New to Ludo or cash Ludo apps? Here are the terms you’ll see, with links to the full rules.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Yard / base | Corner area where your four tokens start |
| Token / piece / goti | The pieces you move; each player has four |
| Starting square | Square a token enters on after a 6; usually safe |
| Safe square (star) | Square where tokens can’t be captured |
| Capture / cut / kill | Landing on an opponent’s token and sending it back to its yard |
| Block / joda | Two of your tokens on one square; in some rules opponents can’t pass |
| Home column | Your coloured lane to the centre; opponents can’t enter |
| Home / finish | Centre triangle; tokens here are done |
| Classic / Quick / Timer | Game modes; see variations |
| Entry fee | Cost to join a cash table |
| Prize pool | Entry fees minus the platform fee, paid to winners |
| Platform fee / rake | The app’s cut, usually 10–20% |
More Ludo guides
- Ludo rules
- How to play Ludo online for real money
- Ludo variations: Classic, Quick and Timer
- Ludo tips and strategy
- Best Ludo apps
18+ only for real-money play; it involves financial risk and may be restricted in your state.
Frequently asked questions
What is a goti in Ludo?
Goti is the Hindi word for a Ludo token or piece.
What does "cut" mean in Ludo?
Cutting means capturing: landing on an opponent's token to send it back to its yard.
What is a joda in Ludo?
A joda is a pair of your tokens on the same square, which forms a block in some rule sets.