Do you need an exact roll to win Snakes and Ladders?

In many versions, you must roll the exact number required to reach the final square. If the roll is too high, your piece remains in place. However, some editions use different finishing rules.

Do you get another turn when you roll a six?

Some versions allow players to roll again after getting a six, but this is not a universal rule. Check the instructions for your edition or agree on the rule before starting.

Can two players occupy the same square?

Yes, most versions allow two or more playing pieces to share a square. Landing on another player does not normally send their piece back or affect either player.

What happens if you land at the bottom of a ladder or on a snake’s head?

Landing exactly at the bottom of a ladder moves your piece to its top. Landing on a snake’s head sends your piece down to its tail. Passing either square without landing on it has no effect.

Snakes and Ladders Rules → How to Play the Game

Snakes and Ladders Rules at a Glance

The aim is to move your piece across the board and reach the final square before the other players. Here is a quick overview of the basic rules:

Category	Rule
Number of players	2 or more
Equipment	Game board, one die and one playing piece per player
Starting position	All pieces begin off the board or on the first square
Movement	Roll the die and move forward by the indicated number of squares
Ladders	Land at the bottom of a ladder to climb to the top
Snakes	Land on a snake’s head to slide down to its tail
Winning the game	Be the first player to reach the final square
Exact roll	In many versions, an exact roll is required to reach the final square

How to Play Snakes and Ladders

Players take turns rolling the die and moving their pieces along the numbered squares. Ladders can move you closer to the finish, while snakes can send you back down the board. The first player to reach the final square wins.

Set Up the Game

Place the board on a flat surface.
Each player chooses a playing piece.
Put all pieces beside the first square.
Decide who starts by rolling the die. The player with the highest number goes first.
Continue clockwise around the group.

Roll the Die and Move

On your turn, roll the die and move your piece forward by the number of squares shown. Follow the numbers on the board in order, as each row usually changes direction.

After completing your move, pass the die to the next player. Only one piece can be moved per turn.

Climb the Ladders

If your piece lands exactly on a square at the bottom of a ladder, move it immediately to the square at the top.

You must land directly on the bottom of the ladder.
Passing over the square does not allow you to climb.
The ladder movement is completed as part of the same turn.

Slide Down the Snakes

If you land exactly on a snake’s head, move your piece down the board to the square at its tail.

A snake only affects you when you land on its head.
Moving past the snake’s head has no effect.
Your turn ends after moving down to the tail.

Reach the Final Square

To win, you must be the first player to reach the final square, which is commonly numbered 100. Many versions require an exact roll.

For example, if your piece is on square 97, you must roll a three to win. If the number is too high, your piece stays in place and play passes to the next person. Some editions use a different finishing rule, so check the instructions included with your board.

Is There a Strategy for Snakes and Ladders?

Snakes and Ladders is primarily a game of chance, as every move is determined by the roll of the die. Players cannot choose how far to move or avoid a snake once they land on its head, so there is very little room for strategy.

However, players can still keep the following in mind:

Pay attention to the direction of each row before moving.
Count the squares carefully to avoid incorrect moves.
Check where each snake begins and ladder ends.
Remember whether an exact roll is required to win.
Stay in the game even when far behind, as one ladder can quickly change the result.

The unpredictable nature of the game means that every player has a chance to win, regardless of age or experience.

About Snakes and Ladders

Snakes and Ladders is a simple race-style board game that is particularly popular among children and families. A standard board usually contains 100 numbered squares arranged in ten rows, although its design and size can vary between editions. The game requires no reading or complex decisions, making it accessible to young players.

The game originated in India, where earlier versions combined entertainment with moral lessons. Ladders represented virtues and positive actions, while snakes symbolised vices and poor choices. A player’s journey across the board reflected how their behaviour could lead to progress or setbacks.

The game was later introduced to Britain and developed into the modern version known today. In the United States, a variation called Chutes and Ladders replaces the snakes with playground slides. Although the illustrations differ, the basic rules and objective remain largely the same.