Snakes and Ladders Game

Snakes and Ladders Game guide

Snakes and Ladders game is a classic board game where players move their tokens along a series of squares according to dice throws. The game originated in ancient India as “Moksha Patam.” Over the years, this game has gained popularity, and now you can even play it online.

The best part – the game’s objective remains the same! Navigate your token, according to the dice roll, from start to finish. But, while you are doing that, make sure you don’t land on a snake’s head and race your token toward the 100th box by moving up the ladders.

This article will guide you to know the classic Snakes and Ladders game, its rules, and the equipment you need. We also compare the gameplay of Snakes and Ladders classic board game vs. Snakes and Ladders online on Zupee, a fast-paced game where you can stand a chance to win real money. 

Watch this video to know how to play Snakes and Ladders Game on Zupee:

So, what are you waiting for? Pull up your sleeves and dive into this guide!

Snakes and Ladders Game: Overview

Snakes and Ladders Game overview

Here is a brief overview of the Snakes and Ladders game:

Country of OriginIndia
Game GenreBoard game, Race game, Dice game
Players2 or more
Playing time15-45 minutes
Age range3+
Skills requiredCounting & observation
Snakes and Ladders Game NamesMoksha Patam, Chutes and Ladders, Saanp Seedi, Paramapadham, Gyan Chaupa, Golok Dham, and Sa Nam Lam Sha.
Online versionSnakes and Ladders Plus

Snakes and Ladders Game History

The origin of Snakes and Ladders traces back to ancient India as “Moksha Patam”. It was taken to England and renamed “Snakes and Ladders.” The game was also associated with the Karmic journey, where the squares with ladders meant virtue and snakes meant evil.

Historians and travelers worldwide have written about the various forms of Snakes and Ladders game. Some travelers even took home the existing versions of the game, which can be found in various museums in England. The game was later introduced in the United States as “Chutes and Ladders.”

Snakes and Ladders Game Play

You can play Snakes and Ladders online with live tournaments all day or stick to the classic board game. The classic Snakes and Ladders game is a perfect choice when you are off to a game night with your friends and family. However, if you want to play the game on the go and probably win some money, Snakes and Ladders Plus is your best bet.

Snakes and Ladders Plus Format

You can play Snakes and Ladders Plus between 2-4 players. Each player gets three tokens and an equal number of moves depending on the number of players in a game. For example, in a Snakes and Ladders online 2 player format, each player gets 18 moves, whereas, in a 3 and 4-player format, they get 12 moves.

Snakes and Ladders Game format

You can play Snakes and Ladders Plus in 4 different formats, with an entry fee, which is either paid or free of charge:

  • 1 vs. 1
  • 1 winner
  • 2winners
  • 3 winners

Steps to play Snakes and Ladders

The player who starts the game is randomly decided. Moreover, the player does not need to roll a 6 to start the game. The number on the dice determines the number of boxes the token will move. For each box moved, the player gets 1 point, and if the token reaches home, they earn 100 points. The player who earns the maximum number of points wins the game.

Players can cut their opponent’s token by landing on the same box to make the game more exciting and competitive. When a token is cut, it returns to the starting position, and all points made by that token are lost. The player can also safeguard their token by landing two tokens in the same box.

Here are the steps to play Snakes and Ladders online on Zupee:

  • Step 1: Roll the Dice
  • Step 2: Move the Token/ Skip your chance
  • Step 3: Capture Opponent’s Token
  • Step 4: Earn maximum points
  • Step 5: Win the Game
How to play snakes and ladders game

Read this article to know how to play Snakes and Ladders Online.

Snakes and Ladders Game Rules

One key factor differentiating Snakes and Ladders Plus from the classic version is the rules. Let’s take a look at the rules you need to follow while playing Snakes and Ladders online on Zupee vs. classic board game:

Snakes and Ladders Rules online vs. offline
RulesSnakes and Ladders PlusClassic Snakes and Ladders
Roll a 6 to get an extra turnNoYes
Cut an opponent’s tokenYesNo
Extra turn to cut a tokenYesNo
Safeguard your tokenYesNo
Move down the ladderNoNo
Move up the snake’s tailNoNo
Skip your turnYesNo
Reach 100th box and win the gameNoYes
Earn maximum points and win the gameYesNo

Read this article to know in detail about the rules for playing snakes and ladders online vs. offline.

Play Snakes and Ladders Game Online

The game’s objective remains while playing Snakes and Ladders online on Zupee. Based on the dice roll, the player navigates the token from start to finish, avoids the snakes, and takes shortcuts by climbing the ladder. However, the gameplay is a bit different from classic Snakes and Ladders. For example, a player gets one token while playing the traditional game, whereas three tokens while playing Snakes and Ladders Plus. Moreover, the winner of the game is decided based on a scoring system while playing online. What’s more?

To play the classic snakes and ladders game, you need:

  • A square-shaped snakes and ladders board. The board has numbers 1 to 100. Different boards have snakes and ladders starting and ending on different squares, affecting the play’s duration.
  • A dice.
  • A token for each player.

Buying a board might cost you around 100 to 500 INR, depending on the brand. But you can play it free on your mobile with Snakes and Ladders Plus. Besides, you get 10 INR as a bonus to download the game and play live tournaments. You can even win a chance to win real cash and withdraw your winning instantly!

Online vs. Offline Game

Snakes and Ladders Game - Online vs. Offline

Here are the key differences between the online and traditional Snakes and Ladders game:

DifferencesSnakes and Ladders Online on ZupeeClassic Board game
GameplayEach player gets an equal number of moves.Time is not specified. Can go on for hours
Tokens31
Players2-42 or more
Equipment’sMobile phone with decent internet serviceBoard, Dice, and tokens
Winning moneyCan win up to 10 lakhsProbably no winning money
WinnerThe Scoring system determines who wins the gameThe player to reach the 100th box first wins

Snakes and Ladders game: Tips

The best tip we can give you is to understand the rules before playing the game. Many versions of the classic Snakes and Ladders game are out there, with different rules. So, make sure that you know them.

Snakes and Ladders tips and tricks

To win the classic game, the player must roll the exact number on the dice to land on the 100th box. If they fail, the player rolls the dice again in the next turn. Moreover, there is no concept of cutting the opponent’s token or skipping your turn. So, the player’s sole purpose is to pray that he does not land on the snake’s head and get a good number on the dice to reach the 100th position. Basically, it’s purely a game of luck! 

To win the Snakes and Ladders plus game, the player must strategize his moves immediately. The player can stop an opponent’s token from reaching the 100th position by capturing it and can even safeguard their token. These tweets to the gameplay make the game more strategy-based.

Here are some tips and tricks to play Snakes and Ladders Plus:

Tips to play snakes and Ladders plus
  • Safeguard the token that has advanced the most in the game
  • Mitigate the risk of losing points by playing with multiple tokens
  • Capture your opponent’s token so that your opponent loses points, and you get an extra turn
  • Check the opponent’s profiles to look at their wins and losses to get an idea about their gameplay skills

Snakes and Ladders Game: FAQs

How can I play the Snakes and Ladders game?

The Snakes and Ladders game is typically played on a square board with numbered squares. Players take turns rolling a die and moving their game pieces according to the number they roll. The goal is to reach the final square before other players by avoiding snakes that can send you backward and utilizing ladders that allow you to progress.

Can I play the Snakes and Ladders game online?

Yes. Play the Snakes and Ladders Plus with online players and win exciting rewards.

What do snakes and ladders mean?

Snakes and Ladders is an ancient Indian game played with a board and dice. When you go up the ladder, you progress quickly. However, when you go down a snake, you go backward.

What are the Snakes and Ladders game rules?

One general rule of snakes and ladders is that if a player’s token lands at the bottom of the ladder, they can move to the top. If a player’s token lands on the head of a snake, it must slide down to the bottom of the snake. Look at this article for the gameplay rules to follow while playing Snakes and Ladders.

Who invented Snakes and Ladders?

The Snakes and Ladders game originated in India as Moksha Patam. Take a look at 10 ancient board games that originated in India.

How many players play Snakes and Ladders?

Snakes and Ladders can be played between 2 or more players.

What is the objective of the Snakes and Ladders game?

The game aims to navigate your token according to the die rolls. You use ladders to climb up and avoid the snake’s head as it hinders your climb. The game aims to reach the final square, i.e., the 100th Box.