Snakes and Ladders Rules
Race to the top, climb ladders, and avoid the slippery snakes! Here’s how to play Snakes & Ladders, the classic game of luck for all ages.
What's in the Box?
- Snakes and Ladders board (with numbered squares, snakes, and ladders)
- 1 die
- Player tokens (1 per player – coins, buttons, or anything will do!)
Setting Up
- Unfold the board and place it on a flat surface.
- Each player chooses a token and places it off the board, ready to start at square 1.
- Decide who goes first (youngest or roll off!).
How to Play
- Players take turns rolling the die and move their token forward the number of spaces shown.
- If you land at the bottom of a ladder, climb straight up to the square at the top!
- If you land on the head of a snake, slide down to the square at the tail – oh no!
- You must roll the exact number to reach the final square. If you roll too high, stay put and try again next turn.
- First player to reach the final square wins!
Tip: Don't get too confident – one unlucky roll and a snake can send you sliding back!
Winning the Game
The winner is the first player to land exactly on the final square (often number 100). Everyone else can keep playing for second place!
Fun Variations
- Long Ladders: Try playing with extra-long or extra-short ladders for wilder swings!
- Double Dice: For a faster game, use two dice and add the numbers together.
- Reverse Play: Play from the top down, sliding up snakes and climbing down ladders!
Did you know? Snakes and Ladders originated in India as a game to teach morals and lessons about life’s ups and downs.
Quick Reference
- Players: 2 or more
- Age: 3 and up
- Average play time: 15–30 minutes
Pro tip: Even the luckiest player can be undone by a long snake – so never give up!
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