Ludo is a classic dice-and-token race for two to four players. Each player tries to move four tokens around the board and into the center before anyone else. The rules below describe the common traditional version. Board designs and house rules vary, so agree on any variations before you start.
Ludo at a glance
- Players: 2 to 4
- Equipment: A cross-shaped board, one die, and four tokens in each of four colors (usually red, green, yellow and blue)
- Goal: Get all four of your tokens around the track and into the center home
Board and setup
The board has four colored home bases in the corners, a looping track around the outside, a colored column leading to the center for each player, and a central home area. Each player picks a color, places four tokens in their base, and one player starts. Common practice is that everyone rolls the die and the highest roller goes first. Play passes clockwise.
How to play
- Roll to enter. On your turn, roll the die. In the standard rules, you need a six to bring a token out of your base onto your colored starting square.
- Roll again on a six. A six usually gives you an extra roll.
- Move clockwise. Move one token forward by the number shown. If you have more than one token on the board, you choose which to move.
- No legal move? If you cannot move, your turn passes.
Capturing and safe squares
If your token lands on a square holding a single opponent token, that token is captured and returns to its owner’s base, where it needs another six to come out. Many boards mark certain squares as safe, usually the starting squares and sometimes starred squares, where tokens cannot be captured. Some rules let two tokens of the same color on one square act as a block that others cannot pass or land on. This varies, so confirm which you are using.
Getting home and winning
After circling the board, each token turns into your own colored column and heads to the center. Many rules require an exact roll to reach the home square. If your roll is too high, you do not move that token. The first player to bring all four tokens home wins. In some versions play continues to decide second and third place.
Common variations
- Three sixes: In some versions, rolling three sixes in a row means you lose that turn, and the moves from those rolls are forfeited. Many printed rulebooks do not include this, but it is common in apps.
- Exact roll to finish: Some groups let a token enter home with any roll that reaches or passes it.
- Roll three times to get out: A few house rules let a player roll up to three times to get a six when they have no tokens on the board.
- Bonus turns: Many apps grant an extra roll for capturing a token or getting one home.
Ludo King notes
The popular Ludo King app follows the same basics: you need a six to enter, a six gives another roll, and tokens can be captured except on safe squares. It includes options such as the three-sixes penalty. Check the in-app settings and rules, because they can differ by mode and version.
Strategy tips
- Get a second token out when you can, so a six gives you options.
- Move tokens onto safe squares when rivals are close behind.
- Keep a token near an opponent’s tokens when you can capture them, but avoid leaving your own tokens one to six squares ahead of an enemy.
- Plan the final stretch, since an exact roll may be needed.
FAQ
What are the basic rules of Ludo King?
Roll a six to enter a token, move clockwise, capture opponents to send them back to base, avoid capture on safe squares and bring all four tokens home first. Optional rules like the three-sixes penalty may apply.
How is the Ludo board?
It is a cross-shaped board with four colored bases, a shared looping track, and a colored home column for each player leading to the center.
Are three sixes allowed in Ludo?
Rolling three sixes in a row is allowed to happen, but many versions penalize it by canceling the turn. Traditional board rules vary, so decide beforehand.
Is Ludo a simple game?
Yes. It is mostly luck with some choice about which token to move, which makes it easy for children and mixed-age groups; for more all-ages options, see free printable family games. If you want something with more strategy and hidden information for a larger group, try Bang!. For two players, see our best couple games.