Spy, Bomb, Scout and Miner rules
The Spy beats the Marshal only when it attacks first. Only a Miner defuses a Bomb. The Scout moves any distance in a straight line and may attack at the end.
The four pieces that break the rank rule
In Stratego the higher rank wins every fight. Four pieces are the exceptions, and they decide most games.
| Piece | Rank | Count | Special rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spy | 1 | 1 | Defeats the Marshal only when the Spy attacks |
| Bomb | none | 6 | Removes any attacker except a Miner; never moves |
| Scout | 2 | 8 | Moves any number of empty squares in a straight line and may attack at the end |
| Miner | 3 | 5 | The only piece that defuses Bombs |
The full table of all 12 pieces is on the pieces page, and the whole rule set is on the rules page.
Spy rules
- The Spy (rank 1) defeats the Marshal (rank 10) only if the Spy attacks first.
- If the Marshal, or any other piece, attacks the Spy, the Spy loses.
- The Spy loses when it attacks anything else except the Flag.
Because the Spy is so weak, keep it close to your General: when the enemy Marshal reveals itself, the Spy can strike. See the setup guide for where to place it.
Bomb rules
- Bombs never move once placed. You have 6.
- Any piece that attacks a Bomb is removed and the Bomb stays, except a Miner.
- A Miner that attacks a Bomb defuses it: the Bomb is removed and the Miner takes its square.
A Bomb cannot attack, so it only works while an enemy chooses to walk into it. Use them to guard the Flag and as decoys, as explained in the setup guide.
Scout rules
- The Scout (rank 2) moves any number of empty squares in a straight line, like a rook in chess.
- It cannot jump over pieces or lakes.
- Under the current Stratego Original rules it can move several squares and attack at the end of the same move.
- Moving more than one square tells your opponent that the piece is a Scout.
- Some older Classic US sets say a Scout may not move and strike on the same turn, so check your rulebook.
A Scout attack on an unknown piece usually loses the Scout, but it shows you the enemy rank, which is often worth it.
Miner rules
- The Miner (rank 3) moves one square like most pieces.
- It is the only piece that defuses Bombs. If any other piece attacks a Bomb, it is removed.
- You have 5 Miners. Keep some in your back rows: you need them late in the game to clear the Bombs around the enemy Flag.
When a Bomb cluster has no Miner left to open it, the Flag behind it may be impossible to capture.
The diagram at the top shows the four setup rows (credited below it). For layouts, see the setup guide and the printable cheat sheet.
FAQ
Does the Spy beat the Marshal in Stratego?
Only when the Spy attacks the Marshal. If the Marshal attacks the Spy, the Spy is removed.
What beats a Bomb in Stratego?
Only a Miner. A Miner that attacks a Bomb defuses it and takes its square. Any other piece that attacks a Bomb is removed and the Bomb stays.
How does the Scout move in Stratego?
It moves any number of empty squares in a straight line. It cannot jump over pieces or lakes, and under the current rules it may attack at the end of the move.
Can a Bomb attack or move?
No. Bombs and the Flag never move. A Bomb only removes pieces that attack it.
What is the lowest piece that can move?
The Spy, rank 1. It is the weakest moving piece, but it is the only one that can defeat the Marshal.
Sources
- Koninklijke Jumbo B.V.Stratego Original rules (rulebook PDF)checked Nov 15, 2026
- WikipediaStratego: Classic pieceschecked Nov 15, 2026
- Wikimedia CommonsFile:Stratego.png (Andreas Kaufmann, CC BY-SA 3.0)checked Nov 15, 2026