# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Board Games

Chess vs. Monopoly

Comparing 2 standards across 19 specifications. 19 key differences identified.

Comparing:
Chess
Monopoly

Chess is a two-player abstract strategy board game governed internationally by FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs). Standard laws define 64-square alternating boards (50–60 mm squares), exact piece movements, en passant capture timing (Article 3.7), castling restrictions (Article 3.8), and draw criteria including the 50-move rule and threefold repetition.

View full Chess spec sheet →

Monopoly is a real-estate trading board game published by Hasbro. Official tournament rules mandate that Free Parking awards zero money, declining to purchase a landed property triggers an immediate public auction to the highest bidder, and a strict physical limit of 32 houses and 12 hotels creates a strategic 'housing shortage' where players cannot build if the bank is out of tokens.

View full Monopoly spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

19 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Governing Body
FIDE (World Chess Federation) —
Board Grid Dimensions
8 × 8 (64 alternating squares) —
Tournament Square Size
50 to 60 (2.0 to 2.36 inches) mm —
Standard King Height
95 (3.75 inches) mm (±5 mm tolerance) —
King Base-to-Height Ratio
40% to 50% of piece height —
En Passant Execution Window
Immediately on the next move only FIDE Art. 3.7.4.2 —
50-Move Draw Rule
50 consecutive moves without pawn move or capture FIDE Art. 9.3 —
Threefold Repetition
Same exact board position occurs 3 times FIDE Art. 9.2 —
Dead Position Rule
No sequence of legal moves can lead to checkmate FIDE Art. 5.2.2 (Instant Draw) —
Governing Publisher
— Hasbro
Starting Bank Per Player
— $1,500 (2x 500, 2x100, 2x 50, 6x20, 5x 10, 5x5, 5x $1)
Total Board Spaces
— 40 spaces (28 properties, 12 action spaces)
Bank House Supply Limit
— 32 houses maximum in the game
Bank Hotel Supply Limit
— 12 hotels maximum in the game
Free Parking Money
— $0 (None) Official Rule (resting space only)
Unbought Property Rule
— Mandatory Auction Banker auctions immediately to highest bidder
Passing GO Salary
— $200 collected from bank
Jail Exit Cost
— $50 or roll doubles within 3 turns
Income Tax Space
— $200 Flat modern rules (10% option removed)