How to Play Ludo
Ludo is one of the world's most beloved family board games. Race your 4 tokens around the board, capture opponents to send them back to their yard, and be the first to bring all your pieces home. Fun for all ages.
Complete rules
Setup
Each player chooses a color (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow) and places all 4 tokens in their colored starting area (the yard). Decide who goes first — highest die roll starts.
Entering tokens
Roll the die. You need a 6 to move a token from your yard to your starting square on the main track. When you roll a 6, you may also take another turn.
Moving tokens
Roll the die and move any active token that number of squares clockwise around the board. You control which token to move — choose strategically.
Capturing
If your token lands on a square occupied by an opponent's token, that opponent's token is sent back to their yard. Only one token per square (except safe squares).
Safe squares
Starred squares are safe — tokens on them cannot be captured. Your own colored home column (the final stretch to home) is also safe from captures.
Winning
Move all 4 of your tokens along the track and up your home column to the central Home triangle. The exact number is required to enter home. First to bring all 4 tokens home wins.
4 winning tips
Spread your tokens
Having all 4 tokens active gives you more options. Don't cluster them — spread them around the board to maximize your choices each turn.
Prioritize captures
Sending opponents back to their yard is powerful — they lose progress and you gain time. Target their furthest-advanced token when possible.
Use safe squares
Position tokens on starred safe squares when threatened. Plan moves to pass through them, especially when opponents are close behind.
Keep a blocker
When you're far ahead, keep one token slightly behind to intercept opponents trying to pass. Blocking their path can delay them significantly.
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Download Board Game BattlesFrequently asked questions
How many players can play Ludo?
Ludo is designed for 2–4 players, each controlling one color. With 2 players, you can play diagonally opposite colors or each control 2 colors. The game is most fun and competitive with 4 players.
What happens when you roll a 6?
Rolling a 6 gives you two benefits: (1) you may enter a new token from your yard to your starting square, AND (2) you take another turn. This means a 6 on an empty yard lets you place a token and roll again. Multiple 6s in a row are allowed.
Do you need an exact number to reach home?
Yes — to move a token into the central Home triangle, you must roll the exact number needed. If you're 2 squares away and roll a 5, you cannot move that token home. You must either move a different token or wait for the right roll.
What is the origin of Ludo?
Ludo originated in India as "Pachisi" (also spelled Parcheesi), with roots over 1,500 years old. The modern version "Ludo" was patented in England in 1896. It is one of the most widely played board games in the world, known by different names across regions (Parcheesi, Uckers, Parchís).