Saturday, December 30, 2006

Stra! Tee! GOOO!!

Stratego! The post title recalls the Stratego television commercial jingle of my childhood. Great commercial. Really great game. I got it for Christmas. You didn't. :P

So, I just played it again today for the first time in very many years. I beat a ten year old. And, I mean I wiped the map with him. I want you to know that I read him the strategy tips in the instructions. But, he wasn't listening much at that point. Big mistake. So, he made the rookie error of locking all of his highest ranking pieces on the back rows. I sent in a Major -- a mere major! -- and cut him to ribbons. He's moving all these pieces around trying to get a colonel out to stop me. Where could he move them? Right into Major Meatgrinder -- there was no other place to go.

I suppose I could have taken it easy on the child; at least let it be close. But, that's just not me. I feel like integrity demands that you give every opponent your best game in every contest. (And, my fragile, battered ego refuses to pass up any victory, no matter how small.)
Anyway, the boy is a good sport and he's ready to go again tomorrow. He's definitely internalized the strategy tip of keeping some firepower on the front.

I might try an older opponent. Then again, I may build my confidence first by whipping up on the ten year old a few more times.

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1 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey, I haven't checked this blog in forever... didn't know you posted anything.

I was recently in a small town antique store looking for something from the Roman period and found an old crusty 1963 version of Stratego. (I'd been looking for one at Walmart and other toy stores with no luck) I picked it up for $8.

I did likewise and made a 6 year old feel the pain. After much tears we played again and I went easy so as not to discourage the poor lad. Later I worked up to the 8 year old girl that abides with us. It sure is fun to feel so smart, isn't it 'her Field Marshal?

06 June, 2007  

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