Who goes first?
From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in Stratego?

Milton Bradley English instructions, 4714 (1986/1996)

The red player moves first. Colours are chosen by hiding a red and a blue piece, one in each hand, and letting your opponent pick a hand.

Source & edition

All 26 Hasbro starting rules

If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.

If there’s a tie

The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.

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