Objective
The goal of Patchesi, also known as Ludo, is to move all four of your game pieces from your starting area around the game board to your home space. The first player to do so wins the game.
Materials
- A game board with a cross-shaped pattern
- Four game pieces per player in different colors (red, blue, green, yellow)
- A single die
Setup
- Each player selects a color and takes the four corresponding pieces, placing them on their start space.
- Determine player order, usually by rolling the die—with the highest roll going first.
Gameplay
- Players take turns rolling the die and moving one of their pieces by the rolled number of spaces.
Rules:
- Exiting the Start Area: To move a piece from the start area onto the board, a player must roll a 6. After rolling a 6 and advancing a piece to the start square, the player gets an additional roll.
- Movement: Pieces are moved clockwise around the board by the number shown on the die.
- Capturing: If a piece lands on a square occupied by an opponent's piece, the opponent's piece is captured and returned to its start area.
- Blockades: Two of the same color pieces on one square form a blockade that cannot be passed by other players.
- Entering Home: To move a piece into the home space, a player must roll the exact number needed. If this is not possible, the player must pass or move another piece.
Tips and Strategy
- Strategy: Form blockades to hinder opponents' movement and try to capture opponents when possible.
- Dice Rolling: Rolling a 6 is powerful as it not only brings new pieces into play but also yields another turn.
The game ends when a player successfully moves all four of their pieces into their home. This simple yet strategic game can be exciting and challenging for both children and adults.
