Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Parcheesi, also known as the Royal Game of India, is more than just a colorful race-to-home board game—it’s a cutthroat strategy contest where one misstep can send your camel packing. In this video, I take you through every rule you need to know to master Parcheesi, including how to set up the board, how to navigate the lotus spaces, and the truth behind those 20-space bonk bonuses. Whether you’re new to the game or just need a refresher, you’re covered.
We’ll go step-by-step through gameplay, including the powerful—and sometimes brutal—bonk mechanic, the elusive 14-point double bonus, and how to create a blockade that brings the game to a screeching halt (in your favor). And yes, I’ll explain the most misunderstood part of Parcheesi: how movement works with doubles, penalties for over-rolling, and why sometimes the best strategy is to not enter a new piece.
If you’ve ever played Ludo or Sorry and thought, “This could use more tension,” Parcheesi delivers. With unique bonus rules, forced movement mechanics, and the infamous lotus safe spaces, Parcheesi is a classic that rewards clever play and a little bit of sabotage. Plus, you’ll finally know how to properly score those bonus moves when you bonk a friend or make it home.
Looking for winning strategies? Stick around for practical tips on setting up smart blockades, managing multiple pieces, and why keeping a pawn just outside your home can rattle opponents. Parcheesi isn’t just a race—it’s a mind game dressed up as a family favorite.
The version of the game used in this video is: PARCHEESI the classic game of India (2001) by MILTON BRADLEY - It seems to be out of print, but can be found from time to time on eBay.
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By Christopher Cannucciari
play-in-games.org
All Rights: Dynamic Range LLC
00:00 Intro
00:14 Object
00:30 About the Board
00:55 Set Up
02:00 Entering Pieces with 5's
03:07 Rolling Doubles
04:00 Double Bonus
05:28 Bonking - Sharing Spaces
06:02 Bonking Bonus +20
06:38 Safe Spaces
07:44 Safe Space Exception
08:03 The Blockade
10:13 Scoring
10:43 Scoring Bonus +10
11:26 Forced Moves
12:24 Strategies
13:25 Final Thoughts
Parcheesi, also known as the Royal Game of India, is more than just a colorful race-to-home board game—it’s a cutthroat strategy contest where one misstep can send your camel packing. In this video, I take you through every rule you need to know to master Parcheesi, including how to set up the board, how to navigate the lotus spaces, and the truth behind those 20-space bonk bonuses. Whether you’re new to the game or just need a refresher, you’re covered.
We’ll go step-by-step through gameplay, including the powerful—and sometimes brutal—bonk mechanic, the elusive 14-point double bonus, and how to create a blockade that brings the game to a screeching halt (in your favor). And yes, I’ll explain the most misunderstood part of Parcheesi: how movement works with doubles, penalties for over-rolling, and why sometimes the best strategy is to not enter a new piece.
If you’ve ever played Ludo or Sorry and thought, “This could use more tension,” Parcheesi delivers. With unique bonus rules, forced movement mechanics, and the infamous lotus safe spaces, Parcheesi is a classic that rewards clever play and a little bit of sabotage. Plus, you’ll finally know how to properly score those bonus moves when you bonk a friend or make it home.
Looking for winning strategies? Stick around for practical tips on setting up smart blockades, managing multiple pieces, and why keeping a pawn just outside your home can rattle opponents. Parcheesi isn’t just a race—it’s a mind game dressed up as a family favorite.
The version of the game used in this video is: PARCHEESI the classic game of India (2001) by MILTON BRADLEY - It seems to be out of print, but can be found from time to time on eBay.
TikTok: tiktok.com/@play_in.games?_t=8lg0eVCK0OQ&_r=1
Instagram: instagram.com/playin_games_offical
Inquiries: playin.games.contact@gmail.com
💰 Support the Channel: Hit that Special Thanks button!
By Christopher Cannucciari
play-in-games.org
All Rights: Dynamic Range LLC
00:00 Intro
00:14 Object
00:30 About the Board
00:55 Set Up
02:00 Entering Pieces with 5's
03:07 Rolling Doubles
04:00 Double Bonus
05:28 Bonking - Sharing Spaces
06:02 Bonking Bonus +20
06:38 Safe Spaces
07:44 Safe Space Exception
08:03 The Blockade
10:13 Scoring
10:43 Scoring Bonus +10
11:26 Forced Moves
12:24 Strategies
13:25 Final Thoughts
