We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Can you imagine what playing Monopoly without dice would be like? It would be impossible. I enjoy the dynamics of moving from one property to another, but I don’t see that happening without the dice.
We cannot over-emphasize the importance of dice in the Monopoly game. We need dice to move us from Free Parking to Chance or any property or utility within the Monopoly board. But how many dice should be used in Monopoly?
As we know, Monopoly has several editions and branded versions. Do they all use the same number of dice? As you read, you will learn about how many dice players are to use and everything you need to know about them.
Before we delve into the details, here is a quick guide on the number of dice.
Quick Guide on The Number of Dice In Monopoly
| TYPE | NUMBER OF DICE |
|---|---|
| Smaller versions of Monopoly | Uses one die, sometimes one with special rules. |
| Standard Monopoly | Usually uses two dice. |
| Speed die Monopoly | Added in 2007, lets you use a third die with special rules. |
Is Monopoly Played With 1 Or 2 Dice?
When following the classic game rule, players are to use two dice. As stated in the box above, other variations, like the Monopoly Junior, use one die. This version of Monopoly uses one die because it helps children play without the hassle of adding numbers. In 2007, Monopoly added rules for players who wish to use three dice.
In whatever version you play, you can set house rules to use a die or two or three dice. Monopoly isn’t a rigid game that doesn’t work once you don’t follow the outlined rules. You’re free to freestyle. Remember, though, that fewer dice result in longer games, and more dice, faster games. You make a choice.
Different Monopoly Editions Use Different Dice
Since the creation of Monopoly, there have been several versions and editions of the game. Some of these editions include special dice and rules for using them.
We will now dive to see the different dice in Monopoly, their rules, and how they likely impact the game.
Monopoly Junior
As we all know, Monopoly allows players from age 8 to adults. The Monopoly Junior is especially for these younger players. This version introduces young players to the game in a fun and simplified manner.
Monopoly Junior simplifies the game by having only a few spaces on the board. These few spaces result in introducing just one die to the game.
Using a die balances the game’s speed since the board has fewer spaces.
One die makes the game fun for children because they do not have to add dice numbers.
I played Monopoly Junior with my nephew a few years back, and to my surprise, he had great negotiation skills. Indeed, Monopoly Junior is a great way to introduce the game to young lads.
Speed Die
The Monopoly Mega Edition saw the introduction of the Speed Die in 2006. Since its introduction, it has reached the standard edition in 2007. Also, many other licensed versions of the game feature the Speed Die.
I’m sure you’re dying to know more about the Speed Die. Well, players use the Speed Die when they want the game to go faster. They roll the Speed Die alongside the other dice to get higher numbers and enable players to move their tokens faster.
However, there are a few rules guiding the Speed die.
When You Roll Numbers on Speed Die
When players use the Speed Die, if you roll one, two, or three, you simply add the number to the numbers from the normal dice.
Simply put, players add whatever number they get on the Speed Die to the numbers on the standard dice.
When You Roll Triples
If a player rolls triple ones, twos, or threes, the player may advance to any space on the board and end their turn; they do not get a second turn. If they pass GO, they collect $200.
You do not go to jail if you roll triples after you roll doubles two times in a row. You do not also get another turn.
Players cannot use the Speed Die to roll out of jail. You must use only two dice.
When You Roll Mr. Monopoly
When a player rolls Mr. Monopoly, he must first move according to the normal dice, but before he rolls again or hands the dice to another player, he must move to an unowned property. Players can decide to buy or auction the property. If no unowned property is left, you must move to the nearest unmortgaged opponent’s property.
If all opponent’s properties are under a mortgage, do nothing; simply end your turn.
When You Roll a Bus
On one side of the Speed Die is a bus. If you roll a bus, you can decide to move the value of one or both white dices. For example, if you roll a 5, 2, and a bus, you can move your token 5 times, 2 times, or 7 times.
If you roll a bus in the mega edition, move your token with either or both values of the white dice, and pick a bus card. If no bus cards are left, you may decide to move to the nearest community box or chance space. The advantage of rolling a bus is that it almost guarantees you will land on an unowned property.
Monopoly Empire
This version of Monopoly is famous for moving fast. For a two-player game, the total play time is around 30 minutes. Like other versions and editions of Monopoly, the idea is similar to the classic edition, only that players aim to buy billboards to fill their tower.
Each player starts the game with $1000. The game replaces properties with brands, and you purchase billboards of those brands instead of title deeds. If you land on a brand owned by another player, you pay them the brand’s value as indicated on their tower.
My favorite feature on this version is the Sneaky Swapper die, used by players alongside the standard white dice. This unique die has a handshake symbol on one side and is numbered from one to five on the other five sides.
If a player rolls the handshake symbol (Sneaky Swapper), he can swap the top billboards on any two towers. Swapping is a choice and not mandatory.
Monopoly Star Wars Episode II
In this version of Monopoly, republic credits are used instead of money. The board is Star Wars themed and comes with a unique Force Die. Players use this die to move two force tokens around the board. However, if you are unlucky and land on one, you pay a 200 credit fine.
Monopoly Rivals
Unlike other versions of Monopoly that allow up to 8 players, Monopoly Rivals is a 2-player version. The classic versions have about 11 spaces on each side, whereas Monopoly Rivals has only 6 spaces on each side. Hence, it’s a smaller board. Because the spaces are few, this version allows only one die.
Monopoly Jackpot
The Monopoly Jackpot is a different version of the game. Unlike the classic edition, the two dice in the Jackpot edition are not identical. This edition has a normal six-sided die and a Chance die.
The six-sided Chance die isn’t the ordinary type. On this die, the side with one dot is replaced with a question mark, while the other sides are numbered from two to six.
Like in the classic edition, you get a second turn if you roll doubles. Also, if you roll double thrice, you go to jail.
When a player rolls the ‘?’ side on the Chance die, he decides between picking a Chance card or moving his token with the number of spaces shown on the standard die.
Players are not allowed to take both actions; they must choose one.
Suggested read: Monopoly Chance Cards – Reward or Disaster?
Monopoly Here & Now
In this version of Monopoly, your objective is to fill up your passport by visiting the various cities in the US. The board also features various landmarks from across the United States. Monopoly Here & Now also has the Sneaky Swapper dice. This time players who roll the handshake side of the coin can only trade tokens with another player.
Monopoly Lord of the Rings
The idea of this version is to be the player with the most money or the last man standing. The board comes with iron tokens made from Lord of the Rings characters.
It also includes a special die with the Eye of Sauron in place of the side with one dot. Players move the One Ring forward into the following territory when the Eye of Sauron comes out face up. This move is especially the case when you play the optional special rule.
Free parking Toppling The Taxi Game
This mini-game aims to balance 5 cars on the board with none falling off. This mini-game comes with a unique eight-sided die. Six sides of the die have a different colored car; one has a Chance question mark and another a Go to Jail side. When a player rolls a Go to Jail, their turn ends.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monopoly Dice
Are Monopoly Dice Loaded?
The dice in Monopoly sets are not loaded. Even though sometimes you may feel the dice is against you, the truth is that the roll is random, and every side has an equal chance of landing face up. Roll with your other hand on your next turn if you feel like the dice is against you.
Who Rolls The Dice First in Monopoly?
My friends and I do a little exercise to determine who rolls the dice first in the game. We take turns rolling the dice, and the person with the highest number facing up gets to roll the dice first.
After the first player plays, the turn goes in a clockwise direction. Players can also decide to let the youngest player roll the dice first, just like in Monopoly Junior.
What Is The Size of Monopoly Dice?
The D6 dice come with every Monopoly board. They are usually six-sided and are white with black dots. Each dice measure 16mm across. Some Monopoly editions include a Speed Die, which generally appears larger.
Do You Roll Both Dice for Utilities in Monopoly?
Yes, players are to roll both dice. For utilities, the amount owed is determined from the total on the dice.
For example, if a player lands on an opponent’s Electric Company, if one utility is owned, rent is 4 times the amount shown on the dice. If both utilities are owned, rent is 10 times the amount shown on the dice. You surely get the gist now.
