The Intriguing Tale of Stratego

Hello, my name is Stratego. I am a game. But not just any game. I have a unique history that I am excited to share with you.

Long ago, in a world that seemed like a distant memory, a battle began. This was not just any battle, but a battle of wits and strategy. It was a time when generals commanded their armies with cunning and intellect, seeking victory over their adversaries. It was during this era that I, Stratego, was born.

As a board game designed for two players, I provide a thrilling experience that is sure to captivate anyone who seeks a challenge. With a grid-like battlefield and an array of distinctive pieces, I allow you to plan, strategize, and outsmart your opponent. Every move counts as you attempt to navigate your way to triumph.

My origins can be traced back to the Netherlands in the early 20th century. Yes, you read that right, I’ve been around for a while! I was created by Jacques Johan Mogendorff, a man with a vision. He wanted to concoct a game that would stimulate the minds of players and transport them to a world of high-stakes warfare. And so, after much thought and refinement, I came into existence.

Since then, I have garnered a loyal following and have become a beloved classic in the realm of board games. Players young and old have marveled at the intricate strategy I offer. I have been celebrated for my ability to challenge the mind, encouraging critical thinking and quick decision-making.

What sets me apart from other games is the mystery surrounding my pieces. Each piece is marked with a rank, but their identities remain hidden from your opponent. This element of secrecy adds an extra layer of excitement to the game. Will your Marshal be able to overpower the Spy? Or will you fall victim to a cleverly disguised Miner?

I have witnessed countless battles fought with intensity and fervor. Friends have become rivals, and rivals have become friends as they engaged in epic battles of wits. The thrill of unveiling new strategies, the elation of a victorious triumph, and the lessons learned from defeat – these are the experiences that I, Stratego, have bestowed upon players for generations.

So, if you’re searching for a game that will transport you to a world of strategic brilliance, look no further. I, Stratego, eagerly await the opportunity to challenge your mind and ignite your competitive spirit. Unleash your inner strategist, and together, let us embark on a journey of epic proportions!

Hey, did you know that Stratego has a pretty cool backstory? Let me tell you all about it!

So, Stratego was actually created during World War II by Mogendorff. But it wasn’t until 1942 that it became an official trademark from the Dutch company Van Perlestein & Roeper Bosch NV.

Now, check this out. In 1958, the rights to the game were given to Hausemann an Hotte. They were the ones who first distributed Stratego in 1946, working with Smeets and Schippers. And get this, in 1961, the game was even sublicensed to Milton Bradley, which was later acquired by Hasbro in 1984. And that’s when Stratego really took off and was first published in the United States!

But wait, there’s more!

You won’t believe this, but the origins of Stratego can be traced all the way back to a traditional Chinese board game. It was called Jungle, but it was also known as “Game of the Fighting Animals” or “Animal Chess”. How cool is that?

Hey there! Let me tell you about this cool game called Jungle. It’s kinda like Stratego, but with a twist!

Instead of soldiers, Jungle has animal pieces. And just like in Stratego, these pieces have different ranks. But here’s the catch: the pieces with a higher rank can capture the pieces with a lower rank. Pretty neat, huh?

Now, let’s talk about the game board. It’s just like the Stratego board, but with a couple of lakes in the middle. Oh, and there’s one more difference between Jungle and Stratego. In Jungle, your opponent can see your pieces right from the start. No secrets here!

Oh, and did I mention that the initial setup is fixed? That means you don’t have to spend time arranging your pieces. You can jump right into the action!

Have you ever heard of a fascinating Chinese game called Land Battle Chess? It’s like Jungle and Stratego, but with a modern twist. In this game, called Lu Zhan Qi, or Army Chess, the setup is not fixed, and both players keep their pieces hidden. The goal is to capture the enemy’s flag.

Lu Zhan Jun Qi is similar to Jungle and Stratego, but it has some unique features. It includes “missile” pieces and a Chinese Chess-style board layout with railroads and defensive “camps”. It’s a whole new level of excitement!

In Lu Zhan Jun Qi, battles between pieces are decided by a neutral referee, who keeps the identities of the pieces hidden. It adds an element of mystery and suspense to the game. And if you’re looking for even more adventure, there’s an expanded version called Sea-Land-Air Battle Chess. This version includes naval and aircraft pieces. It’s called Hai Lu Kong Zhan Qi.

Strategery from Europe’s Past

Way back when, before the big ol’ conflict of World War I, a game known as L’attaque made its debut in Europe. This game would later evolve into the Stratego we know today.

#image.jpg#image.jpg

I came across an interesting piece of information on “Ed’s Stratego Site” by Thierry Depaulis. Did you know that the game Stratego was actually designed by a woman named Mademoiselle Hermance Edan? She had the brilliant idea for a battle game with movable pieces on a gameboard, which she patented in 1908. The patent was officially released by the French Patent Office in 1909.

Interestingly, Hermance Edan didn’t give a name to her game, but a French manufacturer called “Au Jeu Retrouve” started selling it as L’Attaque as early as 1910.

According to Depaulis, the 1910 version of the game divided the armies into red and blue colors. The rules of L’Attaque were quite similar to the game we now know as Stratego.

Instead of the familiar Napoleonic uniforms, the game featured stand-up cardboard pieces printed with soldiers in uniforms from the early 1900s.

Isn’t it fascinating to learn about the origins of games like Stratego? It’s amazing to think that a game with such a rich history was created by a talented woman over a century ago.

Have you heard of the L’attaque game? It’s a game played on a 9×10 square board with 36 pieces per player. Each piece has a hidden numeric value that is only revealed when it attacks an opponent’s piece. When an attack happens, the piece with the highest value wins and the losing piece is taken off the board.

The game continues until one player discovers and captures the opponent’s flag piece.

Let’s Talk About Classic Stratego

You might be familiar with the modern version of Stratego, featuring Napoleonic imagery. Did you know it was originally created in the Netherlands by Jumbo and later licensed by the Milton Bradley Company for distribution in the United States? It was introduced to the American market in 1961, even though it was trademarked a year earlier in 1960.

Back in the day, game pieces were crafted from printed cardboard. But after World War II, painted wood became the norm. However, by the late 1960s, plastic pieces took over completely.

The switch from wood to plastic wasn’t just about cost-cutting, which was a common practice during that time. For Stratego, the change also solved a problem with stability. Unlike the wooden pieces, the plastic ones were designed with a small base. This small addition prevented the pieces from toppling over, which was a common annoyance with the wooden ones.

Picture this: a piece tipping over and revealing its rank in plain sight. It was a nightmare for players. Plus, the falling piece would often cause a chain reaction, knocking over other pieces like dominos.

So here’s the thing, right? There are these different versions of puzzles, and I gotta tell ya, they’ve come up with some pretty cool designs over the years. In Europe, they started making puzzles with these castle-shaped pieces that were a big hit. And then in America, they took things to the next level by introducing these new rectangular pieces with a solid base and these snazzy stickers, instead of just printing the images right on the plastic.