Ludo is an old-school, classic board game with a renewed life online and continues to captivate players worldwide. Ludo’s USP is that the game is simple yet strategic and exciting. The game seamlessly blends elements of skill and strategy, making it accessible for everyone but challenging to master.
Whether you’re a casual player looking to sharpen your skills or someone aspiring to become a Ludo pro, the following expert Ludo game tactics will give you the competitive edge to outwit your opponents. Let’s go.
Master the art of rolling the dice
Though Ludo is often perceived as a game of luck due to the reliance on dice rolls, true experts know how to maximize their chances by utilizing strategic moves based on their dice outcomes.
Here’s how to approach the dice:
- Plan each of your dice roll
Each roll has the potential to change the game. Always plan your next few moves. Consider which pieces must be moved and which should stay safe in your base. Often, it’s better to wait for an opportune moment to bring your piece out rather than rushing ahead blindly.
- Use the sixes
Rolling a six allows you to bring a new token into play or move an existing one. When deciding between these two options, assess the board. If your other tokens are far along the track, it might be worth moving them closer to the finish rather than starting a new one.
Be smart when it comes to using the safe zones
Safe zones (marked by colored spaces on the board) are the key to avoiding risky encounters with opponents.
Here’s how you can use them effectively:
- Pause whenever possible
Whenever possible, park your tokens in safe zones. These are the only places you can’t be captured, giving you breathing space to plan your next move. If an opponent is pursuing you, prioritizing reaching a safe zone can save your token from being sent back to base.
- Bait and switch
Sometimes, you can use safe zones to bait opponents into rash moves. Pausing near a safe zone may provoke them to over-extend, giving you a chance to capture their tokens on their next move.
Think of balancing defense and offense
A good Ludo player knows how to balance between offensive and defensive strategies. Being too aggressive can leave your tokens vulnerable, while playing too conservatively may allow opponents to dominate.
- Offensive strategy: capturing opponents
One of the most crucial aspects of Ludo is capturing your opponent’s tokens and sending them back to the start. Take the opportunity to cut an opponent whenever possible, but don’t leave your token vulnerable to retaliation.
- Defensive strategy: Protecting your tokens
While capturing tokens is fun, preserving your tokens should be a top priority. Keep your pieces clustered in safe zones whenever possible and avoid moving too far ahead unless necessary.
Observe and comprehend the behavior of the opponents
Knowing your opponents’ tendencies can be incredibly useful in any game of Ludo. Pay attention to how they play and adjust your tactics accordingly.
- Observe the weaknesses of your opponents
If an opponent focuses on advancing a single token, exploit this by aiming to capture that token whenever possible. Opponents who neglect their other pieces often leave them vulnerable.
- Identify defensive players
Some players tend to play defensively, rarely venturing out from safe zones. When facing such opponents, be bold with your moves. You can afford to be more aggressive since they hesitate to engage you in offensive tactics.
Adapt to the changing situations
Ludo is a dynamic game where the situation on the board can change with every roll. Stay flexible and adapt your strategy based on the game’s current state. If you’re leading, play defensively to protect your tokens. If you’re trailing, focus on aggressive moves to catch up.
Leverage mathematical probability
Although Ludo has an element of luck with dice rolls, understanding mathematical probability can give you an edge. You can make smarter decisions by calculating the odds of rolling specific numbers.
- Play the odds
If your token is five spaces away from safety, there’s only a one-in-six chance of rolling the needed five on the next turn. Use these odds to decide whether to move forward or hold back.
- Statistical positioning
Place your tokens in positions where they’re least likely to be caught by opponents. Avoid moving tokens too far ahead, where they may be left isolated and vulnerable to capture.
Endgame strategies
The endgame in Ludo is where many players make critical mistakes, either by rushing or overthinking their moves. Keep these strategies in mind as you near the home stretch.
- Pay attention to your leading token
Your priority should be to get your leading token into the home column as quickly as possible. This will guarantee you’re one step closer to winning and free you up to focus on your other tokens.
- Wait for the strategic rolling of the dice
If all your tokens are within a few spaces of the home column, consider waiting for precise rolls rather than rushing into unsafe territory. You can wait for a six or the exact number to land safely.
- Create pressure on opponents
Once you have a token near home, focus on using your remaining rolls to pressure your opponents. Keeping your tokens near their pieces can create a psychological advantage, forcing them to make hasty decisions that benefit you.
Summing up
Becoming a successful online Ludo player requires strategic thinking, risk management, and adapting to changing situations. By implementing these expert tactics, you’ll improve your gameplay and enjoy Ludo on a deeper, more strategic level. So the next time you roll the dice, remember these strategies and watch your wins multiply!