Latest news with #gameNights
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Monopoly fans mindblown after discovering why the game takes so long to complete
GAME nights can often descend into chaos and rows over hotly debated rules. And now a lesser known Monopoly step has been brought to light, shocking the internet. 2 Whether your family members bend the rules or take the game too seriously, Monopoly has become a classic staple of game nights. The 1903 board game is known to drag on for hours, and in some cases days, but an overlooked rule can help it end much sooner. Monopoly is actually supposed to last just 60 to 90 minutes but a common mistake is making it last much longer. The unknown rule can dramatically change the game's trajectory and even speed it up considerably. This revelation recently resurfaced on the Triple M Breakfast show, when Beau Ryan admitted he'd had a "realisation the other day" while playing Monopoly. The presenter explained that he had been playing with his son and after landing on Park Lane, the second priciest property on the standard UK board, he chose not to purchase it. His son then said he was "buying it" instead, leaving the radio personality confused. "Hang on champion, you can't buy that, you didn't land on it," he told his son. However, the young boy insisted that if a player lands on a property but chooses not to buy it, it then goes up for auction. After scanning the rule book, the presenter was taken aback to learn his son was right. I thought it was Monopoly money,' admits man who found $8k cash in a pile on road – what he did with it was a surprise "If anyone lands on a property in Monopoly, and they don't buy it, the other plays can auction it," he confirmed. His co-host Cat Lynch admitted that she also "didn't know that", adding: "You've blown my mind". The radio show discussion went viral on TikTok, totalling 1.3 million views. People shared their thoughts on the revelation in the comments section. "Bruh, that's why it always took hooooours for us to finish," wrote one baffled viewer. "Oh damn, I think I owe my kids an apology, all this time I thought they were trying to cheat," said another person. "Wow, been playing it wrong my whole life," a third TikTok user admitted. However, others insisted that this was a commonly known rule of the game. "P***es me off when people argue against this rule. Game goes on for months if you ignore it," said one radio listener. "I'm a rules girl and am 100 percent a Monopoly girl. I love the Auction rule," wrote another person. The official guidelines dictate: "Whenever a player lands on an unowned property he may buy that property from the Bank at its printed price. "If he does not wish to buy the property it is sold at auction by the Banker to the highest bidder." 2
Geek Girl Authority
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
How Game Nights Became the New Group Therapy for Nerds
With so many distractions from phones and screens these days, people are looking for ways to actually connect with others. Game nights that involve tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, storytelling games, or cooperative board games aren't just about rolling dice or winning points anymore. For many in geek and gaming circles, these gatherings have become a way to hang out, share stories, and even unwind emotionally. Why Structure Matters Unlike casual get-togethers, game nights offer something uniquely grounding: structure. That structure— like a rulebook, a mission, or a character sheet—creates a shared context. It gives everyone at the table a reason to be present, participate, and contribute. In a group setting, this form of structured interaction lowers social barriers. It provides introverts a defined role, extroverts a safe spotlight, and everyone else a reliable rhythm for interaction. This kind of order and predictability can be oddly comforting—much like how some people find routine in everyday habits such as checking the morning weather, scrolling through news headlines, or even taking a moment to check out Keno results online. These small rituals give a sense of control and anticipation, similar to the way structured game nights build shared expectations and engagement among players. Emotional Skills in Play When players assume the roles of characters—complete with backstories, goals, fears, and flaws—they begin to exercise emotional muscles that aren't always used in everyday life. They make decisions based on empathy, develop conflict resolution skills, and explore emotional depth through their characters' arcs. For example, when a player role-plays a character going through grief or making peace with a rival, they may process their own feelings in a safe, fictional context. Game masters often create scenarios that push emotional buttons—intentionally or not—and players react in ways that feel real. This improvisational storytelling builds emotional awareness and promotes a nuanced understanding of others. Healing Game Nights TTRPGs and cooperative board games are increasingly used in both casual and community-building settings. While not therapy in the clinical sense, many participants describe game nights as cathartic, affirming, and restorative. They offer a break from daily responsibilities and an invitation to experience joy, challenge, failure, and success in a welcoming environment. This change has been especially noticeable in geek communities, where shared interests and emotional safety often go hand in hand. Actual-play podcasts and livestreams have helped normalize vulnerability, creativity, and emotional expression at the gaming table. What Your Group Says About You Group chemistry at the table often mirrors real-life, sometimes more closely than expected. Is there a natural leader who takes charge during every mission? A quiet observer who comes through in clutch moments? The class clown who keeps things light? These roles can reflect how friends interact outside the game—and sometimes challenge them to grow. A hesitant speaker might find their voice in-character, while a dominant personality might learn to step back and listen. The game world becomes a space where social roles can be explored, tested, and even rebalanced. The Real Power of Play What starts as a night of fun often becomes something more: a shared ritual. At their best, game nights offer more than entertainment—they create a dependable time and space where players can show up, contribute, and connect. Book Review: STAR TREK ADVENUTRES 2E TECHNICAL MANUAL
