communal toast.

It turns the most mundane card in the deck into a drink-assigning weapon and ensures everyone drinks together during reshuffles.

4. Wildcard Wipeout

How to Play:

• Playing a wildcard lets you assign drinks equal to the number of properties it could replace (e.g., a wildcard with 2 colors = 2 drinks).
• If someone steals your wildcard, finish your drink in outrage!
• Multi-colored wildcards let you assign drinks to multiple players—you choose how to split them.

The wildcard rule adds strategic hilarity, as players must decide whether assigning or avoiding drinks is worth it.

5. Monopoly Mix-Up

How to Play:

• At the start of the game, assign drinks to each property color. For example:
  • Red: 1 sip
  • Green: 2 sips
  • Blue: 3 sips
• Every time you add a property to a set, everyone else drinks based on the color’s assigned value.
• Completing a set lets you create a rule (e.g., “No pointing” or “Speak in accents”). Breaking the rule results in penalty sips.

It combines strategic gameplay with creative chaos, ensuring everyone drinks differently depending on the properties in play.

6. Birthday Bash

How to Play:

• When “It’s My Birthday” is played, everyone sings “Happy Birthday” while sipping throughout the song.
• The player who played the card assigns bonus drinks as “gifts” to everyone else at the table.

This turns a simple card into a hilarious group activity, with everyone suddenly celebrating an imaginary birthday.

7. Bank Breakers and Buzzed Bakers

How to Play:

• Anytime you bank money, take a sip.
• If your bank is wiped out to pay rent or a Debt Collector, you must finish your drink as punishment.
• For every $10M in your bank at the end of the game, assign a sip to another player.

Players are rewarded for hoarding cash while those who go bankrupt face the ultimate drinking penalty.

8. House Party, Hotel Hangover

How to Play:

• Adding a house to a property set means you assign a drink to one player.
• Adding a hotel lets you assign drinks to the entire table.
• If someone can’t afford to pay rent on a property with a house or hotel, they must take a penalty shot.

Houses and hotels become high-stakes cards, leading to epic drinking moments and lots of laughs.

Best Drinks and Cocktails for Monopoly Deal Night

A great drinking game needs equally great drinks! Here are some suggestions to match the mood:

• Classic Cocktails: Go with crowd-pleasers like mojitos, margaritas, or whiskey sours to keep things lively.
• Color-Themed Drinks: Match your drink to the property sets—Red for cranberry vodka, Green for a Midori sour, Blue for a Blue Lagoon.
• Shots: Simple shots of tequila or flavored vodka are perfect for quick penalties.
• Mocktail Options: Don’t leave out non-drinkers—create fun mocktails like sparkling lemonade or virgin mojitos to keep everyone included.
• Board Game Beers: Pick easy-drinking beers for a laid-back vibe and pace yourself for the long haul.

Tips for Keeping the Game Fun and Friendly

A Monopoly Deal drinking game is all about fun, so keep it friendly with these tips:

• Set Limits: Agree on a maximum number of shots or sips per turn to avoid going overboard.
• Encourage Breaks: Take snack or hydration breaks every few rounds to keep the energy up and prevent anyone from getting too tipsy.
• Clear Rules: Make sure everyone agrees on the drinking rules before starting to avoid confusion mid-game.
• Don’t Overcomplicate: Keep the focus on fun—avoid rules that are too hard to remember or enforce.
• Cheerful Attitude: Laugh off losses, celebrate wins, and remember that the goal is to have a great time together.

These drinking games make Monopoly Deal even more unpredictable and fun. Just remember to drink responsibly and ensure everyone is comfortable with the rules before starting!

FAQs About Monopoly Deal