Official Rules

Via Ludus Rules

Via Ludus is a two-player connection game. Players claim spaces, build paths, and block their opponent while attempting to connect their two target edges.

Rule 1

Objective

Via Ludus is played by two players: Red and Blue. Each player has a different connection objective.

Players alternate turns, claiming available White spaces. A player wins immediately when their claimed spaces form an unbroken orthogonal path between their two target edges.

Red
Connect the top edge of the board to the bottom edge.
Blue
Connect the left edge of the board to the right edge.

Rule 2

The Board

The board is a rectangular grid containing four types of spaces. Each space has a fixed state during the game unless it is an available White space that a player claims.

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  • Red — A space claimed by Red.
  • Blue — A space claimed by Blue.
  • White — An available space that may be claimed by the player whose turn it is.
  • Wall — A blocked space that cannot be claimed.

Rule 3

Game Setup

  1. Choose the Board Size

    Select the desired board size before starting the game.

  2. Assign the Players

    Assign a human player or available computer agent to Red and Blue.

  3. Begin the Game

    Red always takes the first turn.

Rule 4

Taking a Turn

Players alternate turns throughout the game. A player may make one legal move during their turn.

  1. Select a White Space

    Choose one White space that is currently available.

  2. Claim the Space

    The selected space becomes the current player's color and remains claimed for the rest of the game.

  3. Check for Victory

    After the move, determine whether the player has completed a connection between their two target edges.

  4. Pass the Turn

    If no player has won, the turn passes to the other player.

Rule 5

Winning the Game

A player wins immediately when their claimed spaces form a continuous orthogonal path between their two target edges.

Red's connection

Red wins by forming an unbroken path from the top edge of the board to the bottom edge.

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Blue's connection

Blue wins by forming an unbroken path from the left edge of the board to the right edge.

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Connections are orthogonal only. Diagonal spaces do not connect. The game ends immediately when a winning connection is completed.

Rule 6

Legal Moves

A move is legal only when all of the following conditions are satisfied:

  • It is the player's turn.
  • The game is still active.
  • The selected space is White.

Rule 7

Move Restrictions

  • A player may claim only one space per turn.
  • A claimed space cannot change ownership.
  • Red and Blue spaces cannot be claimed again.
  • Wall spaces cannot be claimed.
  • A player cannot make a move after the game has ended.
  • A player cannot make a move outside their turn.

Rule 8

End of Game

The game ends immediately when either player completes their required connection.

Once the game has ended, no additional moves may be made. The winning player's connection remains visible as the final board state.

A new game must be started to reset the board and begin another match.

Quick Reference

Rules at a Glance

  • Red moves first.
  • Players alternate turns.
  • Each turn allows one move.
  • Only White spaces may be claimed.
  • Red connects top to bottom.
  • Blue connects left to right.
  • Connections use orthogonal spaces only.
  • The first completed connection wins.
  • Play stops immediately when a player wins.

Play

Ready to Play?

Review the rules, choose your board size and players, then start a new game.

Play Via Ludus