Snakes & Ladders
Free online dice board game · Play the computer · No sign-up
Snakes & Ladders in a nutshell
Snakes and Ladders is a race to square 100 for two or more players. Roll the die and move your token along the numbered squares. Land at the foot of a ladder and you climb up; land on a snake's head and you slide down to its tail. The first player to reach square 100 wins.
- Start off the board. Every player's token starts off the board, just before square 1.
- Roll and move. Take turns rolling the die and moving your token forward that many squares, following the numbers from 1 upwards.
- Follow the zigzag. The squares zigzag up the board: left to right along the bottom row, then right to left along the next, and so on.
- Climb the ladders. If your token stops at the foot of a ladder, move it straight up to the square at the top.
At a glance
- Players
- 2 to 4 players one token each
- Length
- 10 to 20 minutes per game
- Equipment
- Numbered board plus one six-sided die
- Learn it in
- 2 minutes a game of pure luck
Snakes & Ladders questions
What happens if my roll takes me past 100?
Under the exact-roll rule your token stays where it is and you try again next turn. On GamesBento you can switch this off, so that any roll reaching or passing 100 wins.
Do I need a 6 to start?
Not in our version: you move onto the board with your first roll. Some families play that you need a 6 to start; it simply makes the game longer.
Do I get another roll for a 6?
In some homes a 6 earns another roll. It isn't used here, but it's a fine house rule if you play on a printed board.
Can two tokens share a square?
Yes. Tokens never capture each other in Snakes and Ladders; they simply sit side by side.
Is there any skill in Snakes and Ladders?
No. Every move is decided by the die, which is why it is a favourite with young children and a relaxing game for anyone.
