Dominated...again.

Stratego: a game of strategy, wit, memory and deceit. With its simple array of painted wooden pieces, metalic solider prints and 10 X 10 grid most observers don't perceive the game as the art of war it really is.

Tonight wasn't the first time I attempted to battle the undefeated Dr. Epic. In the beginning my mind was clear, my game plan set, my heart determined. I would fool him with a traditional strategy of three bombs surrounding my flag. If I could just maintain an aggressive offense, then their would be no good reason to lose.

The game began at a moderate pace. Each player eying the other, waiting to see who would break first. I kept my cool, staying focused on the blue enemy opposite me. But as each piece slid from one square to the next, my anxiety for victory began boiling within my gut. I tried to patiently press forward, looking constantly for clues of where Dr. Epic would hide his most vulnerable piece.

As the game progressed, my stamina began to fade, doubt hindered my analytical process, and as always, Dr. Epic's genius for the game shone through. While my 2 was only one square away from his flag at one point in the game, I was no match for his deceiving strategy of placing the flag in the least expected spot: a square in the back middle section of his side of the board.

I still hold hope for that one day when I will earn my victory. It will be short lived, but lived nonetheless. Until then, I guess I'll go back to square one, which is me being dominated...again.