Game cheats to dodge dark shark dives win again in Balmer Lawn Hotel Monopoly Moments challenge

DODGING night dives in shark-infested waters by cheating at a board game proved a winning tactic again when a luxury hotel in the heart of the New Forest appealed for the best ‘Monopoly Moments’.

Balmer Lawn Hotel at Brockenhurst put out the call to celebrate featuring on the board of the iconic game’s newest edition New Forest Monopoly, released in April.

Among the near-300 entries were someone trying to pay for goods with cash in their purse swapped for Monopoly notes, kicked-over boards sent flying and even missed flights.

Securing first prize of a bed-and-breakfast stay, announced by general manager Michael Clitheroe, was a saga of strategic brilliance in the depths of shark-infested waters from seasoned commercial oilfield diver Ken Lundsten.

Ken told how, when working in the Middle East, the dive team often used Monopoly games to determine who would be sent on particularly challenging dives, with the winner able to avoid certain jobs. So whenever a night dive in shark-infested waters came to the fore, Ken used a secret Monopoly cheat book to all but guarantee a win.

Runner-up Karen Young’s most cherished Monopoly moment was between her late father and autistic son, Leon.

She said that on Leon’s 21st birthday he was given his late grandfather’s still immaculate original Monopoly game from the 1950s. The look on Leon’s face was “worth all of the Monopoly money in existence”.

Karen’s reward is an afternoon tea at the hotel – accompanied by a game of Monopoly.

Michael Clitheroe, general manager at Balmer Lawn, said: “The panel loved looking through each and every one of the entries, and we really believe we’ve picked winners with stories that are equally inspiring and unique.

“I certainly don’t blame Ken for employing his cheat book to get out of a dive in shark-infested waters – I think I would do the same.

“And Karen’s entry was a heartwarming anecdote that underlined the timeless nature of the game.

“We look forward to hosting both Ken and Karen and celebrating their unforgettable Monopoly moments here at the hotel.”