Overview
Learn the simple race game of rolling, climbing ladders, sliding down snakes and reaching the final square.
Objective
Be the first player to reach the final square on the board.
What You Need
Snakes and Ladders board, one die and player pieces
Setup
Each player chooses a piece and places it at the starting position. Decide who rolls first.
How to Play
Roll the die and move your piece forward the number of squares shown, following the numbered path on the board.
Key Rules
If you land at the bottom of a ladder, move up to its top. If you land on the head of a snake, slide down to its tail. Follow any extra rules printed on your particular board.
Useful Terms
- Ladder: A shortcut that moves a piece upward when its bottom is landed on.
- Snake: A setback that moves a piece downward when its head is landed on.
- Exact finish: A rule requiring the precise roll needed to reach the final square.
Rules in More Detail
Snakes and Ladders is mainly a game of chance, making it especially suitable for younger players learning turn-taking and counting. The board itself determines where every ladder starts and where every snake begins, so follow the printed artwork rather than trying to memorise a universal layout.
Winning the Game
The first player to reach the final square wins. Many versions require an exact roll to land on the final square.
Worked Example
If you are on square 22 and roll 4, move to square 26. If square 26 is the bottom of a ladder, immediately climb to the square at the top.
Strategy Tips
- There is little strategy in the traditional game, so focus on clear turn-taking and following the board correctly.
- Check whether your set requires an exact roll to finish before starting.
Beginner Notes
There is normally no meaningful strategic choice after the die is rolled. For family play, the most important preparation is agreeing on the finish rule and any bonus-roll rule before the first turn.
Common Mistakes
- Climbing a ladder from its top instead of its bottom.
- Sliding down a snake when landing on its tail rather than its head.
- Changing the finish rule partway through the game.
Variations & House Rules
Boards differ in size and in the locations of snakes and ladders. Some versions award another roll for certain die results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I climb every ladder I land on?
Yes, when you land on the ladder’s starting square.
Do I slide down every snake?
Yes, when you land on its head.
Do I need an exact roll to finish?
Many versions do; follow the rule agreed before play.
Score Card
Open the CS17 fillable Snakes and Ladders Game Sheet to enter player names and game results on screen, then print it or save it as a PDF.