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people found this helpful, as of 2023
ranked #173,561 most helpful
out of 571,544,897 reviews
★★★★☆
Read the "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" Book first
I've played this at least a dozen times, and have to admit that the game itself is imperfect. However, it HAS taught me a number of things which Kiyosaki does not make clear in his books, and is essential practise for anyone wanting to take the next step after first having read the book.
My tips:
1. Read the book first before playing, otherwise it will probably all seem boring and too weird.
2. The game makes clear: The way to make passive cashflow is NOT on the positive cash flow from rental properties. (Suprised?) The rental income only secures the property, which you must be able to sell for a profit. The money made on the gains from selling the houses is then used to buy businesses - these are what give you the passive cashflow to finally "get out of the rat race."
3. Take the income statement sheet you've used playing the game and fill it out for your own life. You'll be surprised how little your free cash flow, and passive income really is. Use the excel worksheet to track your progess month to month. An excellent motivator.
Game Design Problems (and Fixes):
1. The cards which allow you to buy insanely low priced shares of stocks for $1, which you can be certain will go up to $20 or $40 later when the right card comes up. Life is not that predictable. Remove these cards from the deck.
2. Other players will frequently advise on what is a good deal or not. This is a mistake, because it doesn't allow other players to MAKE mistakes, and takes much of the fun out of the game. Instead, allow each player to make their choice to buy a property (or not) WITHOUT input, and only after let the other players give their opinion on this course of action.
3. The game takes a loooong time with 5-6 players. Since the players actions don't really affect each other, it is advisable to play with 3 players.
4. The game seems to suggest that the bank will allow you to borrow to purchase a business, this is usually not the case. Make it a rule not to allow this.
5. The interest rate charged on loans is excessive in the game. Set a more moderate rate of 1 % a month on all loans.
6. Don't get stuck playing this game over and over again, too afraid to apply the lessons in real life. (I've seen people paralyzed by fear, who keep playing the game instead of applying its lessons). Use it as a teaching tool, not a substitute!
