Of Chess, Stratego, and Games of the Generals

Such is my fascination for board games.

Of Chess

I had been fascinated with how chess works, how it trains you to take control and utmost care of every piece, how it allows us to see that sacrifice is important, and how adapting to constant changes in the board is possible. Chess is not limited to random movements. Even at the very first move, you need to know why you moved that piece so as not to waste any moves. And based on how your opponent reacts, you form your strategy. Interesting and challenging to the mind indeed!

In many ways, chess is applicable to life. We have to adapt to constantly changing environments, adapt to a new culture, and adapt to every new challenge. Critical thinking is also important! Sometimes common sense is not enough.

Of Stratego and Games of the Generals

It was only recently that I encountered Stratego. In many ways, it is like the Brigade-favorite board game Games of the Generals where you have to arrange your troops. Your opponents cannot see your troops initially.

This is where it gets interesting.

In Games of the Generals, you always will not see your opponent's troops. So you have an arbiter in place. It allows for better memory and visualization. In Stratego, once you capture an opponent's piece, the both of you show pieces. In essence, you will, sooner or later, know what your opponent's troop placement is. Stratego allows for better deception skills and placement skills.

The way to kill the highest ranked official is set up differently as well. In Games of the Generals, a 5-star General can only be killed by a Spy. Stratego works the same way, a Marshall can only be killed by a Spy, but a Spy dies if the Marshall attacks it.

Even more different and exciting is how the board is set up. In Games of the Generals, direct assault is common as there is no barrier between you and the opponent. In Stratego, there a 2 sets of 2x2 box tiles called rivers where you cannot pass. So direct combat is not applicable. As I said, placement is key.

So in conclusion...

Interestingly, these board games have been a part of my childhood (except Stratego). They also offer us a lot to learn. This is contrary to the games we play nowadays. Where massive mayhem and explosions are common, feeding the more vicious part of our life. While this may be entertaining sometimes, it is bad for us most of the time. These games often lead to violence being seen in the streets and else where. It's sad what this world has become.

Let's just go back to the old times (at least relative to my age). Snakes and Ladders, Monopoly, Clue, Chess, Stratego, Games of the Generals, Uno, Dominos, and a lot more. :) I'm sure to love it. How about you?