How to play Ludo: tips to win more games

Ludo is mostly luck, but the choices you make each roll add up. A few simple habits make a real difference.

The rules

Each player has four counters in base. Roll a 6 to bring a counter onto your starting square. Move clockwise by the number rolled. Landing on an opponent sends their counter back to base, except on the starred safe squares. After a full lap, go up your coloured path to the centre; you need the exact number to get home. Rolling a 6, capturing, or getting a counter home earns another roll, but three 6s in a row ends your turn.

Get your counters out

When you roll a 6, bringing a new counter out is usually right. More counters on the board give you more choices for every roll.

Don’t rush one counter

Racing a single counter round leaves the others stuck. Spread your moves so you always have a useful option.

Stay out of reach

A counter one to six squares in front of an opponent can be captured. When you can, move counters out of that range or onto a star.

Capture when it matters

Sending back a counter that’s nearly home is a huge swing. Sending back one that just left base matters less, especially if it leaves your counter exposed.

Finish carefully

Counters on your home path are completely safe. Once one is there, move your other counters and let it wait for the exact roll.