How to Play Stratego Board Game: A Beginner’s Guide

Stratego is a classic strategy board game where two players command armies and use deception, tactics, and planning to capture their opponent’s flag while protecting their own. In this guide, you'll learn the fundamental rules, board setup, piece movements, and essential strategies to get started with Stratego and improve your gameplay.


Getting Started with Stratego

Before diving into gameplay, it's essential to understand the fundamental setup and rules of Stratego. This section will guide you through everything you need to know to start playing.

Understanding the Objective

Stratego is a two-player strategy board game where each player commands an army of 40 pieces, aiming to capture their opponent’s flag while defending their own. The game involves strategic placement, movement, and deception to outmaneuver the opponent.

Setting Up the Board

Stratego is played on a 10×10 grid, with each player arranging their pieces on the first four rows closest to them. The central two rows remain empty at the start of the game.

Here’s how to set up the board:

1. Piece Placement – Players place their pieces in secret, ensuring their opponent cannot see their ranks. This hidden deployment is crucial for strategic deception.
2. Flag Positioning – The flag must be placed strategically, often surrounded by bombs or protected by strong defensive units.
3. Bomb Placement – Bombs are immobile and eliminate any attacking piece except for Miners, who can disarm them.
4. Strategic Formation – Arranging high-ranking and scouting pieces effectively can provide both defense and offense from the start.

Learning the Game Pieces

Each player has 40 pieces of varying ranks, ranging from the powerful Marshal (rank 10) to the lowly Scout (rank 2). Understanding the role of each piece is essential for successful gameplay.

Key pieces include:

• Flag – The ultimate objective; if captured, the game is lost.
• Spy – The only piece capable of defeating the Marshal if it attacks first.
• Bombs – Stationary obstacles that eliminate most attacking pieces.
• Scouts – The only pieces allowed to move multiple spaces in a straight line, useful for reconnaissance.
• Miners – The only units capable of defusing bombs.

Understanding Movement and Attacking

• Most pieces move one space per turn in any direction (except diagonally).
• When a piece attacks an opponent’s piece, both players reveal their ranks. The higher rank wins, and the defeated piece is removed from the board.
• If both pieces have the same rank, both are eliminated.

First Moves and Initial Strategy

Once both players have set up their armies, the game begins. Players take turns moving one piece at a time. Early-game strategy often involves:

• Scouting the enemy’s setup – Using scouts and low-ranked pieces to gather intelligence.
• Defensive positioning – Placing bombs and strong units to protect the flag.
• Bluffing and deception – Making movements that mislead the opponent about the location of key pieces.

By understanding these foundational elements, you’ll be ready to play your first game of Stratego with confidence.

Understanding Game Pieces and Movement

Stratego is a game of strategy where each player commands an army of 40 pieces, each with a specific rank and function. Understanding how these pieces move and interact is fundamental to mastering the game.

Rank Hierarchy

Each piece in Stratego has a designated rank, determining its strength in combat. The ranks, from highest to lowest, are:

1. Marshal (10) – The highest-ranking piece, capable of defeating any other piece except the Spy.
2. General (9) – The second-highest rank, outranking all except the Marshal.
3. Colonel (8)
4. Major (7)
5. Captain (6)
6. Lieutenant (5)
7. Sergeant (4)
8. Miner (3) – The only piece capable of defusing Bombs.
9. Scout (2) – The only piece that can move multiple squares in a straight line.
10. Spy (1) – The weakest piece but the only one capable of defeating the Marshal if it attacks first.

Special Pieces

In addition to the ranked pieces, Stratego includes three special types of pieces that play unique roles in the game:

• Flag – The objective of the game. If a player's Flag is captured, they lose. The Flag cannot move.
• Bombs – Immovable pieces that eliminate any attacking piece except for a Miner.
• Spy – Although the weakest piece in the game, the Spy can defeat the Marshal if it initiates the attack.

Movement Rules

Most pieces in Stratego move one square per turn, either vertically or horizontally. However, there are some exceptions:

• Scouts (2) can move multiple squares in a straight line, making them useful for reconnaissance.
• Bombs and the Flag do not move at all once placed on the board.

Unlike chess, pieces in Stratego remain hidden from the opponent until they engage in combat, adding an element of deception and strategy.

Combat Rules

When a piece moves onto a square occupied by an opponent’s piece, combat occurs. The following rules apply:

• The piece with the higher rank wins and remains on the square. The defeated piece is removed from the game.
• If both pieces have the same rank, they are both removed.
• The Spy can only defeat the Marshal if it attacks first.
• Bombs eliminate any attacking piece except for Miners, which can diffuse them and remove them from the board.

By understanding the properties and movement rules of each piece, players can develop effective strategies to outmaneuver their opponents and capture the Flag.

Core Game Rules and Mechanics

Objective of the Game

The primary objective in Stratego is to capture your opponent's flag while protecting your own. Each player controls an army of pieces with different ranks and abilities, and the game is won when a player successfully moves onto the opponent's flag or when the opponent can no longer make a legal move.

Game Board and Setup

Stratego is played on a 10×10 board. Each player starts with 40 pieces, which they arrange in the first four rows closest to them. The middle section of the board has two impassable lake areas that limit movement and create strategic choke points.

Piece Movement Rules

Most pieces move one space per turn in any of the four cardinal directions (up, down, left, or right). Exceptions include:

• The Scout (Rank 9): This piece can move multiple spaces in a straight line, similar to a rook in chess.
• Bombs and the Flag: These pieces are stationary and cannot move.

Combat and Attacking

When a piece moves onto a square occupied by an opponent's piece, combat occurs:

1. Each player reveals the rank of their piece.
2. The piece with the lower rank is removed from the board.
3. If both pieces have the same rank, both are eliminated.
4. The attacking piece wins and moves into the defeated piece’s space if it has a higher rank.

Special Pieces and Abilities

Certain pieces have unique abilities:

• The Spy: The only piece that can defeat the Marshal (Rank 10), but only if attacking first. If attacked, the Spy is defeated by any piece.
• Bombs: Immovable pieces that destroy any attacking piece except for the Miner (Rank 8), which can defuse them.

Winning the Game

A player wins by:

• Capturing the opponent’s flag.
• Eliminating all movable opponent pieces, rendering them unable to make a move.

These fundamental rules form the foundation of Stratego gameplay, requiring both strategic planning and tactical execution to outmaneuver and outthink the opponent.

Basic Strategy and Tactics

Initial Piece Placement

One of the most critical aspects of Stratego is how you arrange your pieces at the start of the game. A well-thought-out setup can provide both a strong defense and a flexible offense. Here are some key principles for initial placement:

• Protect Your Flag – The Flag is your most valuable piece, and losing it means defeat. Place it in a corner or near the back row, surrounded by Bombs to prevent easy capture.
• Use Bombs Wisely – Bombs are immovable and can eliminate any attacking piece except Miners. Placing them around your Flag or key defensive areas can create strongholds.
• Spread Out High-Ranking Pieces – Avoid clustering your high-ranking pieces (such as the Marshal and General) in one area, as this makes them easier to avoid or trap.
• Position Miners Strategically – Miners are essential for defusing enemy Bombs. Keep them protected but easily accessible for when you need them.
• Use Scouts for Early Reconnaissance – Scouts have the unique ability to move long distances in a straight line. Position them in a way that allows quick scouting of enemy territory.

Defensive Formations

A strong defense is crucial for protecting your Flag and maintaining control of the board. Consider these key defensive tactics:

• Layered Defense – Place mid-ranked pieces (such as Captains and Lieutenants) in front of your high-ranking pieces. This can prevent early enemy breakthroughs.
• Bomb Barriers – Use Bombs to create barriers around key areas, forcing your opponent to either maneuver around them or bring Miners to clear the path.
• Decoy Flag Strategy – Sometimes, placing a fake "Flag-like" formation elsewhere on the board can mislead your opponent and waste their attacks.

Offensive Maneuvers

While defense is important, a well-planned offense can put pressure on your opponent and force them into mistakes. Here are some key attacking strategies:

• Marshal and Spy Coordination – The Marshal is the most powerful piece, but it is vulnerable to the Spy. Try to lure out your opponent’s Marshal and use your Spy to eliminate it.
• Flanking Attacks – Instead of attacking head-on, try to advance your forces along the sides of the board, forcing your opponent to reposition their defenses.
• Piece Trading – Sometimes, sacrificing a lower-ranked piece to gather information about your opponent’s setup is a worthwhile trade.

Scouting Techniques

Gathering information about your opponent’s setup is a crucial part of winning. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Use Scouts Early – Scouts can quickly identify enemy positions without committing strong pieces to risky battles.
• Probe with Low-Ranked Pieces – Sending out weaker pieces (such as Sergeants or Lieutenants) to force enemy reactions can help reveal the locations of stronger enemy forces.
• Track Revealed Pieces – Once you identify an opponent’s high-ranked piece, remember its location and movement patterns to plan your counterattacks.

By mastering these basic strategies and tactics, you can significantly improve your chances of winning Stratego. Developing a strong opening setup, maintaining a solid defense, and executing well-planned attacks will help you outmaneuver your opponents and achieve victory.

Essential Tips for New Players

Mastering Stratego takes time, but with the right approach, new players can quickly improve their skills and increase their chances of winning. Here are some essential tips to help beginners get started on the right foot.

Learn the Piece Hierarchy

Understanding the rank and abilities of each game piece is crucial for making strategic moves. Higher-ranked pieces can capture lower-ranked ones, but special pieces like the Spy, Bombs, and Flag have unique roles:

• Marshal (Rank 10): The strongest attacking piece, but vulnerable to the Spy.
• General (Rank 9) and Colonels (Rank 8): Powerful but should be played carefully.
• Captains, Lieutenants, and Sergeants (Ranks 6-4): Mid-tier pieces useful for probing enemy formations.
• Miners (Rank 3): The only pieces that can disarm Bombs.
• Scouts (Rank 2): Can move multiple spaces in a straight line, great for reconnaissance.
• Spy: Can eliminate the Marshal but is vulnerable to any other piece.
• Bombs: Stay immobile and defeat any attacking piece except Miners.
• Flag: The most important piece—losing it means losing the game.

Plan Your Initial Setup Wisely

The way you arrange your pieces at the beginning of the game significantly impacts your chances of success. Consider these setup tips:

• Protect your Flag: Hide it behind Bombs or other pieces to make it difficult for your opponent to reach.
• Use Bombs strategically: Place them around your Flag or key positions to block enemy movement.
• Balance offense and defense: Keep high-ranked pieces towards the back for defense, while placing a few mid-ranked pieces at the front for early attacks.
• Distribute Miners effectively: Since Miners can disarm Bombs, keep them spread throughout your formation.

Use Scouts for Reconnaissance

Scouts can move across multiple spaces in a straight line, making them excellent for scouting enemy positions. Use them to:

• Discover weak points in your opponent's setup.
• Identify high-ranking enemy pieces without losing valuable troops.
• Force your opponent to reveal their strategy.

Bluff and Misdirect Your Opponent

Stratego is not just about strength; deception plays a key role. Some effective bluffing techniques include:

• Fake weak spots: Place low-ranking pieces where your opponent expects valuable ones.
• Mimic a high-ranking piece: Move a mid-ranking piece cautiously as if it were the Marshal to mislead your opponent.
• Use Scouts aggressively: Making frequent Scout moves can pressure your opponent into revealing their defenses.

Control the Center of the Board

Securing the middle of the board gives you better mobility and vision of your opponent’s movements. Controlling this area allows you to:

• React quickly to enemy advances.
• Launch surprise attacks from multiple angles.
• Defend your side more effectively.

Be Patient and Observe Your Opponent

A careful approach often leads to victory. Pay attention to:

• How your opponent moves their pieces—this can reveal their strategy.
• Repeated moves, which might indicate a bluff.
• Sudden aggressive actions, which may expose valuable pieces.

Adapt Your Strategy

No single strategy guarantees success in Stratego. Be flexible and adjust based on:

• Your opponent’s tactics—counter their moves effectively.
• The flow of the game—switch between offensive and defensive plays as needed.
• The remaining pieces on the board—preserve your key units for the endgame.

By following these tips, new players can develop a strong foundation in Stratego and improve their strategic thinking over time.
Mastering Stratego requires careful planning, deception, and strategic execution. By understanding the rules, piece movements, and key strategies, you'll gain an advantage over your opponents. Keep practicing different tactics, refine your strategies, and soon you'll become a dominant Stratego player.