If you find yourselves fighting it out over the apparently obligatory Christmas game of Monopoly (other board games are available) you can always adopt a mediation technique and question the offending person(s) about what it is they really want, in my case the answer will always be “to not have to play this game”.
An alternative method of help (a mediation hotline 0800 689 4903) has been set up by the makers of Monopoly to help families who are having punch ups over Pall Mall and fisticuffs over Fenchurch Street.
In a bid to grab some headlines and no doubt help sales a survey is reported to have found that most Monopoly games end in a dispute.
Craig Wilkins, Marketing Director of Hasbro UK & Ireland has advised "We'll have experts on hand with the official rulebooks to instantly settle any disputes, and advice on how to resolve common complaints, with each person also having the opportunity to make a donation to Childline when they call."
The report lists the top 10 Monopoly arguments and I’m not looking at anyone in particular (because they know who they are) when I say I have seen them all:-
making up rules
being too cocky when winning
buying a property you want, even when they don't need it
taking too long to take their turn
stealing from the bank
deliberately mis-counting your move
choosing the banker
property auctions in general
choosing a token
the rules for various squares including Free Parking
The hotline is only open from Christmas Eve to boxing day so when you fall out in the new year you may want to give Northwest Mediation a call on 07931318347 or via email at ed.johnson@northwestmediation.co.uk
Northwest Mediation also deals with more serious disputes for companies, commercial organisations, family businesses and individuals, whether it's family problems, inheritance arguments, employment issues or fights with the neighbours we're here to help.
Happy Board Gaming