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Ludo Game Rules

Learning how to play ludo is simple, but mastering it requires strategic depth. Ludo is a timeless classic strategy board game that has entertained generations and is fun to play. The game originated in India and is suitable for everyone to play as ludo game rules are simple. With changing technology, ludo has transitioned from the real world to the digital world, allowing players to enjoy the game anytime, anywhere.

The online game follows the same basic ludo rules as the traditional one, with a few modifications in the digital version. Understanding these rules is important for anyone looking to enjoy the game. Here, we explain how to play ludo, from the basic ludo game rules to advanced strategies for online ludo, and how to win real cash ludo games on Junglee Ludo.


Objective of Ludo Game

The primary objective of the ludo game is to be the first player to get all four of your tokens safely to the home area. This requires strategic movement and blocking opponents, with dice rolls.

Reach Home: Move all your tokens to the home column and the home square.

Safe Zones: Utilize safe zones to protect your tokens from being captured.

Block Opponents: Use your tokens to block or capture opponents’ tokens.


Rules of Ludo

Understanding the rules of ludo is essential for any player. A good understanding of ludo game rules ensures a fair and enjoyable game for all participants.


Basic Ludo Rules

Number of Players: Ludo is played by 2 to 4 players. In some versions, more than 4 players can also play simultaneously.

Tokens: Each player has 4 tokens, which they need to take safely to the home zone.

Board Layout: The ludo board consists of a cross-shaped play area with each arm divided into three columns of eight squares. Each player's home column leads to the center square.

Board Layout: The goal is to move all four of your tokens from the starting point to the home area first.


Playing Rules

Initial Move: A player must roll a 6 on the dice to move a token out of the starting area. If a 6 is rolled, the player gets another turn.

Token Movement:Players roll the dice and move tokens clockwise according to the number rolled on the dice. Each player takes turns clockwise.

Token Capture: If a token lands on a square occupied by an opponent's token, the opponent's token is sent back to its starting area, and the player gets an extra turn. If a token enters the home column, it cannot be captured.

Home Entry: Tokens must enter the home area by the exact count.


Winning Rules

Winning at ludo involves strategic movement, capturing opponent tokens, and reaching the home area first. Here are the key udo game rules for winning.

Safe Squares: Squares with a star are safe zones where tokens cannot be captured.

Multiple Tokens: If players roll a 6, they can move any token or bring a new token into play.

Blocking: Tokens of the same color can block squares, preventing opponents from passing.

All Tokens Home: The first player to move all four tokens into the home area wins.

Exact Roll: Tokens must enter the home square with an exact number on the dice roll.

Strategy: Use blocking, safe zones, and strategic moves to beat opponents.


Capture Rules

Capturing or "killing" opponent tokens is a crucial part of the ludo game that makes it interesting.

Capture: If your token lands on a square occupied by an opponent's token, the opponent’s token is sent back to their starting area.

Bonus Turn: Capturing an opponent’s token often grants you an extra turn, giving you a strategic advantage.

Safe Zones: Tokens in safe zones cannot be captured. Plan your moves to keep your tokens safe and capture opponents’ tokens.


Losing Scenarios

Losing in ludo generally means being the last player to get all your tokens home. There are certain scenarios that can result in a loss.

Delayed Start: Failing to roll a 6 early can delay your token’s entry into the game, putting you at a disadvantage.

Frequent Captures: If your tokens are frequently captured by opponents, you lose time and progress.

Poor Strategy: Not utilizing safe zones or blocking tactics effectively can result in slower progress.


How to Play Ludo

Playing ludo involves steps that guide the movement of tokens and the overall gameplay. Here is a step-by-step guide to playing ludo.

  • Board Setup: Each player selects a color and places their four tokens in the starting area.
  • Rolling the Dice: Players take turns rolling the dice. A roll of 6 allows the player to move a token out of the starting area and roll again.
  • Moving Tokens Around the Board: Move your token according to the number rolled on the die. Tokens can only move out of the starting area with a roll of 6.
  • Capturing Others’ Tokens: If your token lands on a square occupied by an opponent's token, the opponent's token is sent back to its starting area.
  • Entering Home Area: Once a token completes a full round of the board, it enters the home column. The exact number must be rolled to move into the home square.

Common Terms Used in Ludo

Tokens: The pieces each player moves around the board.

Dice: A six-sided object that is rolled to determine token movement.

Home Area: The central area where tokens must reach to win.

Safe Zone: Squares with stars where tokens cannot be captured.

Block: When two or more tokens of the same color occupy a square, preventing opponents from passing.


Equipments Used in Ludo

Ludo requires specific equipment to play. While traditional ludo uses physical components, online ludo platforms like Junglee Ludo digitize these elements.

Traditional Ludo Game Equipment

Ludo Board: A square board with a cross-shaped play area.

Tokens: Each player has four tokens of a specific color.

Dice: A single six-sided dice is used to determine the movement of tokens.


Online Ludo Game Equipment

Digital Board: An interactive digital board replaces the physical ludo board.

Virtual Tokens: Digital tokens represent each player's tokens.

Virtual Dice: A digital die roll determines token movement.


FAQs on How to Play Ludo

To start a ludo game, each player selects a color and places their four tokens in the respective starting areas. Players then take turns clockwise rolling a dice and moving their tokens according to the number on the dice. Players must roll a 6 to move a token from the starting area.

Rolling a 6 in ludo has a number of advantages. First, it allows you to move one of your tokens out of the starting area and into the play area. Second, you can also move an existing token forward by six spaces. Additionally, rolling a 6 gives you an extra turn.

No, tokens in safe zones cannot be captured. Safe zones are designated squares on the board marked with a star. When a token lands on a safe zone, it is protected from capture by opponents' tokens.

To win a game of ludo, you must be the first player to move all four of your tokens from the starting area to the home area. Tokens must travel around the board clockwise, a path outlined by the squares. The game is won when all four tokens are safely in the home square.

If multiple tokens of the same color land on the same square, they can form a block, preventing other tokens from passing. But if an opponent's token lands on a square occupied by a single token of a different color, the occupying token is captured and sent back to its starting area.

In ludo, you can move only one token per turn, based on the number rolled on the dice. However, if you roll a 6, you get an extra turn and can move any token. Placing multiple tokens across the board is an essential strategy for success.