Monopoly Tournament Sends Players Directly to Jail at Lorton Prison

Lorton's Matthew McFarland, 14, is the champion of this year's Monopoly Tournament to benefit Habitat for Humanity.

The five-hour event, headed by local Realtors Ron Kowalski & Susan Borrelli, raised more than $5,000. This was the fifth annual tournament, and this year it took place at the . 

"I don't really have a strategy," said McFarland, who took home a $500 prize. "I just buy everything I can and when I get low on money I stop." 

How will he spend the money? "I'll probably put it in stocks and mutual funds," McFarland said. 

Luck and Skill

"I think Monopoly is a game of strategy and luck and it transcends all ages," said Kowalski, who, for four years, ran the McDonald's Monopoly promotion. "Kids and adult can play each other with similar odds of winning."  

The day began with 75 players, and after two rounds, champions from six tables played a third and final round for an hour. The game was played on a Franklin Mint Collector's Edition set, and no one took six-year-old competitor David Doty for granted (Doty took third place). 

Bernard Sloan of Lorton won last year, and it was his third year in a row at the final table. "My strategy is to start fast and buy as many properties as possible and get three houses on the first monopoly. You have to envision what you want as far as properties are concerned. You look at what deals can be made and you pursue them," he said. 

The Scorecard

First Place ($500): Matthew McFarland of Lorton

Second ($250): Dan Poling of Fairfax Station

Third ($100): David Doty of Manassas

Fourth: Bernard Sloan of Lorton

Fifth: Brian Miller of Woodbridge

Sixth: Richard Ambrow of Alexandria

Congratulations from Patch, and stay out of jail next time!