Classic Stratego :

I do not wish to write too much about Classic Stratego on this site.......as there are many sites dedicated to Classic Stratego......and I would be replicating what many others have already written about the game.

Instead I will try to concentrate on the INTERNAL workings of the game......as this has not been talked about much and thus, would be a valuable incite into the game. If you wish to hear more about Classic Stratego.......please visit Ed's Stratego site.

Classic Stratego is the original game that gave birth to Ultimate Lightning.

Classic Stratego is a skilful game with 40 pieces on each side (twice the number of pieces as Ultimate Lightning) and plays on an identical board. Much of the strategy that is incorporated in the U.L. game is also in the Classic Stratego game. Classic Stratego is the Mother of Ultimate Lightning. The Tactics and Strategies are similar, although Ultimate Lightning has an "Extra" dimension due to it's additional rules and added complexities. You could almost say "Classic Stratego" is a simple version of Ultimate Lightning. After playing "Ultimate Lightning" for a while......."Classic Stratego" becomes much easier to play and win.

Classic Stratego employs various different key elements in it's game play.

The Start of the game: Initial Setup and Initial Movement of Pieces

The initial "setup" and tactics in "Classic Stratego" vary from player to player. Some players will opt for a "Attacking setup", while others will decide to play a "Defensive Setup" or maybe a variation of the two......with a well "Balanced setup".

The initial movement of pieces: is in main, the challenge of trying to identify the opponents "key pieces" with as little loss as possible. Remember you are very limited in "Classic Stratego" as initially ALL your 40 pieces are confined within your own area, and a change of plan is difficult in the opening part of the game. (Unlike U.L. which plays more openly, due to having only half the pieces on the same board.) Once you know the identity of your opponents "key pieces" then you can start to formulate your plan of attack and keeping in mind the all important "Backup plan".

Middle game

Once you have discovered enough information to be able to make a informed plan of attack.......the "Middle game" starts.

The "Middle game" is a more skilful part of the game, which can often decide the course of a game. The key here is to attack and capture your opponents "known pieces" with the information gained from knowledge of your opponents ranks. (also avoiding capture from your opponents big pieces)

In Simple terms......the "Middle game" is ALL about the MOVEMENT of your strong pieces. (and using the entire information gained from the beginning of the game through to the current situation...... to tactically out manoeuvre your opponent and safely capture known pieces, while simultaneously keeping your pieces safe. Plans change quickly and often during this phrase, as counter attacks and rebuttals change objectives throughout this phase. The "Middle game" is very similar to chess, and is the real strategic part of the game.

Ultimate Lightning is great training for the "Middle game" of "Classic Stratego", as the "Middle game" comes much earlier in "Ultimate Lightning" and it lasts much longer, due to the rescue feature which prolongs the "Middle game" giving more opportunity for the most skilful player to out think his opponent.

End game

Once the pieces have begun to be traded off in order of rank .......the end game starts.

The "End game" typically involves the use of bluffing pieces to gain an advantage. (Bluffing is constant throughout the game......but it can be the most deadly in the end game.)

The "End game" also involves a good reading of bomb setups, although this could be costly if the opponent has put some bombs in untypical bomb positions.

The third aspect of the "End game" is the clever movement of ones pieces. (Similar to the "Middle game") This time the object of the player winning the battle....is to attack and capture the opponents pieces. The object of the losing player would be to avoid capture or to maybe force an attack on the perceived flag position.

It is very rare to see a Ultimate Lightning game reach a "End game" situation......because of the Aggression rule and also the fact that "Rescue" is there to bring back the captured pieces. This results in a virtual chess like situation where "Skill" is the key factor.

Bluffing

Bluffing plays an important part of "Classic Stratego" (especially in the end game situation)

There is less "Bluffing" in "Ultimate Lightning"........although it is important at the start of the game.

While "Ultimate Lightning" teaches good skills in the "Movement of key pieces" ...........the most important  Stratego game which teaches good "Bluffing" skills..... is the game of "Barrage Stratego".

Movement of Key Pieces

The Strategic movement of your "key pieces" to capture the opponents "known pieces" ..........while avoiding the opponent capturing your "known pieces" is very important in "Classic Stratego". (especially in the middle game)

In "Ultimate Lightning" this skill is even MORE important.