Ludo: The Ancient Game of Destiny

Ludo is a strategy board game for two to four players, in which the players race their four tokens from start to finish according to the rolls of a single die. Derived from the ancient Indian game Pachisi, Ludo is popular globally and connects generations through its mix of luck and strategy. It is a deceptively simple game where a single roll can turn a guaranteed victory into a crushing defeat.

From Ancient India to the World

The game's lineage is royal and ancient. It originated in India as 'Chaupar' or 'Pachisi' roughly around the 6th century. The game was famously played by the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great in the 16th century, who used his harem slaves as living pieces on a life-sized board in his palace courtyards at Fatehpur Sikri. The game made its way to England during the British Raj and was patented as 'Ludo' (Latin for 'I play') in 1896, simplifying the rules and replacing the traditional cowrie shells with a standard die. Since then, it has become a staple in households worldwide.

Global Variations

Ludo is a global phenomenon with many regional flavors. In North America, 'Parcheesi' remains the dominant variant, emphasizing blockades where two pieces can form a wall. In Germany, 'Mensch ärgere dich nicht' ('Man, Don't Get Angry') is a streamlined classics played without safe spots in the track. France enjoys 'Petits Chevaux' (Little Horses), while Spain plays 'Parchís', which allows for complex team play and bonus moves when rolling a 5. In Colombia, 'Parqués' is played on a larger board with two dice, adding another layer of mathematical complexity.

Setting Up the Board

The board features four colored bases (Blue, Red, Green, Yellow) in the corners. Each player chooses a color and places their four tokens in the corresponding starting yard. A track of square spaces runs around the board, with a home column leading to the center for each color. The center triangle is the ultimate destination.

Ludo Terminology

• Token: The playing piece/pawn you move around the board.
• Yard/Base: The starting area where your pieces wait to enter play.
• Home Column: The safe colored path leading to the center, accessible only by you.
• Safe Spot: Marked squares (stars/globes) where tokens cannot be captured.
• Capture: Landing on an opponent's piece to send it back to their base.

The Race to the Center

The primary objective is to be the first player to move all four of your tokens from your base, around the entire board, and into your home triangle in the center. You must roll exact numbers to enter the final home spaces.

Rules of the Road

To enter the game, you must roll a SIX. Rolling a 6 also grants you an extra roll. You cannot move past your own pieces if they block the path (unless playing a variation). If you land on an opponent's piece, you capture it, sending it all the way back to the start. However, pieces on 'Safe Spots' (marked with stars) are immune to capture. If you roll three 6s in a row, your turn is forfeited to prevent runaway leads.

Step-by-Step Gameplay

• Start Your Engine: Roll a 6 to move a piece out of your base.
• Move Wisely: Decide whether to advance your lead piece or bring more pieces out.
• Hunt or Hide: Use safe spots to protect your pieces, or risk exposure to capture an opponent.
• Enter Home: Navigate the full circuit and align your rolls to land perfectly in the center triangle.

Victory Conditions

There are no points in classic Ludo—only place rankings. The first player to get all 4 pieces home wins 1st place. The game continues until 2nd and 3rd places are determined.

Winning Tactics

• The 'Trailer' Tactic: Keep one piece roughly 6-10 spaces behind an opponent's lead piece. This exerts psychological pressure and often forces them into making mistakes.
• Safe Spot Hopping: Instead of rushing, try to move from one safe spot to the next. Calculated patience is often better than reckless speed.
• The Gatekeeper: If you have a piece on your own starting square (which is a safe spot for you), leave it there as long as possible. It acts as a gatekeeper, preventing opponents from easily passing without risk of you rolling a 6 and capturing them.
• Spread Your Risk: Don't put all your movement into one piece. If that piece gets captured near the end, you lose massive progress. Move your pieces in pairs to ensure you always have a backup.

About Unicorn Games Ludo

Our Ludo brings the physical board game experience to your screen. We've added helpful animations, sound effects, and intelligent bots to ensure a fun game anytime. Perfect for quick breaks or long sessions. Try our other classics like Spades or Gin Rummy.

Contact Us

Have feedback on the dice rolls or bot difficulty? Email us at g@unicorn.games. We love hearing from our players!