Monopoly, Baby!!

I love Monopoly. Maybe it's my love of money and winning that fuels my desire for competitive play. I've caught myself smelling the fake bills before (embarrassing!). There are so many wonderful things about this game: #1 I usually win. It is very much a game of strategy. Well, alright, so it's mostly luck. #2. You get to buy property: how fun is that? Especially in the new themed editions that they keep releasing. Seattleopoly is the best! #3. You get to handle fake money and pretend it's real #4. The little pieces are charming and they're actually made of metal-versus the plastic things they spring on us nowadays. #5. Alliances can be forged, cheating is encouraged, and if you get up to pee you're probably going to be missing a few bills when you return to gameplay. 

The only downside to this fabulous game is the time it takes to play. Now, for me, who can be categorized as an any-time, any-day avid player, this little set-back is a no-biggie. But, I have found, for others this is a huge deterrent. So, finding a group who's ready to get their game-on has, at times, been difficult. I have noticed with our increasing age, my  peer group is less-likely to be willing to play long, drawn out games. Most games don't take as long as Monopoly, so they're voted on over my beloved game when it comes time to decide which one to play. 

Time is definitely a factor, not only for those who have decided to begin playing, but for the actual gameplay itself, as well. In the beginning, gameplay is rapid. Roll, buy, go to jail, roll, buy, have a freak-out over how quickly your money depleted: then, once all the properties have been bought-up, the "waiting for doom" commences. Inevitably, overtime, someone's money supply will slowly dwindle as they repeatedly land on another's property. And, inversely, another's will grow with the added funds. Until, the dreaded words are uttered: "I'd like to buy hotels". And from there on out, it's dunzo for anyone not on Annie's team. So, like life itself, this game mirrors the everyday: it begins with rapid growth...holds stagnant... there's a slow decline..and then in one fell swoop, the game is over. 

This game is also reflective of the "real world" in that it is a game based on competition, money (or forms or trade), bribery, tears, elatedness, survival, partnerships, possessions, stagnation, decline, and eventually death. What a lovely thought. 

This game, surprisingly, gives great insight into my everyday life. Firstly, it shows that I revel in doing small things. I mean come on, it's just a game, but I love it! Secondly, my love for Monopoly is an insight into my temperament: I am able to slow down in a fast-paced world. Thirdly, alas, it's probably also a reflection of my productivity-level: three hours go by..what have I done? If it's a good day I beat someone at a game. :)