Snakes & Ladders
Up the ladders and down the snakes! Board games don't get a lot easier to play than Snakes & Ladders. Roll your dice, hope to NOT land on a snake. A ladder is great - you'll climb it up the board and whoever is first to the top wins! It sounds very simple and it IS - but it's also plenty of fun for adults and children. Who said board games need to be complicated?
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Read the rules for Snakes & Ladders
What is Snakes & Ladders?
Snakes & Ladders is the ultimate game of chance-a simple race to the top filled with dramatic swings of fortune! Players take turns rolling dice, climbing ladders, and sliding down snakes as they go. The beauty is in its simplicity: no strategy, no skills-just pure, unpredictable fun for all ages.
Fun Fact: In the US, the game is called "Chutes and Ladders" to avoid scaring anyone squeamish about snakes!
History of Snakes & Ladders
- The game's roots stretch all the way back to ancient India, where it was known as Moksha Patam.
- Originally, ladders symbolized virtues and snakes represented vices-teaching moral lessons as you played.
- Snakes & Ladders arrived in the UK in the 1890s and spread to the US shortly after.
- Modern editions focus on fun, excitement, and luck-leaving the morals (mostly) behind!
How to Play Snakes & Ladders - Rules
- 2 or more players each choose a token and start at the bottom of the board (square 1).
- Players take turns rolling a die and moving that number of squares up the board.
- If you land on a ladder-climb up to the square at the top!
- If you land on a snake-slide down to its tail. Ouch!
- First player to reach the last square (usually 100) wins the game.
- No strategy required-just roll, move, and enjoy the suspense!
Who Invented Snakes & Ladders?
No one knows for certain who invented Snakes & Ladders. The game's true origins are lost to time, but it's believed to have started in ancient India under the name Moksha Patam.
When Was Snakes & Ladders Invented?
Snakes & Ladders found its way to the UK in the 1890s, and later to the US as "Chutes and Ladders". The original game dates back centuries, making it one of the oldest board games still played today.
Popular Editions of Snakes & Ladders
- Classic cardboard or wooden Snakes & Ladders
- Giant outdoor versions for garden fun
- Themed editions with cartoon characters, animals, or superheroes
- Combo sets with Ludo, Parcheesi, or other retro games
- Travel and magnetic sets for fun on the go
How Do I Win at Snakes & Ladders?
Pure luck-so, be lucky with your dice rolls and hope you get to move first. No, seriously-this is one retro board game where skill just doesn't come into play. Who wins, for the most part, will be down to luck only. By simple maths, the player who rolls first in a two-player game will win 50.9% of the time. Unless you cheat (fine with us), there's no secret to success-just enjoy the ride!
Strategy & Tips
- Roll first if you can-statistics say it slightly boosts your odds!
- Choose a bold token for extra board presence.
- Play with house rules-double dice, 'bounce back' from the top, or add bonus squares for extra chaos.
- Above all: never give up! A single lucky ladder can change everything.
Retro Tip: In India, a version of the game had 72 squares and was played with cowrie shells instead of dice!
Why We Love Snakes & Ladders
It's simple, it's unpredictable, and it's the perfect game for all ages. Snakes & Ladders is a classic that never gets old-ideal for family parties, rainy afternoons, or introducing kids to the joy of board gaming. No strategy required-just luck and laughter!