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 die, then tap the token you want to move. Only tokens that can legally use the number are highlighted.

• Getting out: a token can only leave its base when you roll a six, and only one token comes out per six. Until then it stays put.
• Rolling a six: a six also earns you another roll, so it can free a piece and keep your turn going. You choose whether to spend it on a new token or advance one already out. (Roll three 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 the lead changes hands constantly. Two players is the default, and the quickest way in.

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.

Stuck? Read the Ludo strategy guide →

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