How to Play Stratego: Beginner Walkthrough
New to Stratego? Follow this Classic Original walkthrough from empty board to Flag capture—no variant rules mixed in.
On this page
1. What you need
Two players, a Classic Original Stratego set (or equivalent 40-piece armies), and agreement to use Original rules for ranks, Bombs, Scouts, and Spy combat.
2. Know the board
The board is ten squares by ten. Lakes in the center cannot be entered. You place all 40 of your pieces on the four rows on your side before the game starts.
3. Set up your army
Arrange pieces privately. Put the Flag somewhere you can defend, surround likely approaches with Bombs, and keep Miners available for later. Scouts often belong where they can open lanes quickly.
4. Take turns
Players alternate turns. On your turn, move one movable piece according to its movement rules. Bombs and the Flag stay put forever.
5. Move and attack
Move onto empty land to reposition. Move onto an enemy to attack. Reveal ranks, resolve the fight, and remove the loser (or both if ranks are equal).
6. Remember the special pieces
- Scouts can race along open files and ranks.
- Miners are the only safe Bomb clearers.
- A Spy that attacks the Marshal wins that fight.
- Any piece that steps on the Flag wins the game.
7. How you win
Capture the Flag. Until then, gather information carefully—every attack teaches your opponent something too.
8. What to study next
After one or two practice games, read the piece reference and a setup guide. Then move into strategy: when to trade, when to bluff, and how to hunt the Flag without feeding your Marshal to a Spy.
FAQ
Who sets up first?
Both players set up privately on their four rows before the first move. After setup, players usually alternate turns, with a predetermined first player.
Can I rearrange after seeing an enemy piece?
No. Setup is locked before play begins. Discovery happens only through movement and combat.