A Comprehensive Guide to Snakes and Ladders: Rules and Strategies

Snakes and Ladders, a classic game known by various names such as snake ladder game, ladder snake, and ladder games, is also referred to as Chutes and Ladders in the West. Despite its many online and offline variations, the game originated in ancient India as ‘Moksha Patam’ or ‘Moksha Patamu.’ Initially, it was used as a religious tool to impart lessons on karma and kama — destiny and desire. Regardless of its many adaptations, the fundamental gameplay has remained unchanged.

Objective and Basic Rules of Snakes and Ladders

The primary goal of Snakes and Ladders is to be the first to navigate your token to the final square (100), using ladders to advance and avoiding snakes that set you back. The board typically features 100 numbered squares arranged in a grid pattern. Players move their tokens based on dice rolls, progressing left to right in a zig-zag manner.

Detailed Game Rules

Rule 1: Starting the Game

To start the game, players roll a dice. Traditionally, a player must roll a ‘6’ to begin moving their token onto the board. However, some versions, like those on QGamesMela, allow any roll to initiate movement, removing the luck factor. Once a player rolls the dice, they move their token according to the rolled number, starting from the leftmost square of the first row.

Rule 2: Movement Rule

Tokens advance according to the dice roll. While some versions require a six to start, others allow any number. Movement follows a zig-zag pattern: left to right on the first row, then right to left on the next, continuing alternately until reaching the top.

Rule 3: Climbing Ladders and Avoiding Snakes

Ladders and snakes are essential elements of Snakes and Ladders. Landing at the base of a ladder allows players to climb up quickly, while landing on a snake sends them back down. The objective is to strategically land on ladder bases and avoid snake heads, adding excitement and unpredictability to the game.

Rule 4: Additional Turns for Rolling a Six

Rolling a six grants the player an extra turn. After moving their token six squares, they roll the dice again. This can be used strategically to gain extra movement, potentially landing on ladders or capturing opponents’ tokens.

Rule 5: Capturing Tokens

In some versions of Snakes and Ladders, similar to Ludo, players can capture opponents’ tokens. This occurs when a player’s token lands on a square already occupied by an opponent’s token, sending the opponent’s token back to the start. This strategy can give players a significant advantage by hindering opponents’ progress.

Rule 6: Winning the Game

To win Snakes and Ladders, a player must be the first to reach the final square (100). Players should use their dice rolls strategically, aiming to land on ladders, avoid snakes, capture opponents’ tokens, and prevent their own tokens from being captured. Strategic movement and careful planning are crucial to outmaneuvering opponents and securing victory.

Conclusion

Snakes and Ladders remains a cherished board game due to its simple rules and engaging gameplay. By understanding the basic and detailed rules, players can enhance their gaming experience, making each match thrilling and competitive. Whether playing a traditional version or a modern variant, Snakes and Ladders continues to captivate players of all ages.