The Journey of Ludo: From Its Origins to Laurel Gaming's Version

Introduction: Ludo/Parcheesi, a Board Game for Family and Friends

When we think of classic board games, Ludo is one of the first that comes to mind. It has been passed down through generations and has been the highlight of countless afternoons with friends and family gatherings. Now, this iconic game is about to make its way to Laurel Gaming.

In this article, we’ll take a journey through its history, uncover some fun facts you may not know, and understand why Ludo remains so relevant today.

Ready to dust off your board (or your mobile) and dive into the world of Ludo?

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History: Where does Ludo come from? Who invented it?

‍Although we associate it today with a game to play on sundays with the family, LUDO did not originate at our tables. Its history begins in 16th-century India. There, the game was called Pachisi and was played on huge outdoor boards, with people as pieces! It was the favorite pastime of Indian royalty, and by the 19th century, it traveled to Europe, where it was adapted and simplified, becoming what we now know as LUDO.

This game has endured as a classic due to its simplicity and the perfect mix of luck and strategy. The basic mechanics involve moving your pieces from the starting point to the finish while avoiding being captured and sent back home by other players.

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Curiosities: A Game for Queens and Different Names

1. Queen Victoria’s Version: In 1896, a version of Pachisi was patented in England under the name Ludo (Latin for "I play"), becoming an international phenomenon. Queen Victoria became a fan during the conquest of India and adopted it as a parlor game.
2. Commercialization of LUDO: John Hamilton registered the copyright in 1867, and it was sold until the toy company Selchow and Richter trademarked it in 1874. LUDO became the best-selling game for decades.
3. Personalized Boards: In Spain, many LUDO boards have been hand-painted and decorated, turning them into pieces of art. Laurel Gaming’s digital version will keep the spirit of the classic game but will add laurel bets and tournaments!

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Game Rules: Let’s review the basic rules.

‍Traditionally, LUDO is played by 2 to 4 players, divided into yellow, blue, red, and green. Each has four pieces of their color and a die. The board consists of several different areas:

1. The starting zone, located in the corners of the board, one for each color.
2. A hallway and final square in the center of the board, leading from each side.
3. 68 squares to move across.

The objective of the game is to move all your pieces from the starting square to the center. The gameplay involves:

1. Game start: Each player rolls a die. The one with the highest number starts the game. To move a piece from the starting square to the board, you need to roll a 5.
2. Capturing pieces: If a piece lands on a square occupied by another player's piece, it "captures" the other piece, sending it back to the starting square. The captured player must roll a 5 to re-enter the game and the player that captured a piece can count forward 20 squares.
3. Safety zones: Special squares (usually marked with a circle or star) are safe zones where pieces cannot be captured.
4. Final square: To reach the finish, a player must roll the exact number needed to enter the central square. A player can only enter with the last piece once all others are in the finish.
5. Winner: The first player to move all their pieces to the finish wins.

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Laurel Gaming’s Version: Keeping the Basics but faster

‍At Laurel Gaming, we’ve adapted this classic so you can enjoy it anytime, anywhere. Our version will include the traditional rules, in a more dynamic format with 44 squares and a more minimalist touch. Additionally, you will be able to create your own games and challenge your friends or other players online.

1. Multiplayer mode: Compete against your friends or players worldwide.
2. Use your laurels: Raise the stakes by betting your laurels in each game.
3. Weekly tournaments: Join our special LUDO tournaments and prove you’re the king or queen of the board

LUDO is coming to Laurel Gaming in a month, and we’re excited to bring this classic game back with a modern, social twist.

Ready to challenge your friends and bet on victory? Start practicing your best moves because the game is about to begin!

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