Ludo Around the World: 10 Regional Variants You Should Try

A Global Family of Games

Ludo is not just one game — it is a family of games that spans continents and centuries. From the palaces of Mughal India to the mess halls of the Royal Navy, from Colombian living rooms to German kindergartens, the core idea of racing pieces around a cross-shaped board has been adapted and adopted by cultures worldwide. Here are 10 regional variants every Ludo enthusiast should know about.

1. Parcheesi (United States)

The American classic uses two dice instead of one, giving players more movement options per turn. Parcheesi features blockades — two pieces on the same space create an impassable barrier. Bonus moves are awarded for captures and for getting pieces home. Published by Selchow and Righter in the 1860s and later acquired by Hasbro, Parcheesi became one of America`s most popular board games and remains a household name today.

2. Parchis (Spain)

Spain`s beloved version is played with one or two dice depending on the household. Parchis boards are brightly coloured and feature safe spaces marked with circles. Two pieces of the same colour on one space form a barrier that blocks all opponents. The game is deeply embedded in Spanish culture and is a staple at family gatherings, cafes, and parks. Online Parchis apps regularly top the charts in Spanish-speaking countries.

3. Mensch argere Dich nicht (Germany)

Translated as "Man, Don`t Get Angry," this variant was created by Josef Friedrich Schmidt in 1907 and has sold over 70 million copies. The rules are simpler than many other variants: one die, no blockades, and a straightforward path to home. Its enduring popularity in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland makes it one of the most successful board games in European history. The name perfectly captures the sweet frustration that defines the game.

4. Uckers (Royal Navy)

Played extensively in the British Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Royal Air Force, Uckers uses a standard Ludo board with heavily modified rules. Pieces can form barriers called "blobs" that require specific dice combinations to break through. The game has elaborate unofficial rules, traditions, and terminology. Uckers is considered an important social activity in military life and has been played aboard ships for over a century.

5. Parques (Colombia)

Considered the national board game of Colombia, Parques can accommodate up to 8 players on an expanded board. The game features "heaven" — a protected zone near the finish — and allows team play. Parques is played at family gatherings, in parks, and at organised tournaments throughout Colombia. The game has a rich social tradition and is often played with lively conversation and friendly rivalry.

6. Petits Chevaux (France)

French "Little Horses" uses horse-shaped pieces on a simplified circular or cross-shaped track. The game is shorter and faster than standard Ludo, making it popular as a children`s game. Petits Chevaux has been a fixture of French board game culture for well over a century and is often included in classic game collections alongside chess and draughts.

7. Fia med knuff (Sweden)

Sweden`s "Fia with a Push" follows rules similar to standard Ludo but with regional board layout variations. It is a beloved family game across Scandinavian countries. The game is often played during holidays and family gatherings, and vintage Fia boards are considered collectible items in Sweden.

8. Barjis (Middle East)

Popular across the Persian Gulf region, Barjis is played on a cross-shaped board with cowrie shells used as dice, preserving the ancient method from Pachisi. The game has complex stacking and capture rules and is deeply embedded in Middle Eastern social culture. Barjis is commonly played in family gatherings and coffee houses, accompanied by tea and conversation.

9. Chatushpada (Ancient India)

One of the earliest known ancestors of Ludo, Chatushpada was played on a four-armed cross board. Archaeological evidence from temples and caves suggests it dates back to at least the 4th century CE. While no longer commonly played in its original form, Chatushpada represents the root from which all modern Ludo variants grew.

10. Dau (Vietnam)

Vietnam`s take on the Ludo family uses a rectangular board rather than a cross shape. Players race pieces from one end to the other, with capture mechanics and safe zones similar to other variants. Dau is played recreationally throughout Vietnam and demonstrates how the core race-and-capture concept adapts to entirely different board geometries.

Experience the Universal Joy

Despite their differences in boards, dice, and rules, all these variants share the same magic: the thrill of the race, the agony of the capture, and the joy of getting home. On Ludo Race, you can experience the classic version that connects them all — free, online, and playable with friends from any of these Ludo-loving cultures around the world.