How to Win at Stratego

Know the basics.^[1]

• Know that the flag is the most important aspect.
• Know that traps stop everything except the piece with the number "3" on it.
• Know that pieces with the number "2" can move any number of spaces in one direction.
• Know that pieces with the number "3" and "3" only diffuse traps.

Set your number "2" pieces in the front. These pieces will be your scouts on the front line. Because they can move any number of spaces in one direction, they should get a position on the front lines. This also is a distraction to your opponent. Your opponent will think that one of the scouts is your flag, creating a red herring.

Place your flag. It is recommended that you place your flag behind a natural boundary, so you will have to use less traps. Also, most people usually put their flag in the back, so doing this will throw your opponent off.^[2]

Place your traps. Surround your flag with one layer of traps. Scatter the rest of the remaining traps.^[3]

Place your "10" and "1" piece. Your "1" piece could also be a letter, most commonly "S". It is recommended that you put the "1" and "10" piece next to each other in the second or third row.

Place your "3" pieces. It is recommended that you place these pieces behind the "2" pieces. If you find a tram with the "2" pieces, you can disarm in with a "3" piece.

Place your other pieces. These pieces can be placed anywhere you want.