How to Play in 5 Minutes

Econopoly transforms Monopoly into a euro-style game by introducing resource collection, victory point scoring, and unique objectives that change every session. No more player elimination marathons.

Why This Exists

There is no game known to humankind that has caused more violence than Monopoly. Rather than abandoning this classic in favour of modern family-friendly games, we asked: how can we transform Monopoly into a euro-game whilst also introducing more realistic market conditions to bring variety to every session?

Econopoly is the first official modification published by Moddable.Games.

The primary design objectives are:

• Introduce euro-style resource management and victory point scoring
• Ensure that every game is different to the last by introducing unique objectives

Rule Changes

Regular Monopoly rules should be followed with the following exceptions:

• Replace Community Chest cards with the new Resource Deck
• Replace Chance cards with the new Event Deck
• On your turn you may either move, trade, or build

Move

Movement is normal. However, auctions that occur should be conducted blind, with each player having a single bid and the highest bid winning. All bids are considered spent, and belong to the bank. Any ties are resolved as traditional auctions would.

Trade

Trade allows players to trade properties, money, or resources with any players on the same side of the board as they are. They may only trade with one player, but may attempt to initiate trades with as many players as they are able.

Build

Build allows players to construct or remove houses and hotels as well as mortgage or repay mortgages, but only for properties within the side of the board they are at.

Free Parking

Free Parking and all other corner spaces are considered to be part of both sides cornered. However, players on Free Parking may trade with any player or build on any property, but if they do so, they must move on their next turn. Players may also select one resource if available.

Train Stations

Train stations are quite different from the original, providing two new features when moving:

• Pay to ride — spend one resource card per station (maximum of three stations)
• Pay for delivery — exchange three linked resource cards for a victory point

In both cases, the owner of the station may take one of the resources spent.

Events

At the start of the game, draw three events. These are the starting events. Whenever a player lands on a Community Chest or Utility, they replace one of the three events with a new one. If a “CRISIS” is drawn at the start, replace it and re-shuffle the deck before beginning active play.

Resources

At the start of the game, each player draws three resources. Whenever a player lands on a Chance, they may draw two resources, keep one, and place the other face-up on Free Parking. If sent to jail, resources are returned and shuffled back into the resource deck. Linked resources are not only used for victory points, but can also help with other tasks. Spent resources are removed from the game, but remain visible.

Components

The only major additions needed for Econopoly are two decks of (52) playing cards:

• Event Deck — this is where victory point objectives and game-changing rules are defined

  • Diamonds = Financial Events
  • Clubs = Transportation Events
  • Hearts = Residential Events
  • Spades = Construction Events

• Resource Deck — used for various things (do not necessarily need designs)

  • Diamonds = Financial Resources
  • Clubs = Transportation Resources
  • Hearts = Residential Resources
  • Spades = Construction Resources

Other minor components that could help improve the new game flow include:

• Pen, paper, and an envelope for handling blind bids
• Tokens and (or) point tracker for victory points

Linked Resources

Linked Resources refer to specific sets of resources and can include:

• Pairs — Any two resource types of the same number
• Triplets — Any three resource types of the same number
• Trailing Triplets — Any three resources with three running numbers
• Organized Triplets — Three of the same resources type that are also running
• Trailing Group — Any five resource types with five running numbers
• Matched Group — A full house of resources
• Organized Group — Five of the same resource type that are also running

Linked resources can be exchanged at any train station, which in addition to the generic options to “pay to ride” or “deliver resources” can also be used in other ways:

• Pairs are worth up-to three when riding
• Trailing triplets are worth 2 VP when delivering
• Organized triplets are worth 2 VP and also avoid station owner payments
• Any group can be exchanged for 2 VPs
• Trailing groups can also be exchanged to allow immediate movement to any space
• Matched groups can be exchanged for houses on any space
• Organized groups can be exchanged for hotels on any space

In all cases, unless specified otherwise, the owner of a train station is able to select one of the resources that are exchanged as payment for using their station.

When spending groups on properties, the lowest number in the group is the total number of corresponding structures that can be exchanged and must be placed within the same area.

Winning Conditions

When the game is in the final round, it ends when any player passes GO. The game enters its final round when any of the following events occur:

• Any player is bankrupt
• The event or resource deck is empty

At this end, the player with the most victory points (VP) wins. In a tie, the most cash wins.

Event Cards

54 cards total (standard deck + 2 jokers). Three events are active at any time. Events are replaced when a player lands on Community Chest or a Utility.

Financial Events (Diamonds)

Transportation Events (Clubs)

Residential Events (Hearts)

Construction Events (Spades)

Jokers