Free Banking Monopoly

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the concept of "free banking" and how it can be applied to improve the gameplay experience of board games like Monopoly. The author proposes allowing players to issue their own currencies and engage in arbitrary agreements, which can turn any board game into a game of diplomacy and negotiation.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Free Banking Rules

1. What is the key idea behind the "free banking" rules proposed in the article?

• Under the free banking rules, all players are allowed to issue their own currencies, which can be used in transactions between players, but not to pay in-game institutions.
• This allows for more complex negotiations and transactions between players, as they can use their own currencies or exchange rates to settle debts.

2. What are some examples of the types of transactions that can occur under the free banking rules?

• A player can pay another player's debt using their own currency, but the receiving player may demand a higher amount to accept the alternative currency.
• Players can also engage in forward contracts, options contracts, lease-to-purchase agreements, and variable interest-rate loans between each other.

3. What are the potential benefits of the free banking rules according to the author?

• It makes the game more fun and interesting by introducing an element of diplomacy and negotiation.
• It allows players to be more creative in how they manage their resources and transactions.
• It can lead to the emergence of interesting exchange rate dynamics and market behavior.

[02] Arbitrary Agreements

1. What is the author's proposal for introducing more flexibility and negotiation into board games like Monopoly?

• The author suggests allowing players to enter into arbitrary agreements with each other, which are not enforced by the game rules but rather based on an honor system.
• These agreements can include things like fractional property ownership, forward contracts, options contracts, and lease-to-purchase agreements.

2. What are the potential benefits of allowing arbitrary agreements in board games?

• It can turn any board game into a game of diplomacy, where players need to negotiate and cooperate to achieve their goals.
• It can introduce more complexity and strategic depth to the game, as players need to consider the implications of their agreements and the potential for betrayal.

3. What are some potential drawbacks or challenges with allowing arbitrary agreements in board games?

• If playing with a new group of people each time, the cost of being uncooperative may be lower, leading to more backstabbing and cheating.
• The game may become too complex and interlocked, making it difficult to ever reach a conclusion.