Turn sequence
- Roll the die. Use the value shown unless the rules for your edition specify another action.
- Choose an eligible token. A token in its yard may need a six to enter. Tokens already on the track move forward by the rolled number.
- Count the spaces. Follow the marked route exactly, including any transition from the main track into a home lane.
- Resolve the landing. Apply the board's rules for captures, safe spaces or blockades.
- End or repeat the turn. An extra turn after a six is common but not universal. Follow the agreed rule set.
Common rule summary
| Situation | Common convention | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Token in starting yard | Usually needs a six to enter the track. | Whether any alternative entry roll is allowed. |
| Rolled a six | Often permits entry or an extra turn. | Whether extra sixes have limits or penalties. |
| Landing on an opponent | May capture and return one token to its yard. | Safe squares and stacks may change this. |
| Safe square | Captures may be prohibited there. | Which squares are marked safe on this board. |
| Two tokens together | Some editions permit shared spaces or blockades. | Whether other tokens may pass or land there. |
| Final home move | Often needs an exact roll. | Whether excess movement is disallowed. |
| Winning | Usually first to bring all four tokens home. | Whether the current round continues. |
Captures and returns
Captures add interaction and can create a setback for an opponent. Under many rules, a token is captured only when an opposing token lands on the same non-safe square. Some boards give the capturing player an extra roll; others do not. Do not assume a capture bonus without checking the instructions.
Safe squares and blockades
Safe squares protect tokens from capture in many Ludo versions. Some versions also permit two same-colour tokens to form a blockade that prevents opponents from passing. These are not universal rules. Read the markings on your board and decide on a consistent interpretation before playing.
House rules should be agreed in advance
Common differences include the number of sixes allowed in a row, whether a six grants an additional turn, what happens when a player has no legal move, whether captured tokens must start again, and whether a precise roll is required at home. Write the chosen rules down for friendly tournaments so all players are treated consistently.
Next: learn how a fair die behaves in Understanding Dice Probability, or read about the game's origins and variations.