Snakes and Ladders: Background and How to Play

 

Snakes and Ladders: Background and How to Play

Background and History of Snakes and Ladders

Snakes and Ladders is a classic board game with origins in ancient India, where it was called Moksha Patamu. It was originally created as a moral lesson game, teaching players about virtues (ladders) and vices (snakes).

The game was introduced to England in the 19th century, simplified, and commercialized as Snakes and Ladders. Today, it is one of the most popular family board games worldwide, known for being simple, fun, and luck-based, making it suitable for young children.

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Objective of Snakes and Ladders

The goal is simple: be the first player to reach the final square on the board, typically numbered 100. Players race their tokens from start to finish while navigating ladders that boost them forward and snakes that send them backward.

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Snakes and Ladders Game Components

• Board – A numbered 10x10 grid (1 to 100), with illustrations of snakes and ladders connecting squares.

• Tokens / Pawns – One per player, each a different color.

• Dice – A single six-sided die is used to determine movement.

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How to Play Snakes and Ladders

1. Setup

• Each player chooses a token and places it on square 1 (the starting square).

• Decide who goes first by rolling the dice; the highest roll starts.

2. Moving Your Token

• Players take turns rolling the die and moving their token forward the number of squares rolled.

• If a token lands at the bottom of a ladder, move it up to the top of the ladder.

• If a token lands on the head of a snake, slide it down to the tail of the snake.

3. Winning the Game

• Players must roll the exact number needed to reach the final square (usually 100).

• The first player to land exactly on the final square wins the game.

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Tips for Beginners

• Ladders are your friends—they help you advance quickly.

• Watch out for snakes—they can undo many moves!

• Since movement is completely luck-based, the game is great for teaching patience and turn-taking.

• Consider playing multiple rounds for longer fun, especially with family gatherings or parties.

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Why Snakes and Ladders Is Still Popular

• Simple rules make it ideal for kids.

• Perfect for family game nights and casual play.

• Helps teach counting, patience, and fair play.

• Available in classic board form, travel-sized versions, and mobile apps.

💡 Pro Tip: Use Snakes and Ladders for educational play, like teaching numbers or addition to young children.