Ludo Safe Squares Explained: Stars, Start Squares and Captures

Safe squares decide more games of Ludo than any lucky roll. A token sitting on one cannot be captured, which makes them the only places on the board where you can wait without risk.

Here is where the safe squares are, what the rules say about them, and how to use them properly.

What is a safe square in Ludo?

A safe square is a square where no token can be captured. In normal play, landing exactly on a single opponent token sends it back to its yard. On a safe square that rule is switched off: an opponent can land there, but both tokens simply share the square.

Where are the safe squares?

On the classic board there are two kinds.

• The starting squares. Each colour's starting square, the coloured square where a token enters the track, is safe.
• The star squares. Most boards mark extra safe squares with a star, usually one in each arm of the board, a little way along from each starting square.

That gives most boards eight safe squares: four starting squares and four stars. Some physical boards print fewer stars, or none at all, which is why it is worth checking before a game.

Your home column is safe too

After a token goes round the board, it turns into its own coloured column leading to the centre. Only your tokens can enter that column, so nothing there can ever be captured. Once a token is in its home column, the only thing left is getting the exact roll to finish.

What the rules say about safe squares

A few rules come up again and again.

• Tokens of different colours can share a safe square. Neither is captured.
• You can always land on a safe square, whoever is already there.
• A token on a safe square still counts as being on the track. It can move off again on any later turn.
• Two of your own tokens on any square form a block, safe square or not.

The last rule matters because a block on a safe square is the strongest position in the game: it cannot be captured and it cannot be passed.

House rules that change safe squares

Safe squares are one of the places where groups play differently, so agree before you start.

• Starting squares only. Some players ignore the stars and treat only the four starting squares as safe.
• No safe squares at all. A rare, much more aggressive version where every square is dangerous.
• Your start square is only safe for you. In this version an opponent sitting on your starting square can be captured when you bring a token out.

None of these are wrong, but they change the game a lot. There is a full guide to the rules of Ludo with the other house rules people argue about.

How to use safe squares to win

Knowing where the safe squares are is easy. Using them well is where the skill is.

• Count the danger zone. A token is at risk from any opponent one to six squares behind it. If an opponent is in that range, a safe square nearby is worth more than a longer move.
• Hop between safe squares. When you have a choice, moving from one safe square to the next keeps a token protected for most of its journey.
• Do not park forever. A token sitting on a star all game is safe but useless. Use the safe square to wait for a good roll, then move on.
• Watch your starting square. It is where your new tokens arrive, so an opponent passing nearby is a target every time you roll a six.

There is more on choosing which token to move in the guide to actually winning at Ludo.

Safe squares in online Ludo

Online, the safe squares are marked on the board and the game applies the rules for you, so there is no arguing about whether a capture counts. Ludo Jim plays the classic rules, with private rooms for playing with friends, games against the computer on three difficulty levels and a faster quick-play mode.

Frequently asked questions

How many safe squares are there in Ludo?

Most boards have eight: the four coloured starting squares and four star squares. Some boards have fewer stars, so check the board you are playing on.

Can you be captured on a star in Ludo?

No. Star squares are safe squares, so a token on one cannot be sent home. An opponent who lands there simply shares the square.

Can two different colours share a safe square?

Yes. On a safe square, tokens of different colours sit together and neither is captured.

Is the home column safe in Ludo?

Yes. Only your own tokens can enter your coloured home column, so nothing in it can be captured.

Is the starting square safe in Ludo?

In the standard rules, yes. Some house rules let you capture an opponent sitting on your starting square when you bring a new token out, so agree on it before the game.