Spies & Lies: A Stratego Story

Jumbo, GateOnGames, Outset Media · Board game · 2019
— Ludopedia 6.9 BGG 2 · best 2 30 min Weight 1.8/5
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— rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy a good mind game, with bluffing and deduction at its core, Spies & Lies is a treat! It's the soul of Stratego distilled into an agile, twist-filled card format, perfect for those seeking a strategic and tense two-player experience. Get ready to read your opponent and be read, in a constant dance of hidden information and calculated moves.

Highlights
  • Intense strategic duel
  • Sharp bluffing and deduction
  • Quick and tense matches
  • Stratego essence in cards
Keep in mind
  • Two-player only
  • Requires focus on opponent reading
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In Spies & Lies: A Stratego Story, get ready for a duel of wits, bluffing, and plenty of deduction, with the ultimate goal of capturing the enemy flag! This two-player card game throws you into the heat of battle during the final days of a war, where every move by your spies and soldiers can change the course of the conflict. The premise is simple, but the execution is full of nuances: you and your opponent secretly select soldiers with unique abilities to engage the enemy. But make no mistake, war isn't just brute force; it's about sabotaging opposing missions with clever deployment, sharp deduction, and that bluff only the best spies master. Each time you identify an enemy soldier or thwart an advance, the noose tightens for your opponent, and your Double Agent moves one step closer to victory. The game unfolds over three intense rounds, each divided into three phases: Deploy, Intel, and Mission. The outcome of these phases determines who can move the Double Agent into enemy territory on the game board. The first to reach the opponent's flag with their Double Agent wins, or whoever is closest at the end of the third round. It's the essence of Stratego, but with a card game twist that makes it more agile and focused on direct player interaction. Perfect for those who enjoy a good strategic and psychological challenge!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Game: Stratego Players: Two-Player Only Games
Publisher Jumbo, GateOnGames, Outset Media
Designer Don Eskridge
Artist Roland MacDonald

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

950owners
266wishlist
48want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Is Spies & Lies a complex game for beginners?
No! With a complexity weight of 1.75/5, it's quite accessible. The rules are easy to learn, but the strategic depth comes from player interaction and reading your opponent.
How long does a game of Spies & Lies last?
Games are quick, usually around 30 minutes. Perfect for a fast gaming session or for playing multiple times in a row.
How many players can play Spies & Lies?
This is a two-player exclusive game, ideal for intense and strategic duels.
What are the main components of the game?
The game primarily consists of soldier and spy cards with different abilities, and a small board to track the Double Agent's movement. It's quite portable!
What is the main objective of the game?
The objective is to be the first to move your Double Agent to the enemy flag on the board, using bluffing, deduction, and the abilities of your cards to outsmart your opponent.
Is Spies & Lies similar to the original Stratego?
Yes, it captures the bluffing and deduction essence of Stratego, but in a more agile card format focused on direct player interaction. It's a great adaptation!

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