Parcheesi Deluxe

Parcheesi Game Rules

🎲 Objective

The game objective is to be the first player to move all four pawns from your starting area, around the board, and into your home (center space).

🎲 Setup

• Each player chooses a color and takes 4 pawns.
• Pawns start in that color’s start area.
• Players roll two dice to determine movement.
• Highest roller goes first; play continues clockwise.

🎲 Basic Gameplay

🔹 Entering the Board

You must roll a 5 to move a pawn from start to the entry space.

• A 5 can be made by:
  • Rolling a 5 on one die
  • Rolling a total of 5
• If you roll a 5, you must enter a pawn if possible.

🔹 Moving Pawns

• On your turn, roll two dice and move:
  • One pawn the total of both dice, or
  • Two pawns separately according to each die.
• You must use both dice if possible.
• If you cannot use both, you must use one (if possible).

🔹 Doubles

• If you roll doubles:
  • Move as normal.
  • Then roll again.
• If you roll doubles three times in a row, your turn ends and:
  • The pawn moved on the third roll returns to start.

🎲 Safe Spaces

• Marked spaces (usually with a star) are safe spaces.
• Two pawns of the same color on one space form a blockade.
  • No pawn (even your own) may pass a blockade.
  • Blockades cannot occupy a safe space in some versions.

🎲 Capturing

• If your pawn lands on a space occupied by a single opponent pawn, you capture it.
  • The opponent’s pawn returns to start.
  • You receive a 20-space bonus move (must be used immediately).

🎲 Entering Home

• After completing a full loop, your pawn enters the home stretch (your colored path).
• You must roll the exact number to reach home.
• When a pawn reaches home, you get a 10-space bonus move.

🏆 Winning

The first player to move all four pawns into home wins.

Parcheesi Strategy Tips

Here are some practical strategy tips to help you win at Parcheesi more consistently:

1️⃣ Get All Four Pawns Out Early

Even though it’s tempting to race one pawn around the board, having multiple pawns in play:

• Increases flexibility with dice rolls
• Creates blockade opportunities
• Gives you more capturing chances

Early mobility = more options.

2️⃣ Use Blockades Strategically

Two pawns on the same space form a blockade, which:

• Stops opponents from passing
• Can delay a leading player
• Protects your pawns behind it

⚠️ Don’t trap yourself — make sure you’ll be able to break the blockade when needed.

3️⃣ Capture at the Right Time

Capturing gives you a 20-space bonus, which is huge.

Best times to capture:

• When it pushes a pawn close to home
• When it knocks back a leading opponent
• When it helps you form a blockade

Avoid reckless captures that leave your pawn exposed.

4️⃣ Don’t Leave Lone Pawns in Danger Zones

Spaces just outside an opponent’s start area are high-risk — they may roll a 5 and enter right behind you.

If possible:

• Land on safe spaces
• Stay near your own pawns
• Move in pairs when opponents are nearby

5️⃣ Plan Dice Usage Carefully

Since you must use both dice if possible:

• Think ahead before moving the first pawn
• Consider how the second die will affect your position
• Sometimes splitting dice between two pawns is safer than making one big move

6️⃣ Time Your Run Home

When nearing home:

• Avoid clustering all pawns in the final stretch
• Keep one pawn active on the main track if possible
• Make sure you can hit exact counts to finish

7️⃣ Play the Board, Not Just the Race

Parcheesi isn’t purely about speed — it’s tactical positioning. Sometimes slowing an opponent is more powerful than advancing yourself.