How to win a monopoly game

Know the odds. For
example, most players
make a complete lap
around the board in five
turns; you're likely to roll
doubles once in those five
turns (doubles happen
about 17 percent of the
time).
2. Buy smart. Always pick up
available properties if: (1)
no other player owns one
of the same group; (2) the
purchase would give you
two or three of the same
group; or (3) it blocks
someone else from
completing a set.
3. Remember that Illinois
Avenue is the square most
often landed on (not
including Jail). The B&O
Railroad also is among
those most landed on; Go
rounds out the top three.
4. Railroads are better to own
than utilities, but utilities
should be purchased if the
opportunity arises
(especially if you can get
both of them). Short Line is
the least useful railroad to
own, because it is visited
least often.
5. Get out of jail quickly early
in the game, even if you
have to pay the $50. Later
on, when moving around
the board is more
dangerous, stay in jail as
long as you can.
6. When you build, get to
three houses as quickly as
possible. The rent raises
significantly between two
and three houses. For
example, rent on Illinois
Avenue jumps from $300
to $750.
7. If you're stuck with low-
income properties, build to
four houses quickly to
create a building shortage,
hurting other players'
chances to build. 24 of 32
houses (or 6 of 12 hotels)
could be tied up on just six
properties.
8. Avoid mortgaging
properties where you own
two or more of the
properties. If one property
in a group is mortgaged,
you cannot build on any of
the properties in that
group.
9. The second set of
properties on all four sides
of the board is a better
investment. One reason:
houses and hotels cost the
same to build as for the
first set of properties, but
the rent is higher.
10. The trio of orange
properties is an excellent
monopoly to own because
of their relationship to Jail.
A roll of 6 or 8 (two of the
most common rolls) from
Jail lands you on an
orange.
Tips:
1. Show no mercy. If a
player is down, eliminate
him from the game. Luck
plays too big a roll in
Monopoly to risk a
comeback.
2. Don't forget that you can
buy houses, make trades,
etc., on your turn or
between the turns of any
other players.