Objective of the Game
The objective of Parcheesi is to be the first player to move all of your tokens from the starting area, around the game board, and into the home zone in the center of the board.
Game Setup
- Game Board: A square board with a cross, divided into four colored sections. Each player has a starting area matching their chosen color.
- Tokens: Each player has four tokens in their color.
- Dice: Two dice are used.
Number of Players
Parcheesi can be played with 2 to 4 players.
Basic Rules
- Starting the Game:
- Each player selects a color and places their four tokens in the starting area.
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Determine a starting player by having each player roll one die. The player with the highest roll goes first.
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Turns and Movement:
- Players take turns rolling the dice and moving according to the roll.
- A token can leave the starting area only if the player rolls a five (either on a single die or the sum of both dice).
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Players may move one or multiple tokens, using each die roll independently or the sum of the two dice.
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Special Features of the Game:
- Captured Spaces: If a token lands on a space occupied by an opponent's token, that token is captured and returned to its starting area.
- Blockades: Two tokens of the same color can form a blockade, which cannot be passed by an opponent unless broken.
- Safe Zones: Some spaces are marked as safe zones where tokens cannot be captured.
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Reaching Home: A token must roll the exact number needed to land in the home zone.
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Winning the Game:
- The first player to move all four of their tokens into the home zone wins.
Strategic Tips
- Form blockades strategically to hinder your opponents.
- Pay attention to your opponents' token positions to set up opportunities to capture them.
- Always look for opportunities to move a token out of the starting area to keep as many movement options open as possible.
Summary: Parcheesi involves a mix of strategy and chance, as players must use the outcome of their dice rolls wisely to advance their tokens while blocking their opponents.
