One phrase, three common meanings

A ladder game may be a line-tracing draw, Korean sadari, or the dice-based board game Snakes and Ladders. They share a visual idea but not one ruleset.

Line ladder

Trace a fixed path from start to destination.

Korean sadari

Assign tasks, teams or choices.

Snakes & Ladders

Roll and race across a board.

Similar names do not mean identical rules.

Identify it by equipment and action

Vertical lines and horizontal connectors indicate a draw. A board, pieces and dice indicate Snakes and Ladders. A physical climbing activity belongs to a separate safety-focused category.

  • Line ladder: trace one start to one destination.
  • Korean sadari: assign tasks, teams or choices.
  • Snakes and Ladders: roll and race to the final square.

Why the distinction matters

Fairness means different things in each format. A draw depends on choice order and when the diagram is revealed; a board game depends on dice and movement rules.