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.
Stuck? Read the Ludo strategy guide
Fancy another board game? Try Carrom, or browse all Zamborin games.