The Christmas holidays are the time of year when many people who rarely play games get out something to play as a family.  For for some, the tradition is Scrabble, Pictionary or Cluedo, but for many, the game of choice is Monopoly.  This is one of the world’s best known games, and there are many thousands of different editions to choose from, including copies themed round different places, companies, events and even other games.  Last year, Neil Scallan from Hayes (west London) had a visit from the folks at Guinness World Records who counted his four thousand three-hundred and seventy-nine copies and confirmed he holds the record for the Largest Collection of Monopoly Boards.

Although Monopoly is very well-known, it is a game that has a reputation for being overly long, often leading to family rows.  This is largely because most families don’t play by the “Rules as Written”, instead playing by the family’s “House Rules“, which are usually passed from generation to generation by word of mouth. There is generally nothing wrong with “House Rules”, however, in the case of Monopoly, they are often responsible for all the perceived problems as discussed by games designer and curator of the Museum of Board Games in Newent, Tony Boydell.  The interview with Kate Clarke for BBC Radio Gloucestershire, was broadcast on Boxing Day and can be found 2hrs 46mins in.

– Image from bbc.co.uk