Ladder Game (Random Picker)
Last updated: 2026-06-25
The ladder game (ghost leg) lets you enter the same number of players and outcomes, then draws a ladder with random rungs so each player lands on a different outcome exactly once — a fair random draw.
Click a player's name to watch an animated path trace down to their result.
Enter players & outcomes
Result
Click a player
How to use
- Enter players — type one player name per line.
- Enter outcomes — type the outcomes (win, lose, roles, etc.), one per line, with the same count as the players.
- Build the ladder — press the button to generate random rungs, then click a player (top cell) to animate their path and reveal the outcome.
How the ladder game works and why it is fair
The ladder game (also known as ghost leg or "amidakuji") consists of vertical lines (rails) and randomly placed horizontal rungs (bridges). Each player follows their rail downward and, whenever they reach a rung, steps to the adjacent rail before continuing down, ending at one outcome at the bottom. Because rungs are placed so that they never overlap between the same pair of adjacent rails at the same height, different starting points always lead to different ending points. In other words, N players are matched to N outcomes exactly once each, with no duplicates.
This tool places the rungs using the browser's random generator, so a fresh ladder is created each time. Use it whenever you need a fair draw — deciding who pays for lunch, assigning roles, setting an order, or choosing who does a chore.
| Situation | Players | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays for lunch | Everyone's names | 1 winner, rest lose |
| Assigning roles | Team members | Present, organize, record, etc. |
| Setting an order | Player names | 1st, 2nd, 3rd… |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is the ladder game fair?
Yes. The horizontal rungs are placed at random, and each player follows their vertical line down, stepping sideways whenever they hit a rung. Every player lands on a different outcome exactly once, so results never collide and the draw is fair.
Can the number of players and outcomes differ?
No, the number of players and outcomes must match. If they differ, they cannot be paired one-to-one, so enter the same number of lines for each.
Where are the results stored?
The ladder is drawn and solved entirely in your browser; the names and outcomes you enter are never sent to or stored on a server. Refreshing the page resets everything.
Related tools & guides
Last updated: 2026-06-25