How 2 Play Pachisi or Parchisee
How to Play Pachisi Game
Watch video how to play Pachisi Game
How2Play: Learn How to Play Pachisi – Classic Indian Board Game
Pachisi is one of the world’s oldest and most exciting board games, straight from India! Pachisi is the original “race” game where 2 to 4 players race their pawns around a cross-shaped board, trying to get all their pieces to the center first. Simple to set up and full of strategy, Pachisi is perfect for families and friends!
Here you’ll learn how to play Pachisi step by step—from the board setup, to rules, and how to win. Ready? Let’s play Pachisi!
What You Need to Play Pachisi
- One cross-shaped Pachisi board
- 16 pawns (4 of each color, for up to 4 players)
- 6 or 7 cowrie shells (or dice, in modern versions)
How to Set Up
Each player chooses a color and places all four pawns in their home area at the end of each arm of the cross.
How to Play Pachisi – Simple Rules for Beginners
- Roll the shells (or dice) on your turn. The number of cowrie shells landing “mouth up” tells you how many spaces to move.
- Enter a pawn onto the board by rolling the exact number (usually 6 or 7). Move one pawn out from home for each qualifying roll.
- Move your pawns counterclockwise around the board, following the path shown.
- Landing on another player’s pawn? Send their pawn back home! (Only one pawn can be on a space, except safe spaces.)
- All pawns go to the center home square by rolling the exact number needed. Get all four of your pawns home to win!
How to Win at Pachisi
The winner is the first player to get all four of their pawns from their home, around the board, and into the center square.
Watch How to Play Pachisi Video
Need more help? Watch our easy video tutorial for a step-by-step Pachisi guide—perfect for kids and beginners!
