Ludo strategy: how to defend your pawns
Being sent back to your base is the worst thing that can happen in Ludo. A good defence means blocking your opponents' pawns, using your advanced pawns as shields and above all avoiding the squares where you can be captured.
Know the danger zone
An opponent's pawn can reach any square 1 to 6 squares in front of it: that is its danger zone. If one of your pawns is in it, it can be captured on the next roll.
The risk grows with the number of opponents: a pawn in the danger zone of two opponents' pawns is twice as exposed.
So before every move, spot:
- the opponents' pawns behind your pawns;
- the squares after an opponent's starting square, where new pawns can appear as soon as they roll a 6.
Block your opponents' pawns
Placing your pawns so that they slow down your opponents makes them lose time:
- threaten an opponent's pawn by placing yourself just behind it: its owner may have to use it to escape rather than to move their other pawns;
- occupy the track before their home column: an opponent who fears being captured will hesitate to get closer;
- in the home column, remember that you can't move past a pawn already there: placing your own pawns well keeps you from blocking yourself (see the end-of-game rules).
Use your advanced pawns as shields
Your most advanced pawns can protect the others:
- an advanced pawn placed between an opponent and your weaker pawns acts as an obstacle: the opponent has to deal with it before reaching the others;
- an advanced pawn also threatens the opponents who overtake it, which makes them more careful;
- and an advanced pawn is close to home: as soon as it enters the home column, it is safe for good.
Careful: a shield is still an exposed pawn. Don't sacrifice a pawn that is nearly home to protect one that has just come out.
Choose the safest move
When no attacking move stands out, choose the move that reduces the risk the most:
- Move the most threatened pawn away, especially if it is far ahead.
- Stay behind your opponents rather than just in front of them.
- Get into the home column as soon as the exact roll allows it: it is the only permanent protection.
- Avoid bunching your pawns in front of the same opponent: a single lucky roll could cost you a lot.
Defend without becoming passive
Too cautious a defence makes you fall behind. The best approach is to alternate: attack when the opportunity is good, as explained in the article on attacking strategies, and protect your pawns the rest of the time. The observation and adaptation strategies help you know when to switch from one to the other.
Key takeaways
- The six squares in front of an opponent's pawn are dangerous.
- Stay behind your opponents when possible.
- Your advanced pawns protect the others, but don't sacrifice them.
- A pawn in the home column is safe for good.
Test your defence right now: play Ludo online, it's free.
Frequently asked questions
How do you avoid getting captured in Ludo?
Avoid leaving your pawns 1 to 6 squares in front of an opponent's pawn, since it can reach you on the next roll. When possible, stay behind your opponents, move threatened pawns away and get your advanced pawns to safety in the home column.
What is the danger zone in Ludo?
It is the six squares in front of an opponent's pawn. One of your pawns in that zone can be captured if the opponent rolls the right number.
Where is a pawn safe in Ludo?
A pawn that has entered its home column can no longer be captured. On the track, a pawn behind its opponents, or more than six squares in front of them, cannot be reached on the next roll.