Ludo Safe Squares (Stars) Explained
Safe squares are the squares where a piece can't be cut. On a standard 4-player Ludo board there are 8: each colour's start square, and a star square 8 squares further along. Any number of pieces, of any colours, can share a safe square, and nobody is sent home there.
Here's where they are, how they work, and how to use them.
Where the Safe Squares Are
Each arm of the board has two:
- The start square: the coloured square where that colour's pieces come onto the board.
- The star square: marked with a star in that colour, 8 squares after the start square.
Your home column, the coloured lane leading to the middle, is safe too: only your own pieces can enter it.
| Board | Squares round the track | Safe squares |
|---|---|---|
| 4 players (classic) | 52 | 8 |
| 5 players | 65 | 10 |
| 6 players | 78 | 12 |
Bigger boards keep the same pattern, two safe squares per arm. Read more about Ludo for 5 and 6 players.
How Safe Squares Work
- Nobody can be cut on a safe square. Land on a star where an opponent is standing, and you simply share the square.
- Anywhere else, landing on an opponent cuts them. Their piece goes back to their yard and has to come out again.
- Two pieces don't make a block. On PlayLudo, if two or more opponent pieces stand on the same ordinary square and you land there, they all go back. Some families play "blocks" or "doubles" that nobody can pass; that's a house rule PlayLudo doesn't use.
- Your own pieces can always share a square, safe or not.
How to Use Safe Squares to Win
Know the danger zone. An opponent piece 1 to 6 squares behind you can land on you with the right roll, a 1 in 6 chance each time they roll, and more if they roll a 6 and go again. If you're in that zone, moving onto a safe square is usually your best move.
Use stars as stepping stones. Moving from safe square to safe square keeps a piece out of reach for most of its trip round the board.
Wait on a star. If opponents are close behind, a piece can sit on a star while you move your others, then go once the danger has passed.
Don't count on an opponent's start square. It's safe, but it's also exactly where their new pieces land, so you'll often share it with a piece that's about to chase you.
Strike from a safe square. A piece on a star can't be hit back while it waits for the roll that lets it cut someone. More tactics in our Ludo strategy tips.
Safe Squares and House Rules
- Must cut: you can never cut on a safe square, so "Must cut" never forces you to move there.
- Cut to unlock home: a piece doing an extra lap is still safe on the same stars.
All the house rules are in our house rules guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many safe squares does Ludo have?
8 on a standard 4-player board: four start squares and four stars. 10 on a 5-player board and 12 on a 6-player board.
Are all coloured squares safe?
No. Only each colour's start square and its star. The other squares on the track are open to cuts.
Can two of my pieces block the way?
Not on PlayLudo. Pieces never block, and an opponent landing on your two pieces on an ordinary square sends both home.
Can a piece be cut in its home column?
No. Only your own pieces can go there.
Try It
The safe stars are marked on every board. Start a game against the computer and see how often a star saves you.