Monopoly has stood the test of time – and there’s a reason for that. It’s one of those games that brings people together, sparks laughter, and sometimes even reveals your family’s most ruthless negotiators. We usually save it for moments when we’ve got a bit more time, as setting up the board and counting out the money deserves more than a rushed half hour before dinner.

Once we’re in, we’re in. The game can easily stretch to one or two hours, full of dramatic dice rolls, property deals, and occasional fits of laughter – usually when someone’s sent to jail (again). The race for railway stations is always intense, and Park Lane (or Schlossallee if, like me, you’re playing the German version) seems to bring out everyone’s inner tycoon.

What makes Monopoly special is that no two rounds are ever the same. Strategy, luck, and the number of players all shape the game in surprising ways. Sure, there are moments of frustration – like when you land on ‘Go’ only to lose your money straight after to income tax – but somehow, the fun always wins. For us, it’s not just about who ends up richest, but about spending time together and creating shared stories over the board.