Pass go.

Playing Monopoly and playing the L.A. real estate game require similar strategies, according to Cushman & Wakefield Executive Director Steven Marcussen.

"You want to borrow as much money as you can to buy as much property as you can as quickly as possible," said Marcussen, who is helping organize the third annual Monopoly fundraiser for the American Heart Association.

Each year a real estate executive stars at the event, where companies pay to have their names on Monopoly board tiles. All the proceeds are donated to the Heart Association's L.A. chapter.

The fast "Mr. Monopoly" was John C. Cttshman III, who donned a monocle and a fake handlebar mustache for the occasion, in addition to top hat and tails. He was followed by Jim Thomas, who limited the look to the wardrobe.

This year, event organizers have given the role to Majestic Realty Co. Chief Executive Ed Roski, whose enthusiastic participation is expected on April 9 at the Astra West inside the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood.

"He's a pretty good sport." Marcussen said. "I've seen him dress up as Tommy Trojan and ride around on a horse so I think his costume will probably be pretty good."

Players are given 45 minutes to buy as much property and build as many hotels as possible. People around the board borrow from each other to make deals--as in real life.

"Everybody gambles like crazy because they have to get as much property as possible," Marcussen said. "People skilled in development do very well. The real thing is much harder than Monopoly."

In its first few years, the event has raised more than $350,000, and Marcussen said he expects to raise more than $400,000 this go-round. "This is easy to raise money for," Marcussen said. "Everybody's got a heart."