Here is What Every Enthusiast Must Know About Ludo

Ludo is one of the few indoor board games that has remained evergreen. The classic board game has achieved this feat thanks to its top-tier features and gameplay. Out of all its achievements, its most recent one is becoming the most popular game during the COVID-19 lockdown. 

 

Millions of enthusiasts indulge in the classic board game every day in different modes. Some like playing ludo with their friends or acquaintances using physical ludo boards, playing pieces and dice, whereas others turn to online iterations of board games. Although millions of people play the game every day, most of them are oblivious to important facts related to the game. 

 

This article will list some of the most important facts about ludo that every individual who claims to be a fan of the popular game should know. Let us dive right into it:

 

• Ludo is an Indian Game Which Came into Existence Hundreds of Years Ago

 

Most people, when they learn about ludo’s rules and regulations, think that the board game originated in a foreign land. However, it is a myth since ludo originated in India many centuries ago. As soon as the game came into existence, indulging in it became the favorite pastime activity of people belonging to the ruling and elite classes. Everyone with a high societal status played the game, including nobles and ministers. 

 

The claim that ludo is an Indian game is not merely a conjecture or supposition. Ludo being a game of Indian origin was confirmed when historians found legitimate depictions of the games throughout different parts of the country. When it was found, the game was not known as ludo. In fact, there have been numerous iterations of the game over the years. 

 

• Online Iterations of Ludo are Preferred by Enthusiasts Over the Classic Offline Version

 

As mentioned earlier, enthusiasts of the classic board game can play it in two ways – the conventional offline mode, using physical equipment, and the modern online mode, using online ludo games. Although the conventional method of playing the game offers players a fun and exciting experience, it has numerous limitations. For example, players need to be physically present. Besides this, they necessarily need to have the equipment to play matches. 

 

On the other hand, indulging in ludo virtually is way easier and more fun. To get started, all individuals need to do is download ludo game on their smartphone and get started. Compared to the conventional version, online ludo games offer numerous benefits to players, such as easier accessibility, opportunities to win exciting rewards, etc. Due to this, the majority of ludo enthusiasts prefer indulging in online ludo than the offline version. 

 

• It is a Skill-Based Game

 

One of the most common misconceptions about ludo is that it is entirely a luck-based game where individuals do not need to think before making moves. However, it is the exact opposite. Ludo is a skill-based game that requires players to devise effective strategies and implement smart tactics to win matches. The only place where luck plays a small role is when players roll the die since the number that comes up is random and, thus, depends entirely on the player’s luck. 

 

The primary objective of players in ludo matches is to ensure their tokens or playing pieces reach their respective bases before their opponents’ tokens. To achieve the goal, players need to implement numerous tactics and strategies. Thus, it is safe to say that ludo is a skill-based game entirely. 

 

• Ludo is Unofficially Known as the Game of Kings

 

Ludo originated in ancient India, a time when the entirety of India was ruled by different kings and emperors. The game was a massive hit among the masses, especially the rulers. Many kings and emperors loved indulging in the game. Akbar, the great Mughal emperor, was one of them. Akbar loved ludo, or as the game was known back then, Parcheesi. 

 

Besides indulging in the game for fun and kicks, he used it to judge the character of men. In ML Rouselle’s book “India and Its Native Princes,” it is clearly stated that Akbar played Pachisi with his court members while an audience watched the game. Besides Akbar, many other popular emperors also loved indulging in ludo matches. For this reason, the game sports the unofficial title of “The Game of Kings.” 

 

• It was Used as a Teaching Tool During Ancient Times

 

There have been numerous iterations of the ludo board game over the years, out of which the earliest one was called “Moksha Patam.” It was used as a teaching tool to teach children the differences between virtues and vices. The snakes on the physical board represented vices of human nature like jealousy, evil, etc., whereas the ladders were representatives of virtues like humility, goodness, etc.

 

The number of snakes was more than the number of ladders, signifying that it is very easy to lead a sinful life, but staying on a truthful path is very hard. Even today, ludo is taught in many renowned business schools around the globe to explain the use of strategies and implement them in real-life situations. 

Final Thoughts

From afar, ludo seems like a children’s board game that is merely meant for fun and entertainment. However, if looked at carefully, ludo is one of the most advanced games that people of all ages can indulge in to learn about different things. Anyone looking for a solid indoor game that offers numerous benefits should try out ludo.