Have you heard of Parqués? This is the Brazilian version of the famous game Ludo, and it has been winning over families all over the country with its perfect combination of luck, strategy and lots of fun.
The most interesting part? You can play with your children, friends or even set up a personalized board with cardboard at home.
The benefits go beyond entertainment: Parqués helps develop concentration, improves interaction between generations and is also an excellent way to promote quality family time.
In this guide, you will discover how to play Parqués, what its rules and strategies are and even how to set up your own game with simple materials. Get ready to transform your living room into a place of fun and connection!
What is Parqués and Why is it So Enchanting?
Parqués is a variation of the traditional game Ludo, very popular in Brazil and Latin American countries. Despite the similarities with the original game, it has nuances that make it more strategic and engaging.
The game is simple: each player tries to get their four pieces from the starting square to the finish line, going through a path full of challenges, and surprises. But what really stands out about Parqués are the fierce disputes, unexpected obstacles and unpredictability that guarantee good laughs.
The Materials: What You Need to Get Started
You don’t need to buy an expensive board game to play Parqués. With a little creativity, you can set everything up at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A board: It can be made out of cardboard, cardstock or even printed on A4 paper. Draw the paths, the safe zones and the finish line.
- Markers or pawns: You can use buttons, bottle caps, colored stones or any small object that identifies each player.
- Dice: A regular six-sided die is enough. If you don’t have one, there are free apps that simulate the roll of the dice.
- Pen and ruler: To draw the board accurately.
Another important point to consider is that creating your own board is a fun activity to engage children and stimulate creativity.
Understanding the Rules of Parqués
Let’s now explore the basic rules of the game in more detail so that you can play safely and confidently.
- Objective: Take all 4 of your pieces from the starting square to the central area (final square), completing the course.
- Start of the game: Each player rolls the dice. Whoever rolls the highest number goes first.
- Exiting pieces: To put a piece into play, you need to roll a “5” on the dice.
- Moving: Each turn, the player rolls the dice and moves a piece the indicated number of squares.
- Capturing: If you land on the same square as an opponent, you return to base.
- Safe zones: Some squares (usually colored) are protected. You cannot capture pieces there.
- Arrival: You need to roll the exact number to enter the final square with the piece.
It is also worth noting that games can last from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on the number of players.
Regional Differences That Make Parqués Unique
It is important to note that Parqués varies greatly depending on the region. In some Brazilian versions, for example:
- It is not necessary to roll a “5” to leave the base.
- They use two dice instead of one, speeding up the game.
- Some rules determine that captures are worth extra points.
- There are houses with special effects (return, jump, repeat play).
- These variations make Parqués even more fun and adaptable to your family’s preferences.
Strategies for Winning More Games
Let’s delve a little deeper into this topic with some simple but effective strategies:
- Spread out your pieces: Don’t put them all at risk at the same time.
- Use safe zones wisely: Protect your pieces whenever possible.
- Take advantage of captures: Eliminating opponents along the way gives you a numerical advantage.
- Emotional control: Don’t make impulsive decisions after losing a piece.
With a little practice, you’ll realize that Parqués doesn’t just depend on luck!
Scoring Variations to Change the Rhythm
To make it even more interesting, you can try different ways of scoring:
- +5 points for each piece that reaches the final base
- +10 points for each capture made
- -5 points for each piece eliminated
- +20 points for whoever wins the game
These variations create new dynamics and can be adapted according to the age of the participants.
How to Create Your Own Ludo Game (Parqués) at Home
Want to make things even more special? Create your own Parqués game with your children or friends. Here’s how:
Practical step-by-step:
- Choose a firm base: cardboard, cardstock or a pizza box.
- Draw the board: Use a ruler and pen to mark the squares and paths.
- Add colors: Separate each player’s areas with different colors.
- Create the pawns: Use buttons, LEGO pieces, pebbles or bottle caps.
- Assemble the dice: If you want to make your own, use paper folded into a cube.
This is an activity that encourages teamwork, creativity and makes the experience even more engaging.
How to Teach Ludo Game (Parqués) to Children
If you have children or younger children in the family, Parqués is an excellent way to introduce them to board games. In addition to teaching patience and rules, it stimulates skills such as counting, motor coordination and problem solving.
Here’s how to facilitate this learning:
- Use boards with vibrant colors to facilitate visual understanding.
- Explain the game with practical examples, moving the pieces as you speak.
- Play short games at first, with fewer pieces or simpler objectives.
- Praise successes and encourage strategic decisions, even if they are still simple.
Another important point to consider is that children learn quickly when they are having fun. So, turn each game into a light-hearted moment full of laughter!
Parqués at Parties and Meetings: Tournaments and Team Versions
Want to liven up a party? Try organizing a mini Parqués tournament!
- Divide the participants into teams or pairs.
- Create elimination brackets or games for points.
- Customize the board with the theme of the party (birthday, Christmas, etc.).
- Prepare small symbolic prizes: paper medals, fun diplomas, etc.
It is also worth mentioning that this is a great way to bring together people of different ages in a single activity, promoting collective fun.
How to Play Parqués Online with Friends and Family
If you are far from family or friends, you don’t have to give up the fun! There are ways to play Parqués online:
- Ludo apps with variations of Parqués (available for Android and iOS)
- Platforms like Tabletopia or Board Game Arena
- Personalized games with video calls + physical board (one person moves all the pieces and shares via camera)
It is important to note that playing online also encourages socialization, even at a distance, and can maintain closer family ties.
Ludo King
Available on: Android, iOS, Windows, and also via browser at www.ludoking.com
Highlights:
- Free to play.
- Allows you to play with friends in real time (online multiplayer mode).
- You can play locally (on the same device) or with players from all over the world.
- Colorful, intuitive interface that is similar to the physical versions of the game.
- Allows you to create private rooms to play with family and friends remotely.
How to adapt it to Parqués:
Although it follows the classic rules of Ludo, Ludo King can be used to practice Parqués with small verbal adaptations between players, such as:
- Manual point counting.
- Specific rule definitions (for example, “only 5” or “points for captures”) agreed upon by participants.
Creative Ideas to Customize Your Board
Make your Parqués unique with a personal touch! Some simple ideas that make all the difference:
- Use family photos as markers for the pieces.
- Paint the board with themed colors or a vintage style.
- Add “magic” houses with your own rules.
- Create a giant version with EVA or fabric, perfect for backyards.
Another cool thing: creating together reinforces the sense of belonging and makes the game more valued by everyone.
Emotional and Cognitive Benefits of Parqués
In addition to the fun, Parqués has real positive impacts:
- It reduces stress and improves mood.
- Develops patience and frustration control.
- Stimulates logical reasoning and quick decision-making.
- Promotes empathy by teaching how to deal with victories and defeats.
These benefits are even more evident when the game is included in a healthy family routine.
Unique Tips to Make the Most of It
Here are some tips that are out of the ordinary and can transform your next game:
- Use apps to record points and track captures.
- Create themed challenges: play with just one hand, or with a timed timer per turn.
- Set up a family ranking and offer symbolic prizes.
- Adaptation for small children with fewer pieces and short trails.
- Play with a soundtrack: choose fun songs to increase immersion.
These are the details that make the experience unique and memorable.
Conclusion: Ludo Game
Now that you know Parqués in depth, you are ready to transform your family time with a ludo game that goes far beyond simple moves. You have learned what Parqués is, how to create your own board, fundamental rules, regional variations and even strategic tips to win.
In addition to being accessible, Parqués strengthens family bonds, stimulates logical reasoning and promotes fun moments.
So, how about getting the family together today, setting up your own Parqués and having this experience?
Don’t wait any longer, fun is just a few steps away. Bring the tradition of ludo into your home and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
