How to Play Ludo

Fun for All Ages: How to Play Ludo!

Ludo, a classic board game enjoyed by generations, is a perfect way for families and friends to spend quality time together. With simple rules and exciting gameplay, it's a game that's easy to learn but offers hours of fun and strategic thinking.

We at ChessnBoards have a great collection of Ludo boardgames made of fabric or wood. We have our Ludo boards by themselves or in combination with Pachisi or Chinese Checkers or Snakes-Ladders. 

What You'll Need:

  • Ludo game board 

 How to Play Ludo

  • 16 playing pieces (4 in each of 4 colors)

Ludo set with playing pieces and dice. Parts of the board include the base, home column, home triangle, and start position.

  • 1 die

Gameplay

2 to 4 players begin by placing their respective pieces in their bases. Each takes turns throwing the die, and the player with the highest roll plays first. The players to the left follow in turn going clockwise. On each player’s turn, the player rolls the die to determine a move. The goal of the game is to move all four of the player’s pieces clockwise once around the board, up the home column, and into the home triangle.

Let's Get Started!

  • Set Up the Board: Each player chooses a color and places their 4 pieces in the matching colored starting area on the board. 

Board shows the path where playing pieces should move.

  • Determine the First Player: Roll the die, and the player with the highest roll starts the game. Play continues clockwise.

  • Getting Your Pieces Moving: To move a piece out of your starting area, you must roll a 6. Move the piece the number of spaces shown on the die, following the colored path on the board.

  • Moving Around the Board: On each turn, roll the die and move one of your pieces the number of spaces shown. You can jump over other pieces (including your own) but cannot land on a space already occupied by another piece.

  • Sending Others Back: If you land on an opponent's piece, they are sent back to their starting area and must wait to roll a 6 again to re-enter the game.

If a player’s piece (green piece, for example) lands on an opponent’s piece (yellow), the opponent’s piece is sent back to the base where he must roll a six again in order move it out onto the starting square.

  • Reaching the Home Stretch: Once your piece completes the full circuit around the board, it enters the final colored column leading to your home triangle.

  • Winning the Game: The first player to move all 4 pieces into their home triangle wins the game!

The first player (blue piece, for example) to have all four of his pieces finish their journey wins.

Bonus Rules:

  • Rolling a 6: If you roll a 6, you get to move one piece and then roll again! If you roll another 6, you can move another piece and roll again (but be careful, rolling three 6s in a row ends your turn).
  • Blocking: If two of your pieces land on the same space, it creates a block that other players cannot land on or jump over.

If a player (blue piece, for example) lands on a space occupied by one of his own pieces, that space becomes blocked. A blocked space cannot be passed or landed on by an opponent’s piece (red).

  • Double Dice (Optional): For a faster game, use two dice and add the numbers together for your move.

Tips for Younger Players:

  • Start with a shorter version of the game, using only the outer track and home columns.
  • Allow players to help each other move their pieces (but not land on the same space).
  • Encourage sportsmanship and celebrate everyone's progress.

Ludo is a timeless game that offers endless fun and strategic challenges. With its simple rules and exciting gameplay, it's a perfect way to create lasting memories for families and friends of all ages. So gather your loved ones, roll the dice, and let the Ludo adventure begin!

Additional Notes:

  • You can adjust the difficulty of the game by adding additional rules or variations.
  • Encourage creativity and imagination by letting players name their pieces and tell stories during the game.
  • Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the time spent together!