Mental Floss

BOARD GAMES

The game ‘Monopoly’

Once designed to teach, preach, or persuade, these familiar board games now mask the strange historical forces that informed their conception.

Colin Scanlon








Do not pass go, do not collect $200.

After Ralph Anspach created an anti-monopoly game, he ended up in the middle of a controversial patent case with Parker Brothers over the history of ‘Monopoly’ itself.

David W Brown
















A Chicago-area family plays Scrabble, ca. 1952

Whether you’re a logophile or just enjoy casual wordplay, chances are you’re obsessed with Scrabble. Here’s what you should know about the game.

Erin McCarthy