QUICK START
VerifiedLearn to play in 60 seconds
Race all 4 of your pieces from your colored base, around the board, and into the center home.
Roll a standard six-sided die (d6). Roll a 6 to enter a piece onto the board, then move pieces clockwise around the track.
First player to get all 4 pieces into their home column wins.
FULL RULES
VerifiedSetup
Each player places their 4 pieces in their colored base corner. The board has a cross-shaped track with each arm leading to the central home area. Players take positions at their designated corners.
Turn Order
Players take turns clockwise around the board. Each turn, roll the die once and move one of your pieces (if a valid move exists). Some actions grant bonus rolls.
Dice
Ludo uses a standard six-sided die (d6), simplified from Pachisi's cowrie shells. Roll the die to determine movement distance.
Entry
Pieces begin in your base and must roll exactly 6 to enter the board. When entering, place your piece on your starting square (marked in your color).
Movement
Move your pieces clockwise around the outer track. After completing a full circuit, pieces turn into their home column leading to the center.
Safe Zones
Each player's starting square is a safe zone where pieces cannot be captured. Some variants include additional star-marked safe squares around the board.
Home Column
Only your pieces can enter your home column (the colored path leading to center). Opponent pieces cannot enter or block this area.
Captures
Landing on an opponent's piece sends it back to their base to start over. Pieces on safe zones cannot be captured.
Rolling 6
Rolling a 6 grants an extra turn. You may use the 6 to enter a new piece OR move an existing piece. Three consecutive 6s forfeits your turn (in some variants).
Exact Finish
To reach the center home, you must roll the exact number needed. If you roll higher, you must move a different piece or pass.
Victory
The first player to move all 4 pieces into the center home wins. In multiplayer games, remaining players often continue for second place.
VARIANTS
DramatizationQuick Start
Faster Games
All pieces begin on their starting square instead of in base. Removes the initial 6-roll requirement, significantly speeding up early game.
Team Play
2v2 Cooperative
Players across from each other form teams. Team wins when either partner gets all pieces home. Adds cooperation and blocking strategy.
Speed Ludo
Tournament Format
Timer-based turns (15 seconds max). Automatic move selection if time runs out. Popular in competitive online play.