Ludo: the classic dice race, free against the computer

Ludo is the timeless board game of luck and nerve — a modern descendant of the ancient Indian game Pachisi, and a close cousin of Parcheesi and Trouble. Each player has four tokens that start locked in their home base, and the goal is simple: be the first to roll your way around the cross-shaped track and bring all four tokens safely home. Along the way you'll land on opponents and send them all the way back to the start, turn a hopeless-looking position around with one lucky six, and learn that in Ludo a comfortable lead is never quite as safe as it looks. Play a quick two-player game or a chaotic four-way race against up to three computer opponents.

How to play

You play the red tokens; the other colours are controlled by the computer. On your turn, tap to roll the two dice, then move your tokens by the numbers rolled — you can move one token twice (once per die) or split the two dice across two different tokens.

• Getting out: a token can only leave its base when you roll a double six — both dice showing 6 — and only one token comes out per double six. Until then it stays put.
• Rolling a double six: a double six also earns you another roll — so it frees a piece and keeps your turn going. (Roll three double sixes in a row and you forfeit the bonus.)
• Capturing: land exactly on a square occupied by an opponent and their token is sent all the way back to base. Coloured star squares are safe havens where tokens can't be captured.
• Winning: move all four of your tokens around the board and into the central finish to win the game.

Players and difficulty

Choose a 2-, 3- or 4-player game — you plus one, two or three computer opponents. Two-player games are quick and tactical; four-player games are a longer, more unpredictable free-for-all where alliances shift with every roll of the die.

Tips and strategy

• Don't move all your tokens in a clump. Spreading them out means a bad roll rarely leaves you stuck.
• Keep a token back to threaten captures — sending an opponent home late in the game can be decisive.
• Aim to land on the safe star squares when you're carrying a token deep into enemy territory.
• When you roll a six, think before you release a new token — sometimes advancing an existing one is the stronger play.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ludo free? Yes — free to play with no account or download, in any modern browser on phone, tablet or desktop.

Is it just luck? The dice add luck, but which token you move — and when you choose to attack or play safe — is where the skill lives.

Can I play with friends? The current version is single-player against computer opponents; you control the red tokens.

Fancy another board game? Try Carrom, or browse all Zamborin games.