Quick answer: Ludo is a race game for 2 to 4 players. Each player has 4 tokens and must roll a 6 to bring a token onto the board. Move tokens around the track by dice roll, capture rivals by landing on them, and win by getting all 4 tokens into your home triangle first.
Ludo rules: the basics
- Setup: each player picks a color and puts 4 tokens in their yard (the big corner square).
- Start: roll a 6 to move a token from the yard to your starting square.
- Move: roll the die and move one token forward that many squares, clockwise.
- Bonus roll: rolling a 6 gives you another turn.
- Capture: land exactly on an opponent's token to send it back to their yard.
- Safe squares: tokens on starred or starting squares cannot be captured.
- Home column: after a full lap, your token enters your colored home column.
- Finish: you need the exact number to reach home. First player with all 4 tokens home wins.
Content image 1 prompt: Flat vector diagram of a ludo board with arrows showing the clockwise path of the red token from its start square to its home triangle, star safe squares highlighted, clean minimal style, white background, no text.
Common ludo house rules
Rules change from family to family and app to app. Common variations include: three 6s in a row cancel your turn, a capture gives a bonus roll, two tokens on the same square form a block that others cannot pass, and a token must capture at least once before entering home. Check the rules screen before you play online.
9 tips to win at ludo
- Get more tokens out early. More tokens on the board means more choices on every roll.
- Do not rush one token. Spreading progress keeps you flexible.
- Use safe squares as rest stops when rivals are close behind.
- Count danger. A token 1 to 6 squares in front of an enemy can be hit next turn.
- Capture when you can. Sending a rival home costs them many turns.
- Stay behind opponents. Being behind lets you attack; being just ahead makes you a target.
- Use 6s wisely. A 6 can either free a new token or make a big jump; pick what helps most.
- Protect tokens near home. Losing a token late is the biggest setback.
- Watch the leader. In 4-player games, slow down whoever is closest to winning.
Content image 2 prompt: Close-up of a blue ludo token about to land on a yellow token on a wooden ludo board, die showing four nearby, dramatic shallow focus, playful mood, no text.
Is ludo luck or skill?
Both. The die adds luck, but choices decide a lot: which token to move, when to capture, and when to wait on a safe square. Players who think one turn ahead win more often over many games.
Can I play ludo online without downloading?
Yes. Ludo on Unique100 runs in your browser on mobile and desktop. There is no app to install and no login needed.
Frequently asked questions
1. Do you need a 6 to start in ludo?
- Yes, in standard rules you need a 6 to move a token out of the yard.
2. What is a safe square in ludo?
- It is a marked square, usually with a star, where tokens cannot be captured.
3. What happens when you roll three 6s?
- In many house rules, your turn ends and the third move is cancelled.
4. How many players can play ludo?
- 2 to 4 players.
5. Do you need the exact number to finish?
- Yes. A token must land exactly on the home square.
Play next: Try Carrom, UNO Rush or Stonehaven Mancala.