Even though there are tons of different types of games readily available, there are millions of people who choose to indulge in different types of board games. Besides being easily accessible offline and online, board games give enthusiasts a fulfilling nostalgic experience.
Although many board games have come and gone out of trend over the years, there are multiple ones that have managed to stand their ground in terms of popularity and recognition.
The snakes and ladders game is a fine example of one such game. Despite being around for many years, the game still receives immense love from board game enthusiasts all around the globe, thanks to its top-tier features and immersive gameplay.
Although many people love playing the game, most do not know much about it. This article will shed light on some important snakes and ladders facts that every enthusiast should be aware of. Let us begin:
- It Originated in India Many Centuries Ago
Although its concepts and features seem very modern, snakes and ladders originated in India centuries ago. According to Wikipedia, the classic board game came into existence as a member of a group of games that consisted of other similar (dice-based) board games.
The game is believed to have originated in ancient India many centuries ago. At the time, it was known as “Moksha Patam.”
From India, the game traveled to different parts of the world. In the 1890s, it reached the British subcontinent, acquiring the name “Snakes and Ladders.”
From Britain, the game traveled to the United States, where it was marketed and sold under the banner of “Chutes and Ladders.” Currently, snakes and ladders is one of the most-played board games of all time, especially in the online mode.
- Online Snakes and Ladders Games Are More Popular Than the Offline Variant
Ever since it came centuries ago in ancient India, snakes and ladders had always been played using a physical game board, playing pieces or tokens and dice. Moreover, players had to be physically present to indulge in snakes and ladders matches. Although this facilitated board game lovers to have an authentic experience, it posed numerous limitations.
However, thanks to the advent of technology and the rapid digitalization the world has undergone in the past two decades, enthusiasts can enjoy the classic board game virtually with their friends by using online snakes and ladders. To get started, all interested individuals require is a combination of a solid snakes and ladders game and an active Internet connection.
Thanks to the benefits that online snakes and ladders games offer players, including easy accessibility, locational independence, seamless multiplayer modes, etc., most people prefer online snakes and ladders games over the orthodox method of playing the game, i.e., using physical equipment.
- It is Synonymous With Ludo in More Ways than One
Even though the majority of snakes and ladders fans prefer online snakes and ladders games over the offline version, certain people prefer indulging in the game using a physical game board. Fortunately, physical game boards are readily available.
However, the snakes and ladders game board is mostly found behind the side of a ludo game board. This is because there are numerous similarities between ludo and snakes and ladders. For starters, both are played using a physical die. Besides this, players need to use physical playing pieces when playing offline snakes and ladders matches.
Moreover, at the time Moksha Patam, i.e., the first iteration of snakes and ladders, was founded, it was closely related to Pachisi (Ludo’s earliest predecessor). Therefore, it would be safe to say that the snakes and ladders board game is synonymous with ludo in multiple ways.
- The Game Was Used as a Teaching Tool in Ancient Times
Besides being a board game designed for children, the snakes and ladders games’ earliest form, namely Moksha Patam, was used as an effective teaching tool. The game was used to teach children the differences between the virtues and vices of human nature.
The snakes present on the physical game board represented vices like hatred and jealousy, whereas the ladders served as representatives of good traits like kindness, humility, etc.
In addition, the number of snakes featured on the physical game board was more in quantity compared to the number of ladders featured in it. This signified that leading a sinful life is much easier than living one filled with good deeds. However, the rewards of the latter are much more than the former.
- Indulging in the Game Offers Many Health Benefits to Players
Snakes and ladders, like all other games, has been seen as nothing more than an outlet for having fun and staying entertained. However, what most people do not know is that indulging in snakes and ladders offers numerous health benefits to players, especially children.
For starters, it enhances the cognitive capabilities of players and facilitates them to better their thinking and reasoning skills. Besides this, it also helps children learn counting in a fun yet effective way. Moreover, it also helps players relax and unwind after a long and tiring day or week.
Thanks to the significant health-based benefits it offers, many doctors and physicians advise individuals, including growing children, to frequently indulge in snakes and ladders.
Snakes and ladders has been popular among the masses for many decades now, and given the popularity of online iterations of the game, it is safe to say that the game is not going anywhere for a long time.