The Top 10 Economic and Money Board Games

By
Erik Arneson
Erik Arneson

Erik Arneson is a highly respected board game expert, sharing his 20 years of knowledge on gaming strategies. He's the author of the book, "17 Games You Can Play Right Now," has been a featured speaker at the American International Toy Fair, and is the former Vice President of the Strategy Gaming Society.

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Updated on 02/14/19
People playing the business game with game money and cards

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In 1883, George Parker (later joined by his brother Charles in the game business) published the board game Banking. Ever since games with economic themes have been a staple. Here are some of the very best money management board games.

  • 01 of 10

    Acquire

    Acquire board game

    Photo from Amazon

    Players invest in companies, strategically trying to hold a majority of stock. Businesses grow and merge as tiles are added to the board; each game develops differently. Acquire has been published several times over the years, a testament to its enduring quality.

    For 2 to 6 players, ages 12 and up. Published by Hasbro.

  • 02 of 10

    Power Grid

    Power Grid board game

    Photo from Amazon 

    Players are tasked with supplying cities with power and competing against each other to buy power plants and raw materials to source their energy grid. 

    For 2 to 6 players, ages 12 and up. Published by Rio Grande Games.

  • 03 of 10

    Automobile

    Automobile
    Automobile Image courtesy of Warfrog Games

    Players compete in the automobile industry to produce vehicles, ranging from low to high-value cars. Each player must manage their investments in manufacturing while balancing demand for the cars they produce. 

    For 3 to 5 players, ages 12 and up. Published by Mayfair Games/Warfrog.

  • 04 of 10

    The Game of Life

    The game of life board game

     Photo from Amazon

    In this classic game, players choose their life path by taking risks, gaining and losing money, and dealing with the unexpected. Gameplay moves quickly and the player with the most money wins.

    For 2 to 4 players, ages 8 and up. Published by Hasbro.  

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    Modern Art

    Modern art board game

     Photo from Amazon

    In this art auction game, players are the head of an art museum and bid for paintings by modern artists. Popular artists raise the value of your collection and a player's strategy has to change depending on who you're bidding against, so no two games are the same.

    For 2 to 5 players, ages 14 and up. Published by Mayfair Games/Hans im Glück.

  • 06 of 10

    Merchants of Amsterdam

    Merchants of Amsterdam board game

     Photo from Amazon

    Dutch auctions reign, as players are transported to 1600 to compete in categories like shipping, warehouses, and foreign and domestic trade. The mechanical clock adds a nice psychological element to the game—don't bid too early.

    For 3 to 5 players, ages 10 and up. Published by Rio Grande Games/Jumbo.

  • 07 of 10

    Brass

    Brass board game

     Photo from Amazon

    Also known as Brass: Lancashire, this economic strategy game takes place in the industrial revolution. Players create, build and secure their industries and then sell their goods. 

    For 3 to 4 players, ages 14 and up. Published by Warfrog/Eagle Games.

  • 08 of 10

    Genoa

    Genoa board game

     Photo from Amazon

    Everything can be negotiated in Genoa, which was previously released as Traders of Genoa. Players acquire goods and fill orders to earn money, relying on their fellow players to be making deals all along the way.

    For 2 to 5 players, ages 12 and up. Published by Alea/Rio Grande Games/Asmodée Editions.

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Payday

    Pay Day board game

     Photo from Amazon

    Taking turns moving around the 31-day board, players must manage their expected (and unexpected) finances the whole month, while waiting to receive a paycheck at the end of each month. The player with the highest net worth at the end of the game wins. 

    For 2 to 4 players, ages 8 and up. Published by Hasbro. 

  • 10 of 10

    Monopoly

    Monopoly board game

     Photo from Amazon

    Perhaps the best-known of all modern board games, Monopoly is the classic game of buying and selling real estate. Players can opt for the classic rules or play with some of the many variations on this family favorite. 

    For 2-8 players, ages 8 and up. Published by Hasbro.