Key Takeaway
There are four ways that players can get out of jail in Monopoly:
- Use a “Get Out of Jail Free” card, which you can get from the Chance or Community Chest deck or buy/trade from other players.
- Pay a bail of 50 Monopoly dollars on your turn to immediately exit jail and continue playing.
- Attempt to roll doubles on your turn, which grants immediate release without any charges. However, you only have three chances to do this, failing which, you will need to pay the bail.
- Wait out a maximum of three turns, after which you will be released from jail, but will still have to pay the 50 Monopoly dollars bail if you fail to roll doubles by the third turn.
The chosen strategy should be situation-dependent, considering your financial position, the state of the game board, and other players’ property holdings.
Got yourself thrown in the slammer in Monopoly and now you’re trying to plan a great escape? In the land of Monopoly, serving time isn’t as dire as it sounds. There are several nifty ways to get out of jail, some involving a dash of luck, while others are a tad more strategic.
Table Of Contents
Use a Get Out of Jail Free Card
One quick way to get out of jail is to use a “Get Out of Jail Free” card. The “Get Out of Jail Free” card is one of the special cards you can draw when you land on a Chance or Community Chest space. If you’re lucky enough to pull this card from the deck, hold onto it! It’s an instant ticket to freedom if you ever find yourself behind bars.
Here’s the easy part: if you’re in jail and you have the “Get Out of Jail Free” card, you simply turn the card back into the deck during your turn, announce your get out of jail plan to your fellow players (preferably with a dramatic flourish), and then move your token as usual based on your dice roll.
If you don’t have the card when you’re sent to jail, you can actually buy or trade for the “Get Out of Jail Free” card with other players at any point during the game, even if you’re in jail. So, keep your eyes peeled and your negotiation skills sharp.
Pay the Bail
If the luck of the draw isn’t on your side and you haven’t managed to snag a “Get Out of Jail Free” card, your bankroll can still come to the rescue. In Monopoly, the jail isn’t quite as formidable as Alcatraz—you can buy your freedom.
To pay your bail, you just need to pay 50 Monopoly bucks. We know, it may sting a little to part with that cash, but when the alternative is sitting in jail while your opponents are scooping up properties, it’s usually worth it.
Here’s how it works: On your turn, before you roll the dice, announce to your fellow tycoons that you’re paying bail. Hand over the 50 Monopoly dollars to the bank (make sure not to throw the money at the banker, that’s just bad manners), and voilà—you’re out! Now, you’re free to roll the dice and move as normal.
Roll Doubles
If you’re feeling lucky, you can try to roll your way out of jail. In Monopoly, rolling doubles is like finding the key to the jail cell hidden in a cake. It’s a bit risky, but when it works, it’s oh-so-satisfying.
If you roll doubles on your turn, you get out of jail and can move forward the number of spaces indicated by your roll. No need to pay bail, no need for a “Get Out of Jail Free” card. You just roll the dice, cross your fingers, and hope for the best.
But, you only get three chances to roll doubles. If Lady Luck doesn’t smile on you after three tries, you’re going to have to pay the bail of 50 Monopoly dollars to get out of jail anyway.
Wait it Out
In Monopoly, doing a stint in jail isn’t an indefinite sentence. You’ll only have to serve a maximum of three turns behind bars. After that, whether you like it or not, you’re getting kicked out of jail. If you’re still in jail by the start of your third turn since being incarcerated and you don’t manage to roll doubles, you must pay the standard bail of 50 Monopoly dollars. Then, you move the number of spaces indicated by your roll.
This is a great strategy if you’re low on funds or if other players have created real estate nightmares on the board that you want to avoid. Keep in mind, though, that if you don’t have the money to pay your fine by the time the third turn is up, you must raise the funds to get out of jail.
So, whether you’re biding your time or simply out of other options, waiting it out is always a viable route to freedom. Just don’t forget, the goal is to monopolize, not to become the longest-serving inmate in Monopoly history.
Monopoly Jail FAQs
Now that you’ve got the main strategies to break free from jail, you might still have a few questions about the ins and outs of Monopoly’s clink. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I collect rent while in jail? | Yes, you can still collect rent in jail. Even though you're in jail, you're still a real estate mogul. Any opponent that lands on your property will have to pay up, just like normal. |
| Can I buy properties or participate in auctions while in jail? | Unfortunately, no. While you're in jail, you can't buy properties, houses, or hotels. Also, if an auction starts, you won't be able to participate. You're going to have to wait until you're free again. |
| Can I trade with other players while in jail? | Yes! You might be behind bars, but that doesn't stop you from wheeling and dealing. You can trade properties and cards with other players, including the "Get Out of Jail Free" card. |
| What happens if I roll doubles three times in a row? | If you roll doubles three times in a row, you don't get to celebrate your dice-rolling skills. Instead, you're sent directly to jail. No passing Go, no collecting 200 Monopoly dollars. |
Remember, Monopoly is just as much a game of strategy as it is of luck. Knowing the rules, especially the ones about jail, can give you the upper hand in your quest for property domination.
Life in the Clinker
And that’s how to get out of jail in Monopoly. Whether you’re relying on a lucky draw of a “Get Out of Jail Free” card, paying your bail, trying your hand at rolling doubles, or simply waiting out your sentence, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to navigate your jail time.
Remember, every strategy has its place and time, so make sure to evaluate your situation carefully before deciding on your jailbreak plan. The jail might be a dreaded spot on the Monopoly board, but it could also be a temporary lifesaver.
