
- BGG rank
- BGG #16,673
- BGG rating
- 6.2
MixUp
- 2 players
- 20 min
- Complexity 1.7/5
- 2006

2004
Rules assistance for StrataGem
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.

What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
StrataGem is a board game released in 2004 for 2–4 players, 20 minutes per game, and ages 10 and up. It was designed by Maureen Hiron and its main mechanics are Take That.
From the publisher, Playroom Entertainment: In StrataGem, players strategically form a 3x3 grid with the best combinations of cards to score the most points, using cards with the same type of gems, same number of gems or gem cards that form a numeric straight. A player may overlap as often as they want, but at the end of the game, points are scored horizontally, vertically and diagonally in the grid. But don't get your precious jewels snatched away, when opponents attempt to sabotage you with their Gem Thief cards, which will surely keep you on high alert! Put your thinking cap on, stay cool and collected, and you'll be sure to win the game! Not to be confused with: Stratagem (1998) Stratagem (2014)
StrataGem supports 2–4 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for StrataGem is 20 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists StrataGem for ages 10 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
StrataGem has a complexity rating of 1.7 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
StrataGem belongs to these categories: Card Game and Abstract Strategy. Its main mechanics are Take That. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of StrataGem are: Maureen Hiron. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists StrataGem as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.