Ludo Rules and Winning Tips
Ludo is mostly dice luck, but it is not only luck. Every time you have more than one possible move, the choice you make changes your chances. This guide covers the rules and the choices.
The rules in short
- 2 to 4 players, each with four tokens of one colour.
- You need a 6 to bring a token out of the yard onto your start square.
- Move tokens clockwise by the number you roll, then up your own home column.
- A 6 gives you another roll.
- Landing on a single opponent token sends it back to its yard, unless it is standing on a safe square.
- You need the exact number to reach the centre. The first player with all four tokens home wins.
House rules differ, especially about the extra roll after a capture, whether two tokens form a block and what happens after three 6s. Check the table's menu before you play.
8 tips that help
1. Do not open all four tokens at once
It feels good to bring out a token with every 6, but more tokens on the board means more targets. Sometimes it is better to move your lead token and keep the others in the yard.
2. Use safe squares
Squares marked with a star, and the coloured start squares, protect your token from capture. Park a token there when an opponent is one to six squares behind it.
3. Capture the token that has travelled furthest
Sending a token home from near its own home column costs the owner almost a full lap. Sending one from just outside their yard costs them very little.
4. Count the distance, not just the move
An opponent can only hit you with a roll of 1 to 6. A token seven or more squares ahead of an enemy is safe for this turn. A token directly in front of them is at risk.
5. Move out of danger before moving for gain
If your best attacking move leaves a token one to six squares in front of an opponent, compare that risk with what you gain.
6. Plan the end game
The exact roll is the slowest part of Ludo. Bring tokens close to home on different squares, so more rolls are useful. Three tokens waiting for a 2 is a bad plan.
7. Block or hide when you can
If the table allows pairs of tokens to block, keep them together to protect them. If not, use safe squares.
8. Know that you will still sometimes lose
The dice matter. Good play improves your chances, but a player who rolls three 6s will beat you regardless.
On Cheettukali's Ludo you are Red against 1 to 3 computer colours, and you can switch the extra roll after captures on or off.
🃏 Try it now: play Ludo free in your browser, no download, no money.
FAQ
Do you need a 6 to start in Ludo?
In the standard rules, yes. A 6 brings a token out of the yard and also gives another roll.
Can you capture a token on a safe square?
No. Tokens on the star squares and start squares cannot be captured.
Is Ludo a game of skill or luck?
Both. The dice decide what you can do, but your choice of which token to move decides how well you use it.
Is Ludo the same as Pachisi?
Ludo is a simplified descendant of the Indian game Pachisi.