Customer Reviews

The Monopoly Book: Strategy and Tactics of the World's Most Popular Game

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased Maxine Brady's book on Monopoly in an effort to glean more insight into Monopoly strategy and tactics. I found the book contained some of these items, but was mostly dedicated to a thorough explanation of the rules of the game.

While I did find the sections on rules mildly helpful, it seemed to me like most of it was common knowledge. Maybe I was the aberration who read the rules of Monopoly prior to playing, or having re-read many in heated debates over the game (including several that have required calls to Parker Brothers).

Brady's later chapters on Strategy, tactics, probability, etc. were a bit more insightful. For instance, the mathematical comparisons of the properties and the rates of return were a great idea. Unfortunately for me, the author's tables and calculations were slightly confusing or poorly explained. But it did serve as a good starting point for me to create my own spreadsheets with comparable data.

Brady also delves into a couple of strategies (i.e. the Pauper's Attack, the Prince's Restraint) which are interesting. But she leaves a lot out too. For example in each strategy, she either assumes a lot of knowledge or that certain conditions have been met (i.e. you already own monopolies of certain color groups, or have silly amounts of money). I wish more had been dedicated to early game recommendations such as what properties to buy or pass to auction, how much to wager on properties, etc. Perhaps this would have made the book too cumbersome, but any additional insights would have been helpful.

Overall, this was an enlightening book that opened my eyes to more of the strategies out there for Monopoly, but should be viewed more as a starting point (and book you can read quickly). There are other books out there that offer more detailed advice and factual tables on the game.

My parents got me this book when I was a kid. For the time, it was a good book, but does have some errors. Additionally, it has some relative values but they are strictly based a on a ROI (return on investment) standpoint. E.g. it evaluates property development based on the increase in rents, however this ignores some other issues such as the opportunity cost that the additional rent will impose on the other players. All in all it was good for the time, and the main other book out there is ok, but there has yet to be a very good book (in my opinion) on Monopoly strategy.

This is a great gift for those who love Monopoly and want that little edge that might put them over the top. It starts with a marvelous history of the game - its origins in the Great Depression and its growth from an evening pastime between friends. I was amazing that Parker Brothers initially rejected the game because -- in spite of its popularity among its employees -- it violated 50+ of their rules about board games!

I was impressed Maxine Brady's ability to simultaneously lay down the law about the way the rules are supposed to work (take note, if you are confused about getting out of Jail!) and her open acceptance of the little tweaks that make the game unique to every household. Brady just cautions that if there are house rules, they need to be publicized before game play. The section on weird ways to play Monopoly - underwater, etc. - testified to the mania that some have for the game. The strategies section will definitely give readers, whether prince or pauper, a boost and help them think through the way they play.

"Monopoly" is very readable, very understanding, and very instructive! A book recommended to Monopolists young and old, experienced and neophyte!

Everyone knows the rules until someone actually reads them and surprise. I never notice selling buildings or property until it is too late.
We all form strategy patterns and quirks early in the game. The main strategy is not to make any mistakes and to take advantage of other's faux pas.
Well I learned early on it is a good idea to purchase a book that helps one look at what they already know, but from a different angle. This is the book. It goes into detail better than just reading the rules, and taking chance cards. The strategy and tactics comes in handy when you are up against the pros.
The book is divided into sections:
1. Monopolia Curiosa
2. Understanding the rules
3. Strategy and Tactics
4. Epilogue: How to deal with Tantrums
It can't hurt to get the opinion of Maxine Brady

If you love MONOPOLY, I mean really love the game, then you should get this book. Strategy and tactics aside this is a good companion book to the game. After all, if you really love MONOPOLY and grew up with it and still play it, does anyone really have to teach you strategy? But, it sure is fun to read about all this stuff!