Objective of the Game
The objective of Ludo is to be the first player to move all four of your pieces from the starting area to the home zone. The first player to do so wins the game.
Game Components
- A square game board with a cross-like pattern.
- Four starting squares and a home zone for each of the colors (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow).
- Four tokens per player of their selected color.
- A six-sided die.
Setup
Each player selects a color and places their four tokens in the corresponding starting position.
Gameplay
- Players take turns rolling the die to move their tokens according to the number rolled.
- Starting a Token: To move a token from the start position onto the track, a player must roll a 6. Upon rolling a 6, the player may either advance a token already in play or bring a new token onto the track. A roll of 6 also grants the player an extra turn.
- Moving: Tokens move clockwise around the board. Players can choose which of their tokens to move in a strategic attempt to gain advantage.
- Capturing: If a token lands on a square occupied by an opponent's token, the opponent's token is captured and returned to their starting position. Captured tokens must roll a 6 to re-enter the board.
- Blocking: Two tokens of the same color on one square create a blockade, preventing other tokens from passing. Only the player owning the tokens can break this blockade.
- Entering Home: To move a token into its home zone, the player must roll the exact number needed. If a roll does not match the exact number, the token remains.
Winning the Game
The game ends when a player moves all four of their tokens into the home zone. This player is the winner.
Strategic Tips
- Risk Management: Sometimes it's better to play it safe rather than trying to quickly overtake another player.
- Using Blockades: Strategically position tokens to block opponents and slow their progress.
- Flexibility: Consider which of your tokens might offer the best advantage in a given situation.
Special Rules
- In games with more than two players, alliances may form to strategically block players. These are not part of the official rules but can vary based on player agreement.
