What is Ludo?
Ludo is a classic board game for 2 to 4 players, derived from the ancient Indian game of Pachisi. Each player has four tokens of one colour, and the goal is simple: be the first to move all four of your tokens around the board and into the centre “home”. It's easy to learn, quick to play, and full of dramatic captures and comebacks.
Setting up the board
- The board is a cross-shaped track with four coloured corners: red, green, yellow and blue.
- Each player picks a colour and places their four tokens in the matching corner yard.
- Players take turns in clockwise order. A single die decides how far you move.
How a turn works
- Roll the die. On your turn you roll one six-sided die.
- Leave the yard with a 6. A token can only enter the board when you roll a 6. If you have no tokens in play and don't roll a 6, your turn passes.
- Move your token. Move a token clockwise around the track by the number you rolled.
- Bonus turn on a 6. Rolling a 6 gives you another roll. But roll three 6s in a row and your whole turn is forfeited.
Capturing opponents
If your token lands on a square occupied by a single opponent token, you capture it — that token is sent all the way back to its yard and must roll a 6 to re-enter. Captures are the heart of Ludo's strategy: a well-timed capture can swing the whole game.
Safe squares
Some squares are safe (usually marked with a star), and each player's coloured starting square is safe too. A token resting on a safe square cannot be captured, so use them to shelter tokens when opponents are closing in.
Reaching home
After a full loop of the board, your tokens turn into your own coloured home column and head for the centre triangle. You typically need an exact roll to enter the final home spot. The first player to get all four tokens home wins.
Quick tips to win
- Try to keep more than one token in play so a single capture doesn't set you back too far.
- Use safe squares as stepping stones when opponents are near.
- Don't rush every token home — sometimes blocking or capturing is worth more than racing.
- Save your 6s: bringing out a new token and getting a bonus roll often beats a long single move.
Frequently asked questions
How many players can play Ludo?
Ludo is played by 2 to 4 players. In Party Ludo you can play 2-player or 4-player matches online.
What do you need to roll to start moving a token?
You must roll a 6 to move a token out of its starting yard onto the board. Until then, a 6 is the only roll that lets you enter play.
What happens when you roll a 6?
Rolling a 6 lets you bring a new token into play or move an existing one six steps, and it earns you an extra turn. Roll three 6s in a row, though, and your turn is forfeited.
What are safe squares?
Safe squares (usually marked with a star) protect your token — it cannot be captured while sitting on one. Each player's coloured start square is also safe.
How do you win at Ludo?
You win by being the first player to move all four of your tokens from start, around the board, and into the centre home triangle.