FAQ about Stratego

By: Dennis B. B. Taylor

Answers to Your Questions About Stratego

Hi there! If you’re a fan of Stratego or you’ve just heard about this exciting strategy game, you’ve come to the right place. Below, I’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about Stratego to help you learn more and get started.

What is Stratego?

Stratego is a popular board game that challenges players to outsmart their opponents through strategic planning and clever tactics. It’s a game of skill, deception, and logic, where every move counts.

How do I play Stratego?

The objective of Stratego is to capture your opponent’s flag while protecting your own. Each player sets up their army of pieces on a 10×10 game board, with ranks ranging from 1 to 10. The higher-ranked pieces have more power, but the catch is that their identities remain hidden to the opponent.

Players take turns moving their pieces, with the goal of capturing the opponent’s pieces or capturing their flag. The game requires careful planning, memory, and deduction skills to outmaneuver and outwit your opponent.

Can you give me some tips for playing Stratego?

Sure! Here are a few tips to help you improve your Stratego skills:

  • Protect your flag: Make sure to position your lower-ranked pieces strategically around your flag to defend it from your opponent’s attacks.
  • Scout your opponent: Use your lower-ranked pieces to gather information about your opponent’s setup. By sacrificing a weaker piece, you can gain an advantage by identifying their stronger pieces.
  • Bluff and mislead: Stratego is a game of deception. Give your opponent false information by moving your pieces strategically, leading them to make wrong assumptions about the strength of your army.
  • Plan ahead: Think several moves ahead and anticipate your opponent’s strategies. By predicting their moves, you can counter their attacks and gain the upper hand.
  • Stay flexible: Be prepared to adapt your strategy as the game unfolds. Sometimes unexpected moves or unforeseen situations can change the tide of the game.

Where can I play Stratego?

Stratego can be played in various ways. You can find the physical board game in stores or online retailers. If you prefer digital versions, there are Stratego apps and online platforms where you can play against friends or other players from around the world.

Is Stratego suitable for all ages?

Yes! Stratego is a game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. While it requires strategic thinking, the rules are easy to learn and can be adapted to different skill levels. It’s a great game for family gatherings, social events, or just a fun night in with friends.

I hope these answers have helped you understand more about Stratego and how to get the most out of this exciting game. Get ready to strategize and outmaneuver your opponents on the battlefield!

Hey there, let me tell you a little secret. The game you’re talking about is called Stratego, pronounced Struh-TEE-go or Stra-TEE-go. Pretty cool, right? Say it with me, Stra-TEE-go! (The accent is on the second syllable).

So, about those setups…

Here’s the thing, the setups you mentioned are all wrong. You see, in my version of the Stratego game, the Marshal has a ranking of “1”, not “10”. Yep, you heard that right, “1” is the highest rank! It’s pretty epic, don’t you think?

But wait, there’s more…

Back in the olden days, like for the first 37 years of the game, things were a bit different. The Marshal was still the strongest piece, but it had a “1” ranking. The General, on the other hand, was a “2”, and so on. It’s fascinating how things change over time, isn’t it?

Now, here’s the big question…

Why did Hasbro decide to switch things up and change the numbering system? Your guess is as good as mine, my friend. Maybe they thought today’s “kids” couldn’t handle the idea that a “lower” number means a “higher” rank. Who knows? Personally, I find the new version with its cheap, see-through plastic and decals to be quite worthless. But hey, that’s just my opinion.

And now, let’s talk about the Spy…

Ah, the Spy! A mysterious and sneaky piece indeed. Now, listen closely, because I’m about to reveal the secret rules of the Spy. Are you ready?

The Spy is a special piece. It can kill any piece on the board, except for the Scout. Yeah, those Scouts are pretty brave and can take down a Spy. But here’s the twist, a Spy can also eliminate any other piece, even high-ranking ones! It’s like they have a license to eliminate, imagine that.

Well, there you have it, my friend. A little insight into the world of Stratego. Now go out there and conquer the battlefield with your newfound knowledge!

It’s amazing how often people ask me this question because the rules seem pretty simple to me! But I’ll explain it one more time:

  • If any officer attacks the Spy, the Spy loses.
  • If the Spy attacks any officer (except the Marshal), the Spy loses.

The only time the Spy ever wins a battle is if the Spy attacks the Marshal. When that happens, the Spy is the winner and the Marshal is defeated.

Still not clear? No problem, let me put it another way. The Spy is the weakest piece. Whenever an enemy officer hits the Spy, the Spy is out. Whenever the Spy hits an enemy officer, the Spy is out too, unless that officer is the Marshal. Only then does the Spy get a win. And just to be clear, when one Spy attacks another Spy, both Spies lose.

Important reminder: The Spy has the ability to capture the enemy Flag!

Hey, do you know of any good websites where I can download a cool computer game of Stratego?

So, here’s the deal – there are only two Stratego games that I know of that you can buy – one from 1990 by Accolade, and another one from 1999 by Hasbro. But you know what? Neither of them are any good at all. I mean, seriously, the computer’s AI is just plain terrible!

Now, as for any other versions of Stratego out there, I’m not really sure. But hey, I bet there’s gotta be some freeware and shareware programs lurking around on the internet. You should try checking out some of the better shareware sites – they might have what you’re looking for. I vaguely remember coming across a few Stratego clones a while back, but let me tell you, they had lousy graphics, barely any options, and their AI was, like, super weak.

By the way, do you happen to know of any websites where I can play Stratego against real people? I’m dying to find a place like that!

Hey, listen up! I’ve got some news for you about playing Stratego online. Back in the day, you could have some fun playing on the MSN Gaming Zone if you had the 1999 Stratego PC game. But guess what? MSN is not supporting Stratego on their gaming site anymore.

But don’t you worry! I’ve got a better idea. Head on over to www.stratego.com, my friend. That’s where the official game is hosted by Jumbo. It’s like the ultimate Stratego destination! And guess what? They even have versions for iPad and Facebook!

If you’re looking to play Stratego online, there are a few options available. You can check out the LINKS section at the top of the page for other sites, though they may not be as good as the official version.

I’ve Lost a Piece from My Stratego Game. Where can I Get a Replacement?

Unfortunately, I don’t know of any specific places to purchase individual Stratego pieces. However, I have a suggestion for you. You can try buying another complete set on eBay. They usually have many Stratego sets for sale, and you might be able to find one in good condition for just a few dollars.

I’ve Heard Conflicting Information About the Scout’s Abilities. Can it Move and Attack in the Same Turn?

I understand your confusion regarding the Scout’s abilities. It seems there were two different sets of rules printed, which caused the discrepancy. In some sets, the last sentence of Rule #8 in the MOVEMENT section states:

“The Scout may not move & strike in the same turn.”

Have you ever come across a peculiar tactic in the game? Well, I stumbled upon an interesting strategy while playing. It involves a little bit of deception!

Here’s how it works: Imagine it’s your turn and you want to make a move. Instead of moving a particular piece, place your hand on a bomb. Pause for a moment, as if you’re contemplating your next move. Then, swiftly remove your hand from the bomb and make a different move altogether. It’s like a little mind game!

You see, the idea is to trick your opponent into thinking that the piece you touched is not a bomb. They might assume that you considered moving it, but changed your mind. Little do they know that the piece is indeed a bomb. So when they least expect it… KABOOM!

I’ve heard about this trick from numerous people, but I must admit, it’s not very effective against skilled players. Only those who are not so experienced tend to fall for it. Strong players rely on their strategic prowess rather than relying on sly tricks like this.

But remember, this tactic should only be used if all players agree to it beforehand. It’s always best to establish the rules of the game before starting, to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.

So, the next time you’re playing, why not give this strategy a try? Just make sure everyone is on board with the idea. Who knows, you might just surprise your opponents with this sneaky move!

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