10 Games Better Than Monopoly - with Tom Vasel

Tom Vasel presents 10 games that are better than Monopoly!
00:00 - Introduction
01:32 - #10
02:12 - #9
02:50 - #8
03:20 - #7
03:55 - #6
04:11 - #5
05:03 - #4
05:39 - #3
06:06 - #2
06:38 - #1
BGG link: boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/1...
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Find more reviews and videos at www.dicetower.com

[@Randallsilver]

I thought this was going to be a 26 second video. "You know what's better than Monopoly? About 89% of all boardgames in existence. The end."

[@hardyworld]

A great start to this new series! I love that the recommendations were not numbered and were categorized by gaming elements. Looks like you put a lot of thought into your recommendations (same weight, player counts, similar mechanics, etc. as the game you are replacing); plus using a lot of classic games to replace a classic, brilliant! Looking forward to more episodes in this series.

[@Jonathan-rl8vv]

I'm SO glad you talked about Catan. That game gets a lot of hate, but it is THE perfect replacement for Monopoly mechanic-wise (trading, dice, building) and it is THE Monopoly of this generation based on sales/popularity. Easy to teach. Hidden depth. Always fun.

[@glenjust630]

This Dice Tower "Top Ten" list should go through the roof with # of views and hopefully bring some into the board game hobby or at least have them enjoy some great new games! Good job Tom!

[@EclecticCamel]

Agree, this is a great idea.

[@Trixuss]

I fell like Ticket to Ride its a nice game for Monopoly lovers, it has the set collection aspect, the feeling of building toward something, also the fact that you are trying to buy the roads you need while also blocking other players possible routes, like in monopoly you can buy a property just to mess with the other player game plan. Better yet, Ticket to Ride has no player elimination, plays in like half the time monopoly does and features secret objectives that can turn the tide, so you stay engaged the whole game and its super easy to learn.

[@johchadow]

I was expecting to see Power Grid on this list. It's one I always recommend to any Monopoly lovers (or haters).

[@gheilers]

Exactly. That would be my first choice. Players build an "empire" by collecting properties and resources within a board representing a known geographical area, and make money off of them. How much more Monopoly-ish can you get?

[@vboh2729]

There are definitely games I would consider to be prerequisites to Power Grid (e.g Catan or Ticket to Ride). But if people enjoy the economic, number-crunchy aspects of Monopoly, Power Grid is a perfect fit and isn't an overly complicated game to learn.

[@snugglyjeff214]

Power Grid is basically monopoly, but instead of the randomness of taking a spot, and profiting from it through luck...you basically bid on a plant, feed it resources, and power cities you bought. If you got the best power plants, and managed your city and resource spending, you make lots of money. It completely removes the aspects of monopoly that make people despise each other, and replaces it with lots of player interaction and competition. It is my favorite board game so far.

[@ptsnorthern]

Is this going to be a new series? If you are, I bet clue would be a good one to do.

[@ericspeek]

Yes... and one about Life as well.

[@Noonycurt]

Yes. Each week Tom will present 10 games that are better than Monopoly. ;)

[@BuffaloEdward]

Noonycurt that could be a VERY long running series.

[@RGcrasyRG]

And codenames or munchkin, tee-hee-hee.

[@themaster408]

Mysterium, done.

[@gamera2351]

Wow! The intro and ending of the video are very fancy. The Dice Tower is getting really professional looking. Love it.

[@illu45]

Maybe just me, but the intro and outro music seems a bit loud. Great list though!

[@Jeff321]

Good picks! I would add Colosseum. Set collection, money management, trading, roll and move, auctions, empire building, it's pretty much all there.

[@Power-Mad]

Stockpile and Chinatown are my permanent replacements for Monopoly. Chinatown is perfect for boiling a game down to nothing but the deal making aspect. A very social game that very much supports the bad deals Monopoly doesn't actually mechanically support. However, it is extremely focused on just making money like crazy. Stockpile is my game for really trying to balance out the spending money to make money and trying not to go too far broke but still stay in the game acquiring new stuff.

[@almsthvn]

I really REALLY like this series! SO many people hear about gaming conventions (we go to Origins and GenCon) and ask me "what do you do, play Monopoly all day?" *blank stare. So now I'll just show them this vid!

[@joeliodos3007]

Great animation. Great intro Tom. Great flow. Over all a big step up!

[@warmachineuk]

Throw out your copy of Monopoly, go to a major book store and buy a copy of Ticket to Ride.

[@hectormacias4351]

I'm with you man

[@Lugo428]

@Fnord Fnordington you have a card that's basically an objective to you. All you're doing is collecting the cities on your card with your trains.

[@TheDeathOfLucifer]

@Fnord Fnordington you buy a ticket and gtfo you Monopoly hater!

[@ataru4]

Yeah, but do any of those games allow you to be a boot or or clothes iron? ;-)

[@TrackerRoo]

Asa Stewart It’s not legit unless you can be a wheelbarrow

[@Scorcher505]

I always get a Monopoly vibe from Lords of Vegas

[@MichaelZipkin]

Agree 100%! Not really sure why Tom omitted Lords of Vegas from this list, it's absolutely a Monopoly killer.

[@dreemweaver6664]

Absolutely! There have been many people that have played Lords of Vegas at our Barnes and Noble game nights that say "Wow, this game feels like Monopoly but so much better."

[@arbiggerstaff]

Totally agree, feels like monopoly done right. Maybe it was a bit too complex for this list? I was expecting it to be #1!

[@republikadugave420]

I was thinking the same thing... Also new york 1901...

[@BlimpMcGee]

Kudos on the new style Tom, glad to see you're always innovating

[@kevincraig4415]

My family has been kind of stuck getting past Catan and Machi Koro as far as games that click with us. I'll definitely give a few on this list a try.

[@luisvaldes4248]

Can you do a video on games with a rummy mechanic like phase 10?

[@80gradescrewball58]

I like the idea of trading in monopoly. They need to redesign it to include bidding and/or card drafting. And get ride of roll the dice and land somewhere mechanic

[@hectormacias4351]

I would have included "Ticket to ride" since the goal is to compete against others to control routs.

[@TheRealSdog]

Another great game is called "game of 49". It has the bidding/ auction mechanic. Takes about 30 min. Also, it used to be $20 but it's now on clearance at Target for $6. A steal!

[@victorgonzalez2927]

There is a Steam game called Goblins Inc. that captures the essence of Monopoly and expands on it. I really love the game and wish they would make a board game version of it. I'm surprised you didn't mention Citadels. Thats a great game! You've used Can't Stop on your "10 games better than Uno" already!

[@d.b.gaston665]

I'm surprised that Power Grid didn't make it onto the list since I think that's the best "gamer version of Monopoly" I've played. Ticket to Ride and Lords of Waterdeep are a couple of lighter Monopoly alternatives I would recommend. There's also Talisman if you just want to play a roll-and-move game that drags out for a long time. I personally don't, but YMMV.

[@adamkenney6932]

One game that I've seen great success with for friends that enjoy Monopoly is Food Chain Magnate. I think a lot of the charm of Monopoly is that competitive business strategy angle where players are really building an economic powerhouse however they can. It's just that Monopoly's game engine is pretty limiting whereas Food Chain Magnate busts the doors off of expectations by being extremely flexible and sandbox-y, as well as having an enormous amount of strategic satisfaction. And it's really been amazing how approachable the actual mechanics of FCM are, even to non-gamers. So far it's really been a surprise hit for my typically game-averse friends.

[@adamkenney6932]

but, of course, it's super expensive.

[@oLynXs]

FCM is a fantastic game, but i think it is a bit heavy for the kind of games he is recommending in this list. Sure you can make it work with friends, but there is no way im playing FCM with my family they would hate it! Still FCM 10/10 game!

[@adamkenney6932]

For sure. His list is much more family friendly and light, so it wouldn't really fit the list, because the joy in FCM is found in the dense strategic decisions and wealth of options. I've just always thought Monopoly is the strangest game because it's considered family friendly and is generally accepted as a simple game, but it just seems so dry and over-complicated. Maybe I'm trying to say that, for me, FCM takes whatever economic charm that is in Monopoly to the next level and, in my opinion, is more approachable than first impressions would make it seem. In any case, this is a great list!

[@micahgmiranda]

It's not in print

[@markusschmidt9260]

But it is up for preorder at the publisher's site and will be back in print early in 2018. Also it is not THAT expensive, considering the amount of game, you get out of it. It's good with 2 players and great with 3 to 5, so you will get a lot of opportunities to play it, and, like said, it is very approachable, even with non-gamers. The strategies are deep, but the rules are actually rather simple to understand. Would agree, this was the first game, which came to my mind as a "great replacement for Monopoly".

[@MystiqWisdom]

Was waiting for Lords of Vegas, but towards the end I had a feeling he forgot about it. I just played that yesterday! Anything is better than Monopoly, but LoV has property management, trading almost anything between players, buying, gambling, collecting sets, etc...

[@MjrLeegInfidel]

Great video guys, hit the nail on the head for newer gamers. You avoided the incessant monopoly hate which drives folks away from joining the hobby. Well done

[@revimfadli4666]

This aged well lol

[@antonieschwartz]

I like this fresh approach! Great work, Derek!

[@cartoon80s90s]

I think a video titled "10 Games More Boring Than Monopoly" would be more challenging to make, but I appreciate the effort Tom put into the video.

[@Trevin_Taylor]

cartoon80s90s what would be the point of that?

[@jensschmidt3687]

I loved the money aspect of monopoly as a kid and the best replacement for me is 18xx (1830, 1889, 1856, 18EU, 1854, 1849, 1817,..). I have not yet played Food Chain Magnate or Container who I think might be right up there in economic game quality.

[@shady610]

chinatown addresses a lot of these options. dealing, empire building, money, set collection. really is a solid game.

[@AmbersKnight]

Interesting choices although I agree with others in being Surprised that Power grid wasn't listed as that's the one I own so I don't feel the need to play Monopoly.

[@BoscoBlood]

Guys just playTicket to Ride honestly. You collect sets, while building something (a very big railroad), having a sense of accomplishment. Also, it's for entry level players

[@aceman0000099]

But trains are boring

[@SuperQBoi]

Surprised New York 1901 didn't make it on your list. Whenever I introduce someone new to that game I always tell them that it's the game Monopoly should've been ;)

[@nedeljkodukic7279]

One great replacement for regular monopoly is Monopoly Deal the card game. I found it much more interesting and much less based on luck but rather your decisions.

[@logspga]

I really hate when people use the "too long" reason for not liking monopoly because more then not, they are playing with all the house rules that adds money to the games economy, more you add, the longer it takes for people to go bankrupt

[@paulgower4594]

While there are house rules which make the game considerably longer and worse, I find that the proper rules still result in a game that drags. Once the bidding and trading for properties has happened, there is precious little decision making left to do, just many turns of rolling the dice to see who lands on whose houses. Sure that part of the game might only last 30 minutes rather than 2 hours if playing by the correct rules, but that's still 30 minutes of non-interactive boredom. It makes it feel too long even when there are longer games out there that I'd not consider too long. There's so many good games that you get to make meaningful decisions from beginning to end. Some of which last 20 minutes. Some of which last 3 hours. Many of which are suitable for the 8+ age range listed on the monopoly box.

[@gheilers]

I guess those people should probably NOT be introduced to "Campaign for North Africa" or "Fire in the East." :-)

[@loki665zx9]

boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/1406/monopoly Rules you say? 60~180min...

[@ethanphilpot7643]

It's not the length of the game that makes it bad. It's entirely the fact that the game doesn't give you any choices

[@hectormacias4351]

Personally, what I don't like about monopoly is that it doesn't involve that much strategy rather than luck, at some point you're just throwing dice with no control of what happens. But to be fair I've never read the instruction manual. It's one of those game like UNO where you kind of inherit the rules.

[@1Lk3r1]

Very cool episode and hopefully format

[@jonathanredmonds]

Great idea for a new series of videos on board gaming. Learned about some games new to me as well! How about similar videos on Yahtzee and Stratego?

[@thedicetower]

Those are coming. :)

[@tawnyarasmussen1965]

Loved the format of this! So great!

[@davekoehnlein4575]

Really loved the intro!

[@woehrle17]

Oh my wow, that new intro is on point.

[@monomundo]

I wholeheartedly second your thoughts as monopoly has never been part of my collection. Century is on my wishlist, I have an itch to get Steam Park for some time and I will definitely check Burger Boss and Dice City.

[@Chaotic2W1]

I want a D&D game that progresses like the movement of monopoly. Instead of buying the property, you pull a card and roll to solve the encounter.

[@TimbotheNinja45]

Buz74 I know this is an old comment, but Talisman is pretty close to that, not D&D themed but still fantasy

[@6x6Majin]

I have never once finished a game of Monopoly. The game always ends well before that because everybody just gets bored or frustrated and people start intentionally selling everything to another player for nothing just to bankrupt themselves just so they can leave the game.

[@SheboyganLager]

I have finished many monopoly games. If it feels like it's going on and on then the game isn't being fully played. On many occasions I have finished Monopoly either within 1 or 2 hrs.

[@rorisxng]

Read the rule book. If you play with the actual rules (auctioning unpurchased properties) you will finish the game quicker. You can possibly even get a couple of games in .

[@johniv4063]

this is the 1st time ive ever seen you mention catan

[@drsquid8124]

Bonanza is another good replacement in terms of wheeling and dealing and has no dice at all.

[@BLDTHEGAMER]

Tom, how do you feel about Hotel Tycoon?

[@andrewb55555]

Lords of Vegas is the perfect monopoly killer. That & power grid have worked well for me with monopoly lovers.

[@Organous]

Considering the people most likely to see this video, it's unfortunate that Machi Koro's card are not depicted in English.

[@themaster408]

Thank you! I keep wondering what to tell people with "oh you like that part of Monopoly? Then try...umm...For Sale?" This helps!

[@shanelaporte]

This was a good idea Tom!

[@shapeoffour2319]

This game is so popular you could say it has the... *puts on glasses* Monopoly, over most afternoons

[@Kargalnor]

Of course you had to pick the one Number for Machi Koro where you can't get money if another person rolls it :D

[@jeffmcgehee5004]

Talisman (and it's many expansions) is fun if you like roll & move games. Probably the closest in feel to Monopoly.

[@neverboardofgaming]

This top 10 better games idea is great! You should do Yahtzee, Jenga, and Sorry next 😁

[@Blazemore6]

How is Lords of Vegas and Chinatown not on this list?

[@kr00m]

How about Risk next? Memoir 44, Axis & Allies, etc...

[@rontalkstabletop]

Lords of Vegas? Vegas Showdown? I would add those to this list.

[@Zion-18]

Machi Koro is my go-to Monopoly killer. Las Vegas is another great substitute, though it's not exactly analogous. Monopoly fans seem to really enjoy it.

[@martin_kanz]

Great video, hope this attracts new people to the hobby

[@donotresussitate]

Breaking up the monopoly of modern board games Board games with Scott Go watch that and come back and watch this again.

[@JazzMan5000]

I'm very surprised that Lords of Vegas wasn't on this list.

[@user-xw6vf5nq2k]

Really good list 👍🏻 I think I will buy three of these games

[@TheDeathOfLucifer]

Century has a really cool card design

[@namrevo84]

Monopoly the card game (same theme but shorter), Bonanza (trading), quadropolis (city building)

[@paulcampbell5165]

IMO, Chinatown HAS to be on this list! It's Monopoly without the dice chucking. Pure negotiation for properties. It's my automatic recommendation.

[@deathtone1614]

Take a drink every time he says monopoly

[@zakumaster]

The music in the beginning was a bit loud and super distracting.

[@EclecticCamel]

That sound mixing in general is really bad.

[@chriswinston1223]

who cares really?

[@donaldmacleod4285]

I actually thought it was a massive improvement!

[@Mentat1231]

Excellent new series!!!

[@dzy2412]

If this is a new series, sign me up.

[@laurajase164]

No mention of monopoly deal?

[@stephenwalker1984]

Oneupmanship?

[@durrellbennett947]

I like the video but I would like it more if you went a little more in depth about each game and why it's better than monopoly. Like what specifically, in your opinion, it is that makes it better.

[@revimfadli4666]

If you like the trap-laying aspect of Monopoly, Marrakech might be a good replacement

[@printnplaythroughs]

This is such an amazing idea to get people into gaming

[@jeffgoss3351]

hotel tycoon is what monopoly should have been. Much smaller board and has hotels on inside and out.

[@steventhompson4840]

Our CC progams have a long way to go when "Hey folks I'm Tom Vassel" becomes "a book sometimes a**hole."

[@Bugman67]

What about China Town or Lords of Vegas?

[@O.G.Alphaborn]

Yes lords of Vegas

[@RicoCordova]

What about Great Western Trail? It's waaay better than all the games you mentioned. :P

[@TiroDvD]

Monopoly Deal is so much better than Monopoly. It's Monopoly but you do what you want instead of rolling the dice. Trade properties, get money, charge giant rents to make the others players bust.

[@RGcrasyRG]

Maybe people like monopoly because it is an easy (kinda) roll and move game which they were tought years ago?

[@primusinterpares5767]

Yeah but how bout Oneupmanship though?

[@EclecticCamel]

How is New York 1901 not on this list?

[@WebbFox]

Monopoly deal is a good replacement, 15min playtime and all the elements of monopoly without the bordem.

[@philheaton1619]

According to BGG, there are 14018 games better than Monopoly. Is this series based on finding a game around number 14000 that people have heard of, then picking tens games better than it?

[@peelyon1]

So many negative replies. It's clear that this series is meant to engage with a new audience.

[@user-vg2zk8kq4e]

when i listen to your voice and seeing your facial expressions you remind me of G.R.R Martin. Someone else?

[@kristiantornkvist2084]

Regarding Macho Koro I, and all I know who have played both, think Valeria Card Kingdom is miles better. Sitting turns and not getting a single thing is just not fun. Plays similar bot fixes all the wrongs Machi Koro has. And they didnt had to put out a "deluxe edition" to make the game okey quality since it allready had better to start with.

[@SheboyganLager]

Okay, I feel like all these games take one or 2 aspects of monopoly. I love every aspect of monopoly, to find a better game than monopoly it would have to contain at least all aspects of monopoly which is what I was expecting from this video. Monopoly can be played in a timely fashion and be very fun. You just have to find people who want to play the game, not people who are being dragged across the finish line.

[@NomadHokie]

SheboyganLager have you played all these games? If not, I’d give the ones you haven’t a try before writing them off. Nothing is going to be an exact replica of Monopoly, but I bet you’d still have fun. Also, Powergrid and Lords of Vegas seem to be worth a shot as well.

[@jozostepinec4303]

Shout out to Scott Nicholson?

[@patrickcrowthers8056]

closest monopoly but better game i have is Chinatown

[@yaktaur]

Very cool video

[@SirPoonga]

When are you going to do top 10 games where monopoly is better? :) i am surprised Lords of Vegas was not on the list. To me it is the most like Monopoly. The randomization mechanic (roll dice to move/draw casino card) is used to determime if something pays out (the space you land on/the casino you are in) or you get thr something (buy/auction property/get lot/casino tile). Both games also have trading and building up your property.

[@Trevin_Taylor]

SirPoonga why would they do that?

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

Mage Monopoly is pretty cool.

[@Bodyknock]

I could have sworn there was a Monopoly spin off Tom liked, can't remember the name though. Tropical Monopoly or something like that?

[@boardgamefangirl]

I think it's Monopoly Tropical Tycoon.

[@o4studio883]

so many games to replace just one

[@Steve-L]

I agree: Catan Aquire Can't Stop: although I would not compare this to Monopoly I disagree: Dice City: I disliked this game and had high hopes for it My recommendations: Lords of Vegas Power Grid or Power Grid the card game For Sale Modern Art (to be republished soon) M.U.L.E. Boomtown (unfortunately out of print)

[@gmoore6129]

Catan truly is an amazing gateway game. It was my gateway game, and I have since used it on other people.

[@snugglyjeff214]

I hate Catan. It's no better than Monopoly. Nothing worse than spending a turn rolling dice and not being able to do a damn thing if you don't get the right number.

[@sinancothebest]

Catan takes forever and is only for 4 players. 7 Wonders is like the ultimate gateway boardgame that applies the formula successfully.

[@gilbertomorales4402]

Machi Koro is the best replacement for my Monopoly, in my opinion.

[@freeheeler00]

I hate Monopoly, but it's the reason I've gone further into hobby boardgaming. I just knew there had to be better games out there and OMG is there ever!