Talk:Snakes and ladders

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[edit] Unclassified

The article explains the rules using a 10x10 grid, but the example image has a 8x8 board. This is confusing and should be edited, probably with a note that there is also no standard arrangement for the game board size. Rob <cap AT capsi DOT com>

Done as requested. Mandel 11:04, Oct 2, 2004 (UTC)

Is it ever advantageous not to climb a ladder when you have the opportunity to do so? If so, there is a small skill component. --Jesse Ruderman

In principle it certainly could be, depending on the board layout. However, I always assumed that use of the ladders was obligatory. —Blotwell 06:11, 23 February 2006 (UTC)

Rule clarification, what happens when one player land upon the square of another player? - Tim

The Original game, by the name of Snakes and Ladders, was deemed immoral and satanic by puritanical Americans. Therefore, the name was changed to Chutes and Ladders for release in the United States by Milton Bradley.

In answer to Tim's question, I think nothing. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.202.232.128 (talk • contribs) 04:09, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

[edit] What historians?

The Western form of this game was invented in Chrisilorian England, possibly by John Jaques of Jaques of London [1], and apparently adapted from the ancient Indian game "dasapada", dating back to the 2nd century B.C. It should be noted that some game historians dispute this claim.

What is the claim in dispute? Because I think all historians agree snakes and ladders is an adaptation of dasapada.

--83.34.178.181 20:15, 2 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Oca game

It seems to be a variant of the oca game

[edit] Original name

The original name (setting the Indian origins aside) is Snakes and Ladders, and not Chutes and Ladders.

Early 1800's John Jaques II invented [...] Snakes and Ladders [1]

MILTON BRADLEY produces, sells and markets [...] CHUTES AND LADDERS (1943) [2]

89.1.194.32 23:38, 9 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Gyan Chaupar / Jnana Bagi

Image L0035004 at http://images.wellcome.ac.uk/ of an old Indian snakes and ladders board carries this caption:

Game of Heaven and Hell (Jnana Bagi). This old Indian game, known to us as 'Snakes and Ladders', was originally a vehicle for teaching ethics. Each square has not only a number but a legend which comprises the names of various virtues and vices. The longest ladder reaches from square 17 'Compassionate Love' to 69 'The World of the Absolute'

I haven't edited the page as I don't have time right now to check this out properly, but this is information that looks like it should be included. I don't know how jnana bagi is connected to dasapada - is jnana bagi derived from dasapada or is the info currently on the page about dasapada in error? Slightly more searching suggests that a more common name than Jnana Bagi is Gyan Chaupar.

129.94.6.28 10:12, 11 July 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Popular culture reference?

Should we mention that the villain in "Lair of the White Worm" (1988), Sylvia Marsh, played Snakes and Ladders? --98.198.12.5 17:29, 4 August 2007 (UTC)