<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<game>
  <title>Ludo Classic AI</title>
  <slug>ludo-classic-ai</slug>
  <short-desc>Play the classic Ludo board game against AI opponents or friends in local multiplayer. Roll the dice, move your tokens, and race to the finish!</short-desc>
  <categories>
    <category>Board Game</category>
    <category>Strategy Game</category>
    <category>Multiplayer Game</category>
  </categories>
  <keywords>Ludo, board game, dice game, AI game, multiplayer game, local multiplayer, classic game, strategy, family game, Pachisi, HTML5 game</keywords>
  <content>
# About Ludo Classic AI

Ludo Classic AI brings the timeless joy of the Ludo board game to your browser. Based on the ancient Indian game Pachisi, Ludo is a strategy board game for two to four players, where players race their four tokens from start to finish according to the rolls of a single die. This version allows you to play against intelligent AI opponents or enjoy a game with friends and family using the local multiplayer mode on a single device.

The game features a classic Ludo board layout, standard rules, and an intuitive interface. Configure your game by choosing the number of players and assigning them as human or AI. Experience the thrill of capturing opponent's tokens, the safety of star spots, and the race up your home column. Fun facts about Ludo pop up occasionally, adding an educational twist to your gaming session!

## How to Play

**Objective:**
The goal of Ludo is to be the first player to move all four of your tokens from your starting base, around the entire board track, into your home column, and finally to the center home area.

**Setup:**
1.  The game starts with a setup screen.
2.  Select the number of players (2, 3, or 4).
3.  For each player, choose if they are controlled by a "Human" or "AI".
4.  Click "Start Game" to begin.

**Gameplay:**
1.  Players take turns in a clockwise order (Red, Green, Yellow, Blue). The current player's turn is indicated.
2.  **Rolling the Dice:** Click the "Roll Dice" button when it's your turn. The dice result will be displayed.
3.  **Moving Tokens:**
    *   To move a token out of your base and onto its starting square, you must roll a 6. If your starting square is occupied by one of your own tokens, you cannot move another token out from base to that square.
    *   If you roll a 6, you get an additional turn (unless this 6 was used to move a token that resulted in a capture or reaching home, which also grant an extra turn).
    *   After rolling, if you have movable tokens, they will be highlighted. Click on a highlighted token to move it forward by the number of squares indicated by the dice.
    *   Tokens move along the path in a clockwise direction.
4.  **Home Path:** When a token has circumnavigated the board, it moves up its colored home path. An exact dice roll is needed to move a token onto the final home square.
5.  **Capturing Opponent Tokens ("Cutting"):**
    *   If your token lands on a square occupied by an opponent's token (and it's not a safe spot), the opponent's token is "cut" and sent back to their base.
    *   Capturing an opponent's token gives you an additional turn.
6.  **Safe Spots:** Squares marked with a star are safe spots. Tokens on safe spots cannot be cut. A player's own starting square is also considered safe for their tokens.
7.  **Additional Turns:**
    *   Rolling a 6 gives an additional turn.
    *   Capturing an opponent's token gives an additional turn.
    *   Moving a token into the final home square gives an additional turn.
8.  **No Moves:** If you roll the dice and have no valid moves for any of your tokens, your turn ends, and play passes to the next player.

**Winning the Game:**
The first player to move all four of their tokens to their respective home squares wins the game.

## Features

- **Classic Ludo Gameplay:** Experience the traditional Ludo game with authentic rules and board design.
- **Intelligent AI Opponents:** Challenge yourself by playing against smart AI players with varying strategies.
- **Local Multiplayer:** Play with 2 to 4 players on the same device, perfect for game nights with friends and family.
- **Customizable Player Setup:** Choose the number of players and designate each as human-controlled or AI.
- **Interactive UI:** Clear indicators for player turns, dice rolls, and messages to guide gameplay.
- **Fun Facts Popup:** Learn interesting trivia about Ludo during your game.
- **Responsive Design:** Enjoy the game on different screen sizes, including desktops and mobile devices.
- **Automatic Turn Progression:** Smooth transitions between turns and AI decision-making.

## Controls

- **Mouse Click:**
    -   Use the mouse to interact with the setup screen (select dropdowns, click "Start Game" button).
    -   Click the "Roll Dice" button to roll the dice during your turn.
    -   Click on one of your highlighted (movable) tokens to select it and move it according to the dice roll.
    -   Click "Play Again" on the winner screen to start a new game.

## Tips & Strategies

- **Prioritize Getting Tokens Out:** Rolling a 6 is crucial early on to get your tokens out of the base and into play.
- **Utilize Safe Spots:** Plan your moves to land on safe spots, especially when opponent tokens are nearby, to avoid being cut.
- **Strategic Captures:** Look for opportunities to cut opponent tokens. This sends them back and gives you an extra turn, providing a significant advantage.
- **Distribute Your Tokens:** Avoid bunching all your tokens together. Having multiple tokens on the board gives you more options for movement based on your dice roll.
- **Race to Home Carefully:** While speed is important, be mindful of opponent positions as you approach your home path. An exact roll is needed to get tokens into the final home position.
  </content>
  <faq>
    <question>How do I save my progress in the game?</question>
    <answer>Progress is not saved between browser sessions. Each game starts fresh once you close or refresh the page.</answer>
    
    <question>Can I play this game on mobile devices?</question>
    <answer>Yes, this game is designed to be responsive and is fully compatible with most modern mobile browsers.</answer>
    
    <question>Is this game free to play?</question>
    <answer>Yes, the game is completely free to play in your browser.</answer>
  </faq>
  <specifications>
    <multiplayer>false</multiplayer>
  </specifications>
</game>

An interactive game created with AI assistance