Step-by-Step Guide to Play Ludo Game & Learn The Rules

Ludo, a timeless strategy board game that has a rich historical background, has adapted to the digital age with the introduction of online platforms. The game of ludo has transitioned from being a traditional game played among friends and family at home to a competitive experience involving thousands of players on smartphones.

But, despite the evolution in its format, the essence of the ludo game remains intact, with a consistent set of rules applicable to both the offline and online versions. Ludo’s simplicity and quick gameplay make it a popular choice for casual family gatherings and social events. It’s a game that combines skill and strategy, making each playthrough unique and enjoyable.

To get started with online ludo in Ludo Culture, it is imperative to know the detailed ludo rules, which enable the players to play the game more efficiently.

Understanding the basics of Ludo

Ludo, derived from the Latin word “ludo”, meaning ‘I play,’ is a strategic board game for 2 to 4 players. Participants race their four pawns from start to finish based on a single die’s rolls. Originating from the Indian game Pachisi, ludo and its variations enjoy popularity worldwide, known by different names in various countries.

Ludo for Beginners

Ludo is a simple game played between 2-4 players. At the game’s start, each player’s four pawns are placed in their zone on the board. By rolling the die, players take turns entering pawns onto the board and race them clockwise along the track. The first to bring all pawns home wins. While others may continue to determine subsequent rankings.

Here’s a beginner’s guide to help you get started in Ludo Culture:

• In ludo, the board is divided into four arms, each with three rows of small squares of different colors where the pawns are placed. The game is played by two to four players who move in a clockwise order on the board.
• To start the game, any player can roll the dice. The other three players will take their turns to roll the dice one by one. Once the first round of rolling the dice is completed, the pattern of rolling the dice remains the same for all players throughout the game.
• Each player gets 10 seconds to make the move. In case of a miss, they also have an extra 10 seconds to play.
• If a player misses their turn to roll the dice even after the extra ten seconds, the opportunity will be passed to the next player, and they will get a chance in the next round.
• If a player misses 3 consecutive turns, they lose the game.
• When a pawn lands on another pawn belonging to a different player, the former pawn has the advantage. The opponent’s pawn is bumped back to its respective arm and needs to be unlocked again.

Ludo Gameplay Rules: The Primary Objective

Number of Players in a Ludo Game

• Ludo can be played in 2 player mode and also in a 4 player mode

Ludo Playing Rules

• In the game of ludo, the board consists of a central area and four arms extending from it, each of a different color.
• Each arm has three rows of small squares corresponding to its color. The game is played in a clockwise order, with all four players moving their pawns on the board.
• The game begins with a player rolling the dice to determine their move. The other three players follow suit, but once the pattern of rolling the dice is established after the first round, it cannot be changed.
• All players get an equal number of moves to play and have 10 seconds for each move. If a player misses their move even after the extra 10 seconds, their turn will be passed to the next player.
• All the pawns are in the open position. You don’t need to roll a 6 to begin the game. Just a tap on the dice followed by a tap on the pawn you wish to move is all it takes.
• If a player’s pawn lands on another player’s pawn, the former pawn gets locked in the arm and has to restart its game. The player whose pawn was landed upon gets rewarded with another chance to roll the dice.
• When a pawn lands on a square occupied by another pawn of the same color, it creates a block. This block can only be opened if the player rolls a six on the dice. Blocks can be strategically used to prevent other players from landing on your pawns.

These rules and gameplay add an element of strategy and excitement to the game of ludo.

Rules to Move Pawns on the Ludo Board

• Unlike the traditional board game, a player doesn’t need to roll a six to release their pawn. The pawns are automatically out of the board, and a player just needs to roll the dice to move their pawns.

Ludo Winning Rules

• The primary goal is to successfully move all four pawns into the end zone, completing the game. The first player to move all the pawns from the starting area to the home area wins the game.
• In Ludo Culture, a game can either be won by obtaining the highest points or by safely taking all the pawns into the home space/ finish zone.
• You need to score the maximum points before the timer runs out. In time-based games, the game lasts for a few minutes, and the winner is decided on the basis of their score. Each game might have a different time limit.
• In case, if the opponent leaves the game, the game ends.

Ludo Losing Rules

• If any player fails to move all their pawns from the starting area to the finish area before their opponent, they will lose the game.
• Scoring less Ludo points than the opponent when the timer runs out.
• Miss three turns or quit the game: In this case, the game ends as soon as the player leaves, and the opponent is declared the winner even if they have lesser points.

Rule to Calculate Points in Ludo Culture

• In ludo Culture, players get 1 point for each tile they move and 56 points for each pawn that reaches the finish zone. Also, in Ludo Culture, upon eliminating an opponent’s pawn, the player gets 7 points while the eliminated pawn reaches the starting tile and loses all its points.

Rules to Eliminate Opponent’s Pawns

To reach the end zone in ludo, a pawn must complete its entire track from the starting point and progress through its respective coloured home area. The coloured home area typically consists of six squares, with the final square serving as the end zone where the pawn retires from the game.

The ultimate objective of the game is to successfully move all four pawns to the end zone, thus completing the game and achieving victory. A very fun element of ludo is eliminating the opponent’s pawns, but there are a few eliminating rules in the ludo game.

Ludo Eliminating Rules:

• You can only eliminate your opponent’s pawns and not your own pawns
• To eliminate a pawn, you must land on the same tile as the opponent. This takes the opponent’s pawn back to the start
• The opponent loses all the progress from the eliminated pawn. The opponent may or may not get extra points for eliminating the pawn. This can be confirmed by the specific game rules
• You cannot eliminate the pawns on safe points. The safe points are marked all across the board with a star.

Rules for 3 Sixes

You get an extra turn for every six that you roll. However, on rolling the third six, your turn ends. This means that you can only get two sixes, and on the third six, your turn ends. This way, the biggest turn that you can roll is 6-6-5. Since your turn ends on the third six, this is also called “The Rules of 3 Sixes” in ludo.

Double Pawn Rules

Double pawns act as individual safe points for pawns of the same color. This means that if there are two or more pawns of the same color on a tile, they cannot be eliminated

Finishing in the Home Area

In Ludo, a pawn reaches the home zone when it finishes its entire journey from the starting point to its designated coloured home area.

How to Play Ludo Online on Ludo Culture?

• To enjoy playing Ludo on the Ludo Culture platform, download the Ludo Culture app.
• After successfully installing the Ludo app, you can proceed to register an account.
• The registration process typically involves providing your basic details, such as your name, email address, and phone number.
• Once you have registered, there is an instant 10% Discount Credit for you on your first deposit.
• Once you have completed the registration, you will be ready to play Ludo on the Ludo Culture app.
• Your winnings will be credited to your wallet if you win the game.
• You can play more games with your winnings, or you can withdraw it.

By following the above steps, you can enjoy playing Ludo on the Ludo Culture app and win money by winning the games.

Ludo Glossary – Common Terms in the Ludo Game

Pawns

Pawns, represented by four pawns per player, navigate the board based on die rolls, strategically racing towards the center to secure victory while avoiding opponents and employing tactical moves.

Starting Area

The Starting Area in ludo serves as the launching point for players, where their four pawns begin their journey around the board

Home

“Home” refers to the secure finishing area where players aim to move their pawns after successfully navigating the board

Dice

The roll of the die dictates the movement of pawns, adding an element of chance and strategy as players navigate the board. The outcome of the die determines the number of spaces a player can advance in the game.

Roll

Roll is the turn to move the die. Each player eagerly anticipates their turn to roll the die, as the outcome not only dictates the movement of their pawns but also introduces an element of unpredictability, adding excitement and strategic decision-making to the game.

Auto Roll

You can turn on auto roll; in this, your dice will roll automatically when your turn comes, and you will not miss a chance.

Turn

In the natural succession of the game, every chance you get to play the dice and move the pawns is termed a “turn”

Extra Turn

In case if you roll the die and get a 6, you will be eligible to play an extra turn. However you can only get a maximum of 2 sixes in your turn.

Safe Zone

The Safe Zone in Ludo acts as a refuge for pawns, offering a shield against opponents.

Blocking a pawn

Blocking a pawn occurs when a player strategically positions their pawns to obstruct opponents, hindering their progress and forcing detours.

Eliminating a Pawn

Eliminating a pawn in ludo occurs when a player strategically lands their pawn on a square occupied by an opponent, sending it back to the starting area

Timer

In online ludo, a timer indicates a fixed time in which you need to play in your turn.

Extra Time

Every player is given extra time in case they miss their chance to play in their turn

Points/Score

Players get 1 point for each tile they move and 56 points for each pawn that reaches the finish zone. Also, in Ludo Culture, upon eliminating an opponent’s pawn, the player gets 7 points while the eliminated pawn reaches the starting tile and loses all its points.

Entry Fee

The entry fee is the minimum amount to play each game.

Prize Pool

In tournaments, there is a dedicated prize pool from which players win 1st, or 2nd prize depending on the number of players.

Summary of Ludo

Ludo is a fun and engaging game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is commonly played as a social activity among family and friends. The game has also been adapted into digital versions, allowing players to enjoy it on smartphones and tablets.

Also Read: Types of Ludo Games

FAQs on Play Ludo Gameplay & Rules

How to Play Ludo Online?

You can play Ludo online on Ludo Culture.

How Many Players Can Play in Online Ludo?

There are 2-player and 4-player games.

What Happens if Your Pawn Lands on Your Opponent’s Pawn?

If your pawn lands on your opponent’s pawn, your opponent’s pawn gets eliminated, and the opponent loses all the progress from the eliminated pawn. You may or may not get extra points for eliminating the pawn.

What are The Rules of Ludo?

In the game of ludo, the board consists of a central area and four arms extending from it, each of a different color.

• Each arm has three rows of small squares corresponding to its color. The game is played in a clockwise order, with all four players moving their pawns on the board.
• The game begins with a player rolling the dice to determine their move. The other three players follow suit, but once the pattern of rolling the dice is established after the first round, it cannot be changed.
• All players get an equal number of moves to play and have 10 seconds for each move. If a player misses their move even after the extra 10 seconds, their turn will be passed to the next player.
• All the pawns are in the open position. You don’t need to roll a 6 to begin the game. Just a tap on the dice followed by a tap on the pawn you wish to move is all it takes.
• If a player’s pawn lands on another player’s pawn, the former pawn gets locked in the arm and has to restart its game. The player whose pawn was landed upon gets rewarded with another chance to roll the dice.
• When a pawn lands on a square occupied by another pawn of the same color, it creates a block. This block can only be opened if the player rolls a six on the dice. Blocks can be strategically used to prevent other players from landing on your pawns.

These rules and gameplay add an element of strategy and excitement to the game of ludo.

What are Online Ludo Rules?

The rules of ludo vary from person to person and game to game. Therefore it is very important to be sure of all the rules that will be followed before starting the game. In case you are playing an offline game, you need to confirm these rules with all the other players. In the case of an online game, make sure that you go through the tutorial before starting the game.

What are The Rules to Start a Ludo Game?

In general ludo rules, the players must roll a six to open their pawns and start playing. However, in Ludo Culture, you are not required to roll a six to open; all the pawns are in open position. Just a tap on the dice followed by a tap on the pawn you wish to move.

What are Safe Zones?

Safe zones are spaces in front of your starting area where your pieces are protected from capture. Also, if there are two pawns of the same color on a particular tile, it becomes a temporary safe zone.

What Happens if You Get 6 for Three Times in a Row?

If a six is rolled for three times in a row, the player will lose his turn, and it is passed to the next player.

What is a Pawn in the Ludo Game?

Pawn, also known as goti are the game pieces that travel through the ludo game board according to the dice rolls and player’s strategies. Each player has their own goti, and it needs to be of a particular color.

What is the rule of 6 in the Ludo Game?

According to this rule, if a player rolls a six, they get an additional turn. This means they can roll the die again and move their pawn accordingly.

What are the common terms used in Ludo?

The most common terms used in ludo are- Pawn, pawn, Dice, Roll, Safe Zones, and Home.

Also Read: Ludo Tricks and Tips to Win the Game