Ludo strategy: how to attack
In Ludo, the die decides a lot, but the choice of which pawn to move makes the difference. A good attacking strategy rests on two ideas: anticipating your opponents' moves so you capture at the right moment, and moving several pawns forward so you always have a good move to play.
Anticipate your opponents' moves
Before rolling the die, look at the board:
- where are the opponents' pawns compared to yours? An opponent's pawn 1 to 6 squares in front of one of your pawns can be captured on the next roll, with the right number;
- which opponents' pawns are dangerous for you? The same distances apply the other way round: an opponent right behind you can capture you;
- where will new pawns appear? The squares after an opponent's starting square fill up as soon as they roll a 6.
By predicting their moves, you can adjust your strategy: set up a capture, block their progress or avoid their attacks.
Pick the right captures
Capturing an opponent's pawn sends it back to its base: they will need another 6 and must start all over again. But not all captures are equal.
A capture is excellent when:
- the opponent's pawn was far ahead: they lose almost a full lap of the board;
- the opponent has few pawns in play: they may wait a long time for their next 6;
- your pawn is not exposed right after, or only to one opponent's pawn.
Think twice when:
- it puts your pawn right in front of several opponents;
- it means giving up on getting a pawn to safety in the home column.
Keep your pawns moving together
Focusing all your efforts on a single pawn is tempting: it gets home fast. But it is risky:
- a lone pawn is an easy target, and losing it wipes out all your efforts;
- with only one pawn in play, you have only one possible move on each roll, even if it is a bad one;
- at the end of the game, the exact-roll rule can block you for several turns.
With several pawns in play, every roll gives you a choice: capture with one, escape with another, get home with a third. The more options you have, the more the luck of the die works in your favour.
Make the most of your 6s
The 6 is the most valuable roll. At the start of the game, you must use it to bring a pawn out if you still have one in your base (see the rules). Once all your pawns are out, remember that a 6 lets you:
- catch an opponent's pawn exactly 6 squares ahead of you;
- get a pawn out of the danger zone in one go;
- bring a pawn closer to home for the final stretch.
Attack without forgetting defence
Attack and defence go hand in hand. After every attacking move, ask yourself whether your pawn is safe. If not, the article on defensive strategies will help you protect your pawns, and the one on observation and adaptation strategies will help you choose between risk and caution depending on the stage of the game.
Key takeaways
- Look at the board before every roll.
- Go after the most advanced opponents' pawns first.
- Keep several pawns in play.
- After every attack, check that your pawn is not exposed.
Ready to go on the attack? Play Ludo for free and put these tips into practice against three bots.
Frequently asked questions
Should you always capture an opponent's pawn when you can?
Often, but not always. A capture pays off when the opponent's pawn was far ahead and your pawn is not left exposed right after. If the capture puts you within reach of several opponents, compare it with your other possible moves.
Is it better to move one pawn or several?
Several. A lone pawn is an easy target and leaves you few choices on each roll. With several pawns in play, you can pick the best move every turn: a capture, an escape or getting into the home column.
Which opponent's pawn should you attack first?
The most advanced one. Sending back a pawn that has almost gone around the board costs your opponent far more time than capturing a pawn that has just come out.