Monopoly rules explained: banking, rent, auctions and jail

How the bank works

One player acts as the banker. The bank deals starting money, pays 200 salary each time a player passes GO, collects taxes and fines, sells properties and houses, and lends money through mortgages.

The banker's own money must be kept separate from the bank's. In MonoBoardBank the host plays this role and pays from the bank with one tap, so the two are never mixed up.

Paying rent

When you land on a property owned by another player, you pay the rent printed on its title deed. Rent doubles on unimproved properties when the owner holds the whole colour group, and rises with houses and hotels.

Railroads charge more for each one the owner holds; utilities charge a multiple of the dice roll. The owner must ask for rent before the next player rolls.

Taxes and fines

Income Tax, Luxury Tax and some Chance or Community Chest cards require paying the bank. Under the official rules these payments go to the bank, not into a Free Parking pot.

Property auctions

If a player lands on an unowned property and decides not to buy it, the banker auctions it to all players, including the one who declined. Bidding can start at any price and the highest bidder wins.

Mortgages

You can mortgage an unimproved property to the bank for the mortgage value shown on the deed. You collect no rent on it while mortgaged.

To lift the mortgage you repay the mortgage value plus 10% interest. All buildings in the colour group must be sold before mortgaging.

Jail

You go to jail by landing on Go To Jail, drawing a Go To Jail card, or rolling three doubles in a row. To get out, pay a 50 fine, use a Get Out of Jail Free card, or roll doubles within three turns. You can still collect rent while in jail.

Running out of money

If you owe more than you have, you must raise cash by selling buildings back to the bank at half price and mortgaging properties. If you still cannot pay, you are bankrupt.

If you owe another player, they receive your assets. If you owe the bank, your properties are auctioned. The last player left wins.

Common misunderstandings and edition differences

Many house rules are often mistaken for official ones:

• Free Parking is not a jackpot in the official rules
• Landing exactly on GO does not pay 400
• Unbought properties must be auctioned
• You cannot build unevenly within a colour group
• Starting money and prices can differ between editions, so check your rulebook