Top 5 Money / Economic Board Games

1. Acquire

Players invest in companies, 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.

2. Monopoly

Perhaps the best-known of all modern board games, Monopoly is both over-hyped and under-appreciated. Most people play using incorrect rules, making it a somewhat tedious experience. But there is a solid game here involving some basic economics.

3. Modern Art

3 to 5 players bid for paintings by modern artists. Players are constantly involved in the game; there is little downtime. Your strategy has to change depending on who you're bidding against, so no two games are the same.

4. Merchants of Amsterdam

Dutch auctions reign as players compete to be first or second in categories like shipping, domestic (in Holland) districts and foreign districts. The mechanical clock adds a nice psychological element to the game -- don't bid too early.

5. Traders of Genoa

Everything can be negotiated in this game. You have to play with opponents unafraid to make decisions, but with the right crew, Traders of Genoa is superb. Players acquire goods and fill orders to earn money, making deals all along the way.