Stratego FAQ
Stratego is a two-player game with 40 hidden pieces each; capture the enemy Flag to win. Common rules answers below.
How many pieces are in Stratego?
80 in total, 40 per player: 33 movable pieces plus 6 Bombs and 1 Flag. The breakdown is on the pieces page.
Who goes first in Stratego?
Red. Players alternate after that and must move every turn.
Can the Scout attack after moving several squares?
Yes, in Stratego Original and most modern sets. Some Classic US editions say a Scout cannot move and strike on the same turn.
Can the Spy capture the Flag?
Yes. Any movable piece that attacks the Flag captures it and wins, including the Spy.
What beats a Bomb?
Only the Miner. Every other piece that attacks a Bomb is removed, and the Bomb stays where it is.
What happens when two equal ranks fight?
Both pieces are removed from the board.
Is the winner of a fight revealed?
Yes. Both pieces are shown when they fight, so the survivor is now known to your opponent.
Can you move diagonally in Stratego?
No. Pieces move forward, backward or sideways only.
What is the two-square rule?
You may not move the same piece back and forth between the same two squares more than 3 times in a row.
Can Stratego end in a draw?
Rarely. One example is when both Flags are surrounded by Bombs and neither player has a Miner or another piece that can make progress.
What happens if I cannot move?
You lose. The official rules say a player who cannot move or attack must surrender.
Who makes Stratego?
Stratego is owned and published by Jumbo, a Dutch games company. Hasbro, Milton Bradley and Spin Master have sold licensed editions over the years.
Where can I play Stratego online?
Right here: the home page has a free game against the computer that works on phones and desktops, with Easy, Normal and Hard levels.
Sources
- Koninklijke Jumbo B.V.Stratego Original rules (rulebook PDF)checked Nov 15, 2026
- WikipediaStrategochecked Nov 15, 2026