Set up the board
Each player chooses a colour and places four tokens in the matching starting yard. A classic board has space for two to four players. Pick who rolls first and take turns in the same order throughout the game.
Agree on the version you are playing
Before anyone rolls, decide how tokens leave the yard, which squares are safe, and what happens after three sixes. These details differ between boards and apps. The usual starting rule is that you need a six to bring a token onto its starting square.
Roll, then choose one token
On your turn, move one eligible token by the number shown on the die. If you roll a four, move that token four squares; do not divide the roll between two tokens. If no token has a legal move, your turn passes.
Look for captures and safe squares
Landing exactly on an opponent’s token on an ordinary square usually sends it back to its yard. Safe squares protect tokens from capture. Check your board’s markings and rules before assuming a square is safe.
Bring all four tokens home
After travelling around the board, your token enters its own coloured home lane. You normally need an exact roll to finish. If a token is two spaces from home and you roll five, move another eligible token instead. The first player to finish with all four tokens wins.
Try one practice round
Play a relaxed round with moves explained aloud. It is easier to remember a capture or an exact-roll finish after seeing it happen. Once everyone is comfortable, let each player make their own decisions.