Ed's Stratego Site - Initial Piece Setups

The first 13 setups are all taken from the
Accolade 1990 PC program.

Many people have pointed out to me most
of these 13 are horrible. I agree.

Cyclone Defense

A conventional alignment, the Cyclone Defense holds Scouts in reserve, and places Miners in position for an early foray against enemy mines. The Flag is encased in a Bomb Shield, while the remaining explosives lurk in the front lines.

The Tempest Defense

Deceit is the key to the Tempest Defense. High-ranking soldiers and eager Scouts dot the front lines; the Marshal and one Colonel form a mini-strike force. One layer of Bombs and another of ranked pieces enclose your Flag.

Triple Threat

High-ranking units and a deployment of Scouts fill the front lines, while Miners are held in reserve. A formidable array of Bombs clots the back row, where your side's standard also dwells.

Scout's Gambit

Several Scouts share the front lines with your army's top officers. Bombs are scattered randomly through your defenses, posing a deadly challenge to reckless intruders.

On Guard!

Jagged Bomb placement is sure to cause the enemy discomfort. Potent pieces hover on the Flag's flanks. Captains and Majors in the forward ranks are poised for action.

Shoreline Bluff

Defensive deception is displayed in forward Flag placement. A Bomb occupies each flank, while the remaining Bombs are scattered throughout the lines. Several high-ranking troops are stationed near the Flag, offering further protection. Reserve Scouts are posted to the rear.

Corner Fortress

A diagonal line of Bombs and nestled Sergeants shields your Flag in once corner. Scouts deploy in the front ranks, along with a group of high officers on battle alert.

Shield Defense

Your Flag is wrapped in a Bomb shield in the center of your defenses. The Marshal, General and a sprinkling of Scouts occupy forward positions, while Colonels and Majors lurk just behind. A corps of Miners is in reserve.

Corner Blitz

A formation of high officers prepares for the attack on lake's edge, while a cluster of Miners waits for the call. A smattering of Bombs turns your rear ranks into a most deadly destination.

Wheel of Danger

An odd combination of Scouts and Bombs populate the forward lines. A number of high officers wait in reserve, while the Flag is encapsulated in a Bomb rectangle.

Blitzkrieg!

Your most powerful pieces assemble in the first row; several Miners join the forward deployment. Well-dispersed Bombs are a smoking black invitation to an an opponent's recklessness.

Early Warning!

While five of six Bombs are grouped around your standard, Scouts and top officers ready for the attack. Miners are poised to one side, and Captains and Lieutenants populate the rear.

Man the Barricades

Pairs of Bombs nestle in the front lines, while your Marshal guards the Flag in one corner. Woe betide the aggressive foe! High officers make up the forward alignment; Miners and Scouts bide their time in reserve until the call for duty sounds.

This setup comes from David Phillips.

The pieces are evenly balanced. The Flag is guarded by the Marshal while the General leads an attack up the middle and the Colonels attack on each side.

Bombs are placed in each corner to mislead the opponent no matter which corner is approached because the Flag is in the middle somewhere.

The Flag is intentionally placed behind a lake so Scouts held in reserve cannot jump on the flag from across the board if the Marshal needs to go after the opponent's charging General.

Scouts are placed at the front to test the opponent's defense and then in the back as reserves where they can become very useful in the endgame. The Flag is very well protected by the Marshal on one side and by a Colonel on the other. The Bombs in the center are used to force play to the sides. The right side is rather weak, however, that is countered by the placement of the Bombs preventing any aggressive horizontal movement. I also have several Scouts on that side to test the strengths of my opponent's pieces, making sure my Colonel and Major are not taken by surprise. Most of my opponents bypass my Flag and are surprised to learn that it was in the first row after I defeat them.

This setup from Anthony, has never failed him.
It's a variation of the Shoreline Bluff.

This setup comes from Brandon Clark.

I send my front line out to try to get an idea of where his pieces are, then I try my best not to let him penetrate my 2nd line. I hold a lot of Miners and Scouts for later in the game. I have my Spy in a key spot so he can't get to my Flag.

The following is from Mike Rowles.

Here are a couple of Stratego setups from when I was a kid.

The first one is an older setup when I had a one-dimensional style of play. The strategy was to hit hard on the left and hopefully his counterattack would run into the Bombs.

The second setup was from a later period when I was naming setups after airplanes, hence the name B29. (I know it seems kinda silly now but I was 13 or 14 at the time.) This second one is really close to a tip from a guy named Robert on your site.

Bomb Barrier

B29

This setup comes from Johnny O'Donnell

This setup aims to swallow up all your opponent's Miners before the Flag can be reached. It is an aggressive players nightmare.

Here is a real aggressive setup where you hope to eliminate his Miners and flood him from one side.

Most of the players I play against tend to keep their Miners in the back ranks. This causes a great deal of problem for them because they have to move a great deal to reposition them to take out my Bombs. Also, notice the back line of Scouts. As you march up on the left side you can use your Scouts to flood this side and to probe what is coming to greet you. I feel this is a great Strategy. To be successful with this setup you need to advance hard from the left!!!

This setup comes from Bill East