Ludo Rules & How to Play — Complete Beginner Guide

This page covers the full Ludo rule set and step-by-step play instructions. Use this guide together with the interactive game on our home page.

Board Basics

The board features four colored bases and a 52-square main track. Each player has four tokens starting in their base. The objective is to move all four tokens from base to home. Movement is determined by dice rolls, and the standard variant requires a 6 to release a token from base.

Turn Mechanics

Players roll the dice in clockwise order. A 6 grants an extra turn and allows token release. Players choose which token to move each turn. Exact roll may be needed to enter the final home stretch, depending on variant.

Capturing Tokens

Landing on a square occupied by an opponent captures their token and sends it back to the base. Captures are powerful; use them strategically to slow opponents down, but avoid placing your token in immediate danger after a capture.

Safe Squares

Some squares are safe and protected from capture. Use safe squares to preserve progress. When you cannot reach home safely, occupying a safe square is often the best defensive option.

Winning Conditions

The player who brings all four tokens into their home area first is the winner. Some play variants continue for ranking positions. For practice, aim to finish tokens in stages and always protect an advantage.

Game Variants

Common rule variants include block rules (two tokens block movement), safe squares, and home entry rules requiring exact dice numbers. Agree on rules with opponents before starting.

Practical How-to

  1. Roll to determine who starts.
  2. Roll a 6 to release token from base.
  3. Move tokens according to dice result.
  4. Capture opponents by landing on their token's square.
  5. Enter the home column after a full lap and move tokens into home by exact roll if required.
  6. First to get four tokens home wins.

Apply These Rules on PlayLudo.site

Open the home game to practice these rules instantly. Each play session will help you internalize turns, captures, and the benefit of safe squares.

Back to PlayLudo.site home to start playing now.