1. Introduction
Stratego is a classic game of battlefield strategy. On a distant planet, two armies clash. The game involves commanding an army of soldiers, generals, and spies. Players devise a plan and deploy troops, using strategic attack and clever deception to break through the opponent’s line. The objective is to capture the opponent's flag while protecting one's own from bombs and enemy spies.
Image: Stratego game box art depicting two futuristic armies engaged in battle.
2. Components
- 1 Game Board
- 60 Game Pieces (30 red, 30 blue)
- Rulebook
Image: The Stratego game box, showing the title and game art.
3. Setup
- Place the Game Board: Unfold the game board and place it on a flat surface between the two players.
- Distribute Pieces: Each player selects an army (red or blue) and takes all 30 pieces of that color.
- Arrange Your Army: Each player secretly arranges their 30 pieces on the first four rows of their side of the board. The ranks of the pieces should face the player, hidden from the opponent. Strategic placement of high-ranking pieces, bombs, and the flag is crucial.
- Flag Placement: The flag piece (marked with a flag symbol) must be placed in one of your first four rows. It cannot move.
- Bomb Placement: Bomb pieces (marked "BOMB") must also be placed in your first four rows. They cannot move.
Image: The Stratego game board with red and blue pieces arranged in their starting positions.
4. Gameplay
Players take turns moving one piece at a time. The objective is to capture your opponent's flag. The game involves strategic movement, attacking opponent's pieces, and using special abilities of certain ranks.
Movement
- Most pieces can move one square forward, backward, or sideways. Diagonal movement is not allowed.
- Pieces cannot move into or through the two lake squares in the middle of the board.
- Scout (Rank 2): Can move any number of open squares in a straight line (forward, backward, or sideways).
- Flag and Bomb pieces cannot move.
Attacking
- To attack, move your piece into an adjacent square occupied by an opponent's piece.
- Both players reveal the ranks of their attacking and defending pieces.
- The piece with the higher rank wins the battle and remains on the board. The lower-ranked piece is removed from the game.
- If both pieces have the same rank, both are removed from the game.
- Special rules apply to certain pieces (Spy, Miner, Bomb, Flag) as detailed in the "Special Pieces" section.
5. Special Pieces
| Piece (Rank) | Ability |
|---|---|
| Marshal (Rank 10) | Highest ranking piece. Defeats all other pieces except the Spy and Bombs. |
| General (Rank 9) | Second highest ranking piece. Defeats all pieces Rank 8 and below, except the Spy and Bombs. |
| Miner (Rank 3) | The only piece that can defuse a Bomb. When a Miner attacks a Bomb, the Bomb is removed, and the Miner occupies its square. |
| Spy (Rank S) | The only piece that can defeat a Marshal, but only if the Spy attacks the Marshal first. If any other piece attacks the Spy, the Spy is removed. |
| Scout (Rank 2) | Can move any number of open squares in a straight line (forward, backward, or sideways). Cannot jump over other pieces. |
| Bomb (Rank BOMB) | Cannot move. When attacked by any piece other than a Miner, the attacking piece is removed, and the Bomb remains. |
| Flag (Rank FLAG) | Cannot move. If an opponent's piece captures your Flag, you lose the game. |
6. Winning the Game
There are two ways to win Stratego:
- Capture the Opponent's Flag: The first player to move one of their pieces onto the square occupied by the opponent's Flag wins the game immediately.
- Eliminate Movable Pieces: If your opponent has no movable pieces left on the board (only Flags and Bombs remain, or all their pieces are surrounded), you win the game.
7. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Wipe game pieces and board with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Storage: Store all game components in the original box in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent warping or fading.
- Handling: Handle pieces carefully to prevent damage. Ensure stickers (if applicable) remain firmly attached.
8. Troubleshooting
Missing Pieces
If any game pieces are missing, check all packaging materials thoroughly. Contact the manufacturer for replacement parts if necessary.
Rules Disputes
Refer to the included rulebook for clarification on specific game mechanics or scenarios. If a dispute persists, players may agree on a house rule or consult online resources for common interpretations.
Board Not Lying Flat
If the game board does not lie completely flat, try gently bending it in the opposite direction or placing heavy objects on it for a period to flatten it. Ensure it is stored flat when not in use.
9. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Stratego |
| Model Number | 7470-Sci-Fi |
| Genre | Strategy |
| Number of Players | 2 |
| Edition | Classic Edition |
| Estimated Playing Time | 60 Minutes |
| Minimum Age Recommendation | 8 years (96 months) |
| Maximum Age Recommendation | 12 years (144 months) |
| Item Weight | 5.98 ounces |
| Number of Items | 1 Set |
| Item Dimensions (LxWxH) | 0.7 x 0.88 x 1.5 inches |
| Theme | Military |
| Color | Blue, Multicolor |
| Material Type | Plastic |
| CPSIA Cautionary Statement | Choking Hazard - Small Parts |
| Rulebook Availability | Printed Included |
| Game Mechanics | Area Control, Player Elimination |
| Indoor/Outdoor Usage | Indoor |
| Educational Objective | Developing strategic thinking and problem-solving skills |
| Operation Mode | Manual |
10. Warranty & Support
Warranty Information
This product is sold without a manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the retailer's return policy for any issues upon purchase.
Customer Support
For questions regarding gameplay or missing components, please refer to the included rulebook or contact the game's publisher, Patch Products, for assistance.