Students capitalize on free time with game

Money changed hands over a game table, dice rolled, and music played in the background at 7… Money changed hands over a game table, dice rolled, and music played in the background at 7 p.m. Sunday.

It wasn’t a casino in Las Vegas, but the area outside the Lower Lounge in the William Pitt Union, where the World Series of Monopoly club holds its weekly meetings.

Seven students gathered around a small glass table and began picking pieces to play their favorite game.

“Where’s the ship?” one asked, as another organized the money to be the banker.

The World Series of Monopoly club didn’t always have the pleasure of meeting in such a lovely space — in fact, Sunday’s meeting place happened by default. The club was supposed to meet inside the William Pitt Union’s Lower Lounge.

“We’re a new club, and we’ve had trouble booking rooms,” club president John Perdoch explained.

The club formed on Oct. 10, 2004, in room 815 of Tower A. That day, a group of friends decided to pick up a “Monopoly” board and change the rules a bit. During what free time they had, they wanted to do something constructive — something “that used the mind a bit,” Perdoch said.

“One of the concerns with ‘Monopoly’ is the amount of time it takes to complete a game,” he said.

Perdoch and the other founding members decided they’d change the rules so a game would not last as long as two hours. Obtaining a monopoly happens much quicker in their games, because when any player lands on a property, another player can double the face value of it and start an auction. The highest-bidding player gets the property.

Players can also increase their chances of winning a game by choosing to double their “Chance” or “Community Chest” cards before they draw from the pile.

“That way you end up getting or paying more money,” Perdoch said.

Player Lonzie Mathis and his partner, Mike Studzienko, took advantage of one of the other major changes that the club has made to the game. When a player lands on an owned railroad, he or she can travel to any other owned railroad. The two avoided landing on owned property by moving back and forth along the railroads.

In the middle of the board, a huge pile of money began to accumulate.

“It gives people an opportunity to get back in the game,” Perdoch said. As with normal “Monopoly” rules, players throw money to the center pile when they land on the income tax square. Anyone who lands on “Free Parking” gets the pile.

Unfortunately for some players, the money began to dwindle and hopes of landing on “Free Parking” seemed dim. Jimmy Thomas resorted to bargaining with his fellow players, trading most of his property to gain some money.

At times, the players appeared to be betting rather than playing “Monopoly.” Game play was intense.

“We’re usually pretty loud. The [resident assistant] has to come by and tell us to be quiet,” Thomas said.

Aside from the frequent outbursts, the club meeting was filled with fun conversation and jokes.

“We have a lot of work and just come here to relax,” Perdoch said.

In the end Sunday night, club Vice President John Bennewitz emerged as the winner.

The group members discussed possibilities for the future and noted that a “Monopoly” tournament and “Monopoly” movie night might be planned. Members could bring their boards and contestants would be able to play on a variety of novelty boards, including “Garfield Monopoly,” they said.

For more information about the World Series of Monopoly club, send an e-mail to sorc+wsom@pitt.edu or John Perdoch at jpp15@pitt.edu.