So You Want to Mortgage in Monopoly? Hold onto Your Top Hat, Mr. Monopoly! (A Guide for the Financially Flexible, or Desperate)
Ah, Monopoly on the Nintendo Switch. A delightful digital version of the classic game where friendships are tested, dreams are crushed, and everyone learns a valuable lesson about ruthless capitalism (or at least, they should). But what happens when your shoe collection is dwindling and Boardwalk seems lightyears away? Enter the mysterious world of mortgaging!
Mortgaging 101: Turning Property into Quick Cash (with a Shady Side)
Mortgaging a property is basically like saying, "Hey Bank, hold onto this for a sec. I promise I'll get it back... eventually." In exchange for some quick cash (half the property's value), you flip the deed card over, and poof! No more rent for you. Sounds like a sweet deal, right? Well, hold your horses (or should I say, your plastic race car?) because there's a catch (or two, or three).
- Rent Radio Silence: That's right, as long as a property is mortgaged, you can't collect rent from unfortunate souls who land on it. So long, dreams of becoming a millionaire through strategic property placement!
- The Un-mortgaging Hustle: Want that sweet rent income back? You gotta pay the bank back the mortgage value plus an additional 10%. That adds up faster than speeding past GO twice in a row.
- Double Whammy: If you can't afford to un-mortgage a property, you might be forced to sell it at a discounted price to another player. Ouch!
When to Consider the Mortgage Shuffle
So, when is mortgaging a good idea? Well, like most things in Monopoly, it depends. Here are a few scenarios:
- Cash Flow Crisis: Facing bankruptcy? Mortgage a property (or two) to keep yourself afloat and buy another roll of the dice (and hopefully avoid landing on Park Place).
- House Flipping… Virtually: See an opportunity to snag a monopoly and build those rent-boosting houses? Mortgage a less valuable property to fund your real estate empire. Just remember, you'll need that cash back eventually to pay rent on your fancy new houses!
- The Psychological Play: Sometimes, strategically mortgaging a property can throw your opponents off their game. They might see a mortgaged property and think you're desperate, when really, you're just a cunning strategist with a plan (hopefully).
Just remember, mortgaging should be a last resort, not your go-to move. It's like using Monopoly money to buy real estate in the real world – probably not the best financial decision.
Now go forth, young millionaire (or soon-to-be bankrupt player), and mortgage responsibly!