The Rules of Play

Objective

Be the first player to move all four tokens from Home Base, complete a full lap of the board, and reach Home through the Home Column.

Setup

• Each player chooses a color and places all four tokens in their Home Base.
• To start the game, all players roll the die. The player with the highest roll goes first. If tied, tied players roll again. Players may also mutually decide who goes first.
• Roll a 6 to bring your first token onto the Starting Path.
• Rolling a 6 gives you an extra turn.

Gameplay

• On your turn, roll the die and move any token already on the board.
• If multiple tokens can legally move, you may choose which token to move.
• If you roll a 6 and still have tokens in your Home Base, you must use the 6 to bring one token onto the Starting Path, then use the extra turn to move any token of your choice.
• You must use the full number shown on the die if a legal move exists.
• If you roll a 6 and roll another 6, you take another turn.
• If you roll three 6s in a row, you burn that turn and roll again.

Dead Roll

• If no legal move exists, your turn is lost.

Forced Movement

• If only one token can move, you must move that token.

Safe Squares

• Tokens on Safe Squares cannot be captured, blocked, or interfered with in any way.
• Multiple tokens may sit together on Safe Squares.

Movement

• Tokens move forward in a clockwise direction along the Starting Path.
• Tokens may enter the Home Column only after completing the capture requirement (see Capturing).

Capturing

• Landing on an opponent’s square captures their token and sends it back to their Home Base.
• Capturing gives you an extra turn.
• Tokens on Safe Squares cannot be captured.
• You must complete at least one capture before any of your tokens may enter the Home Column.

Blockades

• A blockade forms when two of your tokens stand on the same square.
• Blockades move together, and any roll is divided equally between them (example: a roll of 2 moves the blockade 1 space).
• You cannot separate a blockade by choice.
• A blockade breaks only when both tokens reach Safe Squares.
• Opponents may only pass a blockade by landing exactly on the blockade square; on their next turn, they may jump over it.
• Blockades cannot be captured.
• A blockade creates a full stop for all other players.

Entering the Home Column

• You must have captured at least one opponent before entering the Home Column.
• If you reach the entrance without a capture, you must continue around the board until you capture.
• Once a token enters the Home Column, it cannot be captured.
• Inside the Home Column, tokens move upward and must reach Home using the exact roll.
• If the roll is higher than needed, the token does not move.
• No opponent may enter your Home Column.

Winning the Game

• The first player to move all four tokens into Home wins.
• Players may continue playing for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place.

Advanced Rules (Optional Competitive Mode)

These rules are optional and intended for groups who want more tactical, high-stakes gameplay.

• Three 6s Rule
  If you roll three 6s in a row, your entire turn is burned and no re-roll is allowed.
• No Capture Bonus
  Capturing does not grant an extra turn in competitive mode.
• Friendly trash talk encouraged.

Partner Play (Team Mode)

• Two players sitting opposite each other form a team.
• The first team to move all 8 tokens (4 per player) into Home wins.
• Each player uses their own Home Column.
• Only opponent tokens may be captured.
• Partner tokens do not form blockades together.
• Partner tokens may occupy the same square without penalty.
• If one partner finishes early, their turns may be used by the partner still in play.

Why Partner Ludo Hits Different

• You play offense and defense
• Protect your partner’s tokens
• Sacrifice moves to block opponents
• Team strategy allowed (whispering encouraged 😄)
• Emotional damage is shared evenly 😅