‘Snap up orange’: Monopoly-mad Leeds granddad’s tips to always beat your family
There are three little words that can spell doom at any family gathering: let’s play Monopoly.
However, if you are sick of losing when that iconic board hits the table, Leeds’ own world champion has revealed how to win every time.
Jason Bunn, 65, who is still the only Brit to be crowned Monopoly World champion, has a surprise tip for the ubiquitous game - always buy the ‘orange’ homes. His secret to victory is to buy up Bow Street, Marlborough Street, and Vine Street, because they offer the best return on investment.
The Monopoly-mad grandad also insists players should try to buy everything they land on - even if they don't want it - because stockpiling properties gives you the upper hand in negotiations.
Jason has spent more than four decades amassing one of the country's most impressive private collections. He added: "I'm very easy to buy presents for at Christmas - I must be the easiest in the world."
Featuring wartime editions and rare regional sets, his home is a shrine to the property-trading classic - with an entire wall dedicated to the game.
His name even appears on one of the Community Chest cards in the Leeds edition of the game, which reads: "Get Monopoly tips from World Champion Jason Bunn and collect £10."
This year marks the 90th anniversary of Leeds-based firm John Waddington Ltd producing Monopoly in the UK after securing the rights from America in the 1930s. He said: "I can't believe it has been 90 years.
"I won the World Championships in the 50th anniversary year - and that seems like a long time ago now."
Jason's journey to global glory began after spotting an advert in his local paper calling for entrants to regional heats. Out of 50 contestants, four were sent to London for the British Championships.
Jason, from Leeds, was the outright winner - earning a ticket to New York in 1985 for the World Championships, which he later won. From then, his childhood hobby snowballed into a lifelong obsession.
He said: "Whenever I went on holiday, I'd buy the local Monopoly edition like other people buy postcards."
Today, he owns around 500 boards - and reckons he's splashed at least £17,000 on them.
Among his treasures is a handmade Welsh edition featuring wooden inlay and solid silver pieces, commissioned after his world championship win and costing a staggering £700.
Another luxury set crafted by jewellers Mappin and Webb is worth around £1,200.
His rarest gem is a special Leeds-themed Monopoly produced by Waddingtons before the flood of regional editions hit the shelves. Only 500 were ever made.
Jason’s collection also includes themed boards inspired by Star Wars, Game of Thrones, X-Men, Coca-Cola, Elvis, Hamleys, Selfridges and even Poundland.
But he would not purchase every design. He said: "Usually, I won't get it if it's anything to do with children's modern popular culture."
He added that he would definitely steer clear of a 'Love Island' themed game.
When asked what keeps fuelling his passion, Jason admitted new releases are hard to resist. He explained: "When I see something new, I just have to have it."
The latest additions to his collection include commemorative stamps and a special 50p released to mark the 90th anniversary.
He said he still plays during family gatherings, adding that his 10-year-old grandson has just started to take an interest in the game. Surprisingly, Jason insisted that Monopoly does not need to drag on for hours to be fun.
In fact, he believes the optimum game time is just 30 minutes - and says family rows only erupt because people ignore the official rulebook.
With championships stalled since the pandemic, Jason said he would love another crack at the title if competitions return.
He added: "The popularity of the game is so enduring. What other trademark has been going for so long?"
Jason's top tips for winning at Monopoly
Snap up the orange set
The orange properties offer the best return on investment - especially as players frequently land on them after leaving jail.
Build to three houses quickly
Getting up to three houses on a set as fast as possible dramatically increases your earning power.
Buy everything you land on
Even if you don't want it, it could be valuable later in negotiations. The real skill in Monopoly is deal-making.
Master the art of negotiation
The more properties you hold, the stronger your bargaining position with other players.
Use jail strategically
Late in the game, when the board is full of danger spots, staying in jail can actually be a safe haven.
Don't put money on Free Parking
That's a made-up house rule and not in the official game - it just slows everything down.
Stick to the proper rules
Playing correctly makes the game quicker and less argumentative - Jason once managed two games in a one-hour lunch break.
Keep your cool
Don't alienate other players. If you get too aggressive, no one will want to strike deals with you.
Use the house shortage to your advantage
There are only 32 houses in the game - building up to four houses on each property can block opponents from developing theirs.
Every purchase and deal should be about strengthening your overall position on the board.