🪜 Ladder Game (Amidakuji)
Generate a fair, random amidakuji ladder instantly in your browser — add players and outcomes, then tap any name to animate its path to a result.
About
The Ladder Game — known as Amidakuji in Japanese or ghost-leg lottery in English — is a classic fair-draw method used across East Asia for centuries. Each player is assigned a vertical line at the top; random horizontal rungs connect adjacent lines throughout the ladder. Following your line from top to bottom, turning at every rung, leads you to a unique outcome at the bottom. Because every path is determined by the structure of the rungs, no two players share an outcome, making it perfectly fair. This tool draws the full ladder on an HTML Canvas element entirely in your browser, generates rungs with a seeded random algorithm, and traces the chosen path with a smooth animation. No data leaves your device, no account is needed, and it works offline once loaded.
How to use
- Enter each player's name in the top row — add or remove names as needed.
- Enter the outcomes in the bottom row — prizes, tasks, or any labels you like.
- Press Generate to draw a new random ladder on the canvas.
- Tap a player name to animate their path through the ladder to their result.
- Press Generate again anytime to reshuffle — each new ladder is independently random and fair.
FAQ
- Is this ladder game truly fair?
- Yes. The Amidakuji structure mathematically guarantees that every player reaches a unique outcome — no two paths ever share the same destination, regardless of how the rungs are placed.
- How many players can I add?
- You can add as many players as you like. For best readability on screen, 3 to 10 players work great; the canvas automatically resizes to fit any number you choose.
- Can I save or share my ladder result?
- Yes. Use your browser or device screenshot to capture the canvas, or use the Share button to send a result card via the Web Share API on supported devices.
- Does this tool work on mobile?
- Yes. The canvas and controls are fully touch-friendly. Tap player names on your phone or tablet to trace paths just as you would on a desktop.
- What is the difference between Amidakuji and a random wheel or name picker?
- A wheel or name picker assigns outcomes independently — the same person could theoretically win twice. Amidakuji assigns every player a distinct outcome simultaneously, making it ideal for tasks like seat assignments, chore allocation, or deciding who pays the bill.