Monopoly, one of the world's most popular board games, includes a "Go to Jail" mechanic that can significantly impact gameplay. Understanding the rules for going to jail and how to get out is crucial for any player. This article will cover the standard Monopoly rules for jail, as well as some variations found in expansions like the Monopoly Go to Jail Expansion.
Standard Monopoly Go to Jail Rules
In the classic version of Monopoly, players can be sent to jail in several ways:
Landing on the "Go to Jail" Space: If your token lands on the "Go to Jail" corner space, you must move directly to the Jail space.
Drawing a "Go to Jail" Card: Chance and Community Chest cards can also send you to jail.
Rolling Doubles Three Times: If you roll doubles three times in a row during your turn, you must go to jail.
Consequences of Going to Jail:
Your turn ends immediately.
You cannot collect $200 if you passed Go during that turn.
You cannot buy properties or pay rent for properties you would have landed on.
Life in Jail:
You can still collect rent from properties you own.
You can buy, sell, and trade properties.
You can mortgage properties to raise cash.
Getting Out of Jail:
Roll doubles on any of your next three turns. If you succeed, you move forward the number of spaces shown on your dice.
Pay a fine of $50 to the bank if you fail to roll doubles within three turns.
Monopoly Go to Jail Expansion Rules
The Monopoly Go to Jail Expansion introduces new mechanics to the classic game:
Going to Jail: The rules for being sent to jail are similar, but the expansion does not explicitly mention rolling doubles as a method.
Life in Jail:
You can collect rent, bid in auctions, buy houses and hotels, mortgage properties, and trade with other players.
You draw a Corruption card each turn you are in jail, which can be used on your next turn.
Getting Out of Jail:
You must pay M100 to the bank to leave jail. After paying, you roll the die and move forward.
You can choose to stay in jail for up to three turns to draw more Corruption cards.
Super Jail:
You can be sent to Super Jail by another player using Corruption cards.
You can get out of Super Jail by paying M300 to the player who sent you there or by giving them all the Super Corruption cards you drew while in Super Jail.
Conclusion
Understanding the rules for going to jail in Monopoly can enhance your gameplay experience. Whether playing the classic version or using expansions like the Monopoly Go to Jail Expansion, knowing how to navigate jail can be a strategic advantage. In both versions, jail is not a complete halt to your gameplay, as you can still manage your properties and make deals with other players. However, the expansion introduces new dynamics with Corruption cards and Super Jail, adding complexity and strategy to the game.