Risk Board Game Strategies

Risk is a game built almost completely of strategy moves and careful planning. Each choice that a player makes can distinctly impact his ability to take land and gain control. Using these basic strategies is a great way to strengthen game play for novices and experts alike.

Gain control early

Try to take control of a country early in the game so that you can receive a continent bonus with extra military forces sooner. The easiest country to take and defend early in the game is Australia because there is only one point of entry or attack, so you cannot fall under attack on multiple fronts. Second best is South America, which has a greater bonus but two points of entry, so it is slightly harder to defend. Take as many territories as you can in one of these countries at the beginning of the game, and take it as soon as possible .The faster you send the opponents out of the country, the faster you can gain power across the board.

Organize your forces

Keep most of your troops along the front line of the area you hold. If you hold a whole continent, for example, you should place your forces in the points of entry, where you are most likely to need power. Leave the minimum number of troops in other areas where power is not needed.

Beware of alliances

Remember that all alliances are temporary -- in the end, only one player can hold the whole globe, so any alliance you form must end at some point. The person you are working with against a shared enemy must form a new alliance with that enemy if it benefits his ability to gain countries in the game. Take care not to get too comfortable or lax in security along the borders you share with those allies, and keep an eye on their power structure so that you can anticipate when they are preparing to move against you.

Use these tips and strategies, in combination with your intuition, to develop a unique method of play that fits your personality and the level or risk taking your are comfortable with. Implementing sound strategy can lead to a greater success rate and, ultimately, triumph over your friends.