Edition: Stratego Original from Jumbo with 40 pieces per player, where the Marshal is number 10 and the Spy is number 1. Last checked October 25, 2026
Stratego Rules: How to Play Stratego
Stratego is a strategy game for two where neither player can see what the other's pieces are. Your mission is to find and capture the enemy flag. Here are the rules and answers to the things that most often cause arguments.
- Players
- 2
- Age
- 8 and up
- Playing time
- 45 to 60 minutes
How to win: You win by attacking and capturing your opponent's flag. You also win if your opponent cannot move or attack.
Who is right?
The classic arguments at the table when you play Stratego.
Is 1 or 10 the strongest piece?
It depends on the edition.
In newer editions of Stratego the Marshal is number 10 and the strongest. In older European and American editions, such as the classic Milton Bradley version, the Marshal was number 1, and the lower the number, the stronger the piece.
If you have an older set, check the rulebook that came with it. The order of the pieces is the same, only the numbers are flipped.
Can the Spy defeat the Marshal?
Yes, but only when the Spy attacks.
If the Spy attacks the Marshal, the Spy wins. If the Marshal attacks the Spy, the Spy loses. Every other piece defeats the Spy.
Some let the Spy beat the Marshal no matter who attacks. That makes the Spy much stronger.
Does a bomb disappear after it explodes?
No.
If any piece other than a Miner attacks a bomb, the attacking piece is removed and the bomb stays. Only a Miner can remove a bomb.
In some families a bomb disappears after it takes out a piece. That makes it easier to advance.
Can a Scout move far and attack on the same turn?
Yes.
Under the newer rules, the Scout may move several squares in a straight line and attack on the same turn. It is the only piece that can do this.
Some play that the Scout must stop in front of an enemy and attack on its next turn.
Does the attacker have to call out their rank?
Yes.
When attacking, the attacker announces their rank and the defender reveals their piece. Afterward the pieces are turned back, or the losing piece is removed.
Many just flip both pieces at the same time so everyone can see them.
What you need
- A Stratego board with 10 by 10 squares and two lakes in the middle
- 40 red and 40 blue pieces
- A screen to hide your setup
Setup
- 1Each player places their 40 pieces on the four rows closest to them.
- 2Pieces face you with the rank toward you, so your opponent cannot see them.
- 3Use the screen while you set up.
- 4The two middle rows with the lakes start empty.
- 5Remove the screen when both players are ready. Red goes first.
How to play
- 1Take turns moving one piece one square forward, backward or sideways. Never diagonally.
- 2You may not move into the lakes or jump over other pieces.
- 3The flag and the bombs can never move.
- 4If you move onto a square with an enemy piece, you attack. Both pieces are revealed.
- 5The higher rank wins. The loser is removed from the board. If the attacker wins, it moves into the square.
- 6If the two pieces are equal in rank, both are removed.
- 7The Scout may move as far as it likes in a straight line across empty squares, and may attack on the same move.
- 8You may not move the same piece back and forth between the same two squares more than three times in a row.
- 9The game ends when a flag is captured or a player cannot move.
The pieces
Each player has these 40 pieces. The higher the number, the stronger the piece.
- 1 Marshal (10)
- 1 General (9)
- 2 Colonels (8)
- 3 Majors (7)
- 4 Captains (6)
- 4 Lieutenants (5)
- 4 Sergeants (4)
- 5 Miners (3), can defuse bombs
- 8 Scouts (2), can move far
- 1 Spy (1), can defeat the Marshal
- 6 Bombs, cannot move
- 1 Flag, cannot move
House rules
Pick the rules you want to play with tonight. Everyone at the table has to agree.
Our Stratego rules for tonight
Everything else follows the official rules.
Frequently asked questions
Who goes first in Stratego?
Red always moves first in the newer editions. Feel free to switch colors from game to game.
Can you move the flag in Stratego?
No. The flag and the bombs stay in place for the whole game.
What happens if you cannot move?
If a player cannot move or attack with any piece, that player loses.
Source: The publisher's rulebook for Stratego Original and common family tradition. The rules are written in our own words. Ask the referee if you are unsure.