Deploy 40 hidden pieces, outmaneuver your opponent, and capture the enemy flag in this classic war game.
Stratego is a classic two-player strategy board game of hidden information and deception. Each player commands an army of 40 pieces with hidden ranks deployed on a 10x10 battlefield. The goal is to capture your opponent's Flag while protecting your own. Patented in 1942 by the Dutch company Jumbo Games, Stratego has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and remains one of the most beloved strategy board games ever created. This free online version lets you play against an AI opponent with three difficulty levels.
Start by deploying your 40 pieces onto your back 4 rows of the 10x10 board. Each piece has a hidden rank that only you can see. On your turn, move one piece one square orthogonally (Scouts can move any distance in a straight line). Attack by moving onto an opponent's piece — both pieces reveal their ranks, and the higher-ranked piece wins. Special rules apply: the Spy defeats the Marshal when attacking, Miners can defuse Bombs, and Bombs destroy all attackers except Miners. Two impassable lakes in the center create chokepoints for strategic positioning. Capture the enemy Flag to win!
Pieces are ranked from 1 (Marshal, strongest) to 9 (Scout, weakest). When two pieces battle, the lower-numbered piece wins. Equal ranks destroy each other. The Spy can defeat the Marshal when the Spy initiates the attack. Bombs destroy all attackers except Miners, and the Flag cannot move or fight — capturing it wins the game.
Place your Flag in a back corner protected by Bombs. Keep your Marshal and General near the center for offense. Spread Miners across your formation to handle Bombs later. Put Scouts on the front lines for reconnaissance. Use Bombs in unexpected positions to trap aggressive pieces. The key is to vary your setup each game to remain unpredictable.
The Spy can defeat the Marshal (rank 1, the strongest piece) but only when the Spy initiates the attack. If the Marshal attacks the Spy, the Spy loses. Against every other piece, the Spy also loses. This makes the Spy a high-risk, high-reward piece — protect it carefully for the perfect moment to assassinate the enemy Marshal.
If you enjoyed Stratego, try these: Battleship · Chess · Hex Empire
Last updated April 2026