Prepare to explore the world of how to play Monopoly Junior, where joy knows no bounds. Step up to the world of real estate, where you will be greeted by colourful tokens, entertaining characters, and thrilling amusement rides. Let us begin a thrilling adventure of both joy and learning. 

Monopoly Junior is more than simply a game, it’s a magical experience where every player becomes a champion and every moment is filled with the excitement of friendly rivalry. 

Are you willing to build a tiny estate empire that is full of fun, obstacles, and unforeseen turns? If you answer with a resounding “YES!” you’re in for a treat.

1. It’s Timeless Journey

The story began in 1990, when Park Brothers had started developing the Monopoly Junior game which was specifically designed and marketed for players aged 5 to 8. The game aimed to simplify the complex world of real estate into a vibrant and understandable format. 

Just like Monopoly, it also includes buying properties, collecting rent, and making challenging but fun decisions, but with a playful twist. 

Through time, this board game has added a unique feel to the gameplay. The themes were created with children’s imaginations around the world in mind. It not only evolved from a simple board game to a fun tool but also became learning about economics and money management for the little ones. 

This money game was revised in 2013 where tokens were replaced with blue ship, green car, orange cat, and black dog. In place of ticket booths, cardboard “sold signs” bearing caricatures of the player tokens were used. The medium of exchange also saw transformations. Single denominations of “Monopoly Money” were utilized in place of dollars and pounds.  

2. How To Play Monopoly Junior: The Rules

Before jumping into setting up the board and playing the game, let us look into how to play Monopoly Junior : the objective, what comes with the box, its gameplay, and the special rules. 

2.1. Objectives:

The game’s fundamental goal is to win. But who wins? Whoever is the wealthiest!

However, it is not the only objective of the game. This game’s appeal can also be linked to teaching important life lessons while assuring family entertainment. It encourages the younger ones to strategize and maintain healthy competition (only if you want to!). 

2.2. Components: 

Once you open the box of mystery, you will find a board, 4 tokens, 20 Chance Cards, 48 Sold Signs, 90 Monopoly notes, 4 Who’s your token Character cards and 1 die. 

Even though the box only provides a single die, you may also play the game using dice (two single die).  

2.3. Gameplay: 

First and foremost, the players have to choose a token, that is, their character. Then each player gets an initial amount to start the game. For a two-player game, they get 20 Monopoly money, for a three-player, 18, and 16 for a four-player. 

Then they start taking turns clockwise. But how to determine who will start first? Well, the youngest player is the one who starts first and from left.

Then the player rolls the die or dice. Depending on what number you get, you move your token on the spaces clockwise and never backwards, from the go space! Every time you go around the board and pass or land on GO, you get to collect 2 Monopoly money. 

Whenever the players land on an unowned space, they must purchase it and put their ‘sold sign’ on it to indicate that the player owns it. The player ‘must’ have the amusement marked. 

In case the players land on a space owned, then the same player must collect rent from him/her, which is shown on the space. If the owner owns the property of the same colour, then the player must collect double the rent. 

2.4 The Other Spaces:

2.4.1 GO:

As mentioned before, whenever a player lands or passes through go space, then the player receives 2 monopoly money.

2.4.2 Chance:

If a player lands on the Chance Space, then he/she must pick the top chance card and follow the instructions given. Once done, the used card must go down in the pile to avoid repetition. 

2.4.3 Go To Jail:

A player must ‘go to jail’, once landing on this space. If the player is crossing the Go sign, then he/she is not allowed to collect the 2 monopoly money. 

The player must pay 1 monopoly money or use a “Get out of the Jail Free” card in order to leave the jail. However, the player can keep receiving and giving the rent while in jail. 

2.4.4 Just Visiting/ Free Parking:

The player is not required to do anything when landed on these spaces. The player is simply visiting and waits for their turn. 

3. Special Rules:

 The game also consists of some special rules that need to be followed by the players. 

1. If a player is not able to pay the rent, then he/she must either declare bankruptcy or mortgage their properties. This way the player who has the most money wins. 
2. A player cannot trade, that is, buy or sell any properties with the other players. 
3. When a player declares bankruptcy, the game ends. 

4. The Standard Monopoly Junior (1990) Rules:

How to play Monopoly Junior but the standard game (1990)?

1. The first rule that makes both of the standard games different is regarding which player will take the first turn. In the original junior, the player who rolls the highest number on a die or dice will play first. 
2. The spaces on the board also make the two differ. The rules for owning an amusement space ( or property as it is called now) are the same, however, there are new spaces that were there on the board game earlier. A space called “Railroad” is where the player can roll again and move his/her token ahead. “Fireworks or Water Show” is the space where the player needs to pay 2 Monopoly money on Mr. Monopoly Loose Change. “Go to the Rest Rooms” is the space where the player must pay 3 Monopoly money on Mr. Monopoly Loose Change. “Mr Monopoly Loose Change” is the space where if the player lands, then he/she will be rewarded with all the money that is put into that space. 
3. The chance card has a card called “Free Ticket Booth”, where the player can claim a vacant amusement of the colour that is indicated on the card or remove another player’s ticket booth of the same colour.

4.1 Can ‘Most Money Wins’ Win With Advanced Rules?

After exploring the rules on how to play Monopoly Junior, how about trying to challenge yourself by using these rules:

1. If you don’t have enough money to pay rent or fines, pay off the debts using the assets you own. 
2. Your properties will be passed to another player if you owe them money. If you owe the bank, you lose the property and it is put back on the market.
3. The game will be over if you are still unable to pay. Everyone will then count their money, and the one with the most wins.  

5. Set It Up!

We know now how to play Monopoly Junior and win it, so let us learn to set up the game. 

The first thing you should look for once the box is opened is for the rectangular board. Open the game board and place it in the middle of the players. 

Then you find the Chance card, make sure to shuffle them, and place them in their space on the board. 

The four tokens are taken and chosen by the players, depending on the number of people playing, and are placed on GO.

Each player is also given the 12 sold sign cards that match their token, which is only used when they buy a property. 

Finally, one player will be chosen as a Banker to distribute money and keep an account. He/She will also deal the cash to all the players.

In a two-player game, every player gets 20 Monopoly money.

In a three-player game, every player gets 18 Monopoly money.

In a four-player game, every player gets 16 Monopoly money.

6. Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

When a player declares bankruptcy, the game ends. The winner with the most cash wins once all the other players count their money.

In cases of tie, the players will count the worth of their properties and add them to their wealth. 

With this, players recognize the important lessons gained from the game as well. The game is not just about winning but also having an understanding of basic money management, decision-making, and maths skills. Knowing how to play Monopoly Junior develops abilities that go well beyond the playing surface, easing young minds into the complexities of the real world.

7. How to Play Monopoly Junior As A Beginner?

Knowing how to play Monopoly Junior as a beginner is a delightful experience that gives the young ones an understandable start to the world of real estate and economics. 

Firstly, as a beginner, the player will learn to set up the board game and be familiar with dealing the cash.

The next step is to understand the standard rules, that is, which player will play first, the token will be moved clockwise, there will be buying of properties, collecting rent, and having the most money to win. 

The player should also be attentive to the chance card. They are supposed to pick only one card whenever their token lands on the chance space and follow the instructions written on it. The card is next placed at the bottom of the deck. You never know what a chance card may have, so be ready for everything!

And lastly, the game ends when a player declares bankruptcy, and the winner is the one who is the wealthiest!

8. Tips For Novice:

Now that you know how to play Monopoly Junior, here are some tips you can follow as a novice:

Invest in the properties that are regularly landed on, such as those closer to the starting point.

Do not forget to keep track of your finances and budget your expenses carefully to prevent bankruptcy.

At last, take note of the chance cards. They are a powerful component of the game as they can alter the game dynamics. Modify your strategy by the rules written on the cards. 

9. Difference Between Monopoly Junior And Monopoly

10. To Conclude

In the world of Monopoly Junior, the young ones set off on an exciting journey where their imagination meets their strategic decision. As the game progresses, it evolves from being a board game to a world of engaging exploration and enlightening lessons. 

So now that you are aware of how to play Monopoly Junior, why not challenge your friends to the finish line while also having fun and learning new things? Well then young tycoons, keep dreaming big and play even bigger till the next time the dice are rolled!

Last Updated on March 3, 2024 by Anuja.V