Objective of the Game:
Provopoli is a satirical board game that criticizes the real estate industry, particularly the concept of gentrification. The objective of the game is to acquire the most properties and collect rents, thus driving other players into bankruptcy and gaining control of the board.
Setup:
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Set up the board: Place the game board on a flat surface and distribute the corresponding decks of cards (Event and Community cards) on the designated spaces.
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Select players: Choose a banker to manage the money. Each player selects a token and places it on the “Start” space.
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Starting capital: Each player initially receives a set amount of game money, usually 1500 money units, divided into different bills.
Game Play:
- Players take turns rolling two dice and moving their token clockwise around the number of spaces rolled.
- If a player lands on an unowned property, they can buy it, or it goes to auction if the player decides not to purchase it.
- If a player lands on a property that is already owned, they must pay rent to the owner. Rent can be increased by owning complete sets or by building houses.
Special Spaces:
- Start: Collect 200 money units when you pass or land directly on it.
- Jail: Go to jail if you land on the corresponding space or draw the “Go to Jail” card.
- Community and Event Cards: Draw a card and follow the instructions, e.g., paying or receiving money.
Gaining and Losing:
- The main way to generate income is by collecting rent from other players.
- Players can choose to mortgage their properties to raise money or sell buildings to pay off debts.
Strategic Focus:
- Buying all properties in a color set maximizes rent income, making trading with other players a key aspect.
- Risk and Reward: Aggressively buying properties also leads to significant debt risk.
Endgame:
- The game ends when all but one player are bankrupt. The last remaining player is the winner.
This explanation reflects the conceptual rules of a classic board game that stands out for its analogy to the real estate world and social critique.
