Stratego Scout Guide: Movement, Recon & Risks
The Scout (rank 2) is Original Stratego's long-range sensor. Eight Scouts per army make mobility a resource—spend them with purpose.
Rules recap
In Classic Original, Scouts may move any number of open squares orthogonally in a straight line, or attack an enemy after traveling that open path. They lose to almost every combat piece in a fair fight.
Practical usage
- Open files early to map immobile candidates.
- Save a few Scouts for late Flag-corridor checks.
- Use short Scout moves to bluff as higher ranks.
Advantages
Speed, quantity, and low opportunity cost on many probes. Scouts turn empty board geometry into intelligence.
Risks
Bombs erase Scouts instantly. Revealing a Scout also teaches the opponent that a lane is soft. Overusing Scouts can leave you without late-game eyes.
Common mistakes
- Charging every unknown piece on sight.
- Blocking your own Scout lanes with cluttered mid-ranks.
- Never bluffing short Scout steps.
FAQ
Can a Scout jump over pieces?
No. Scout movement requires a clear path of empty squares along a row or file, stopping before lakes or occupied squares—unless attacking into an enemy.
Should Scouts attack unknown pieces?
Sometimes. Attacking reveals information but often loses the Scout. Prefer attacks when the target is likely a Flag, Bomb you need to confirm, or low piece.