danzbar/video games

If you've ever walked away from a game of Monopoly vowing not to talk to someone for the next few weeks or at least until they issue a formal written apology, these are some rules to consider. They are interesting ways to make Monopoly more fun as well as fair. I especially like:

* You may only trade Title Deeds, cash, and GET OUT OF JAIL FREE cards. You can't trade anything else, like "immunity" from paying rent if a traded property is landed on, or a promise not to build houses in the future. (THE MONOPOLY COMPANION: Chp 2, The Rules Explained)

* All trades are based on assets owned at the time of the trade. No options or immunity from paying future rents may be granted, nor may partnerships be formed. (THE MONOPOLY COMPANION: Chp 6, Tournament Monopoly & How You Can Play It)

* No Easy Monopolies - When you land on the third unowned property in a monopoly, you may not purchase it outright if you own the other two properties. Instead, it must be sold at public auction (in which you can participate).

* Auction the Start Order - Bid [in $5 increments] for the right to go first, second, and so on.

* Less Chance, More Taxes - Get rid of the Chance/Community Chest cards. When someone lands on property assessment cards, *everyone* is taxed $25 per house/$100 per hotel for each property they own on that particular row.

It might just prevent murder.

Google's first result for "video game poetry". Some are really amusing.