How to play Ludo

Ludo is the race game with the cross-shaped board: four colors, four pieces each, one die. It is easy enough for a five-year-old and still exciting at any age, because one lucky roll can send the leader back to the start. Play against one to three computer players (Hank, Dot and Lou), pass the tablet around the kitchen table, or send a link and play with the grandkids on their own phones.

The board

• Each color has a yard in one corner, a start square of its color, and a colored lane that leads to home in the middle.
• The track goes clockwise around the cross. A piece makes one full lap, then turns up its own lane.
• The stars and the four colored start squares are safe: nobody can be sent back from them.

A turn

• Tap the die to roll. Then tap the piece you want to move that many squares.
• A piece leaves the yard only on a 6, and goes to your start square.
• A 6 gives you another roll. Three 6s in a row and the turn is lost.
• Land on another player's piece (not on a safe square) and it goes back to its yard. You roll again.
• Your own pieces can share a square.
• To get home you need the exact number. A piece that reaches home also earns another roll.
• If no piece can move, the turn passes. When only one piece can move, it moves by itself.

Winning

The first player with every piece home wins. The Quick game uses two pieces each and takes about half as long.

Tips

1. Get pieces out. Using a 6 to bring a new piece out gives you more choices on every later roll.
2. Mind the six squares behind you. A piece 1 to 6 squares behind yours can land on it next turn. Move away, or rest on a star.
3. Send them back. When you can land on another player's piece, it is usually the best move, especially if that piece is far along.
4. Spread your chances. A piece close to home needs an exact roll; keep another piece moving so no roll is wasted.

Today's game

The Daily Game is one game against three computer players with the same dice, in the same order, for everyone today. Your choices make the difference. Win and your result is the number of turns it took; otherwise it is how many pieces you got home. Your first try of the day is the one that counts.

Questions

Where does Ludo come from? From Pachisi, an old race game from India. Ludo is the simple family version played around the world, with one die and a cross-shaped board.

How strong are the computers? Easy plays like a beginner and often picks a piece at random. Normal follows good habits: send pieces back, come out on a 6, run from danger, rest on stars. Sharp weighs every square for danger and progress and wins about 55% of games against Normal head to head. Ludo has a lot of luck, so anyone can win.

Can we play on one tablet? Yes. Open Settings and choose "Pass the tablet" for two to four players.

Can I play with my grandkids far away? Yes. Choose "Play with friends", send the link or read out the four-letter table code. The computer fills open seats.

Do I need an account? No. Your game is saved in this browser, so you can close the page and come back.