Safe squares, captures and smart moves

Safe squares turn a simple race into a tactical game. They are the marked spaces where an opponent normally cannot capture your token.

How to identify a safe square

Most boards mark safe squares with a star, a special colour or a symbol. Your own starting square is commonly safe too. Check your board before the first roll because designs vary.

When to stop on one

Use a safe square when an opponent is close enough to capture you on their next useful roll. It is also a good place to keep a token while another token races toward home.

When a capture is legal

You capture only by landing exactly on a lone opponent token on an ordinary track square. You cannot capture a token on a safe square. If your group uses blockades—two same-colour tokens on one square—agree how they work before starting.

Do not crowd your own route

Two active tokens are useful, but keep track of which paths are exposed. A token that is almost home may be worth protecting more than a new token that has only just left the yard.

See the full rules for the complete turn sequence.