When the discord of the enemy becomes apparent, take no action but instead wait for the oncoming upheaval. Cruel internecine struggles can only cause the enemy to die at its own hand. Movement at an opportune moment brings happiness.

Though great significance is attached to swiftness in military operations, a good commander should master the art of delay. He does not seek engagement as soon as he can but instead chooses to bide his time and wait for the best moment for attack – ideally, when his army is at the best of its strength and the enemy at its worst. Such is the underlying principle for all delay-oriented strategies.

To reap the spoils of a contest fought among others points to yet another basic law of warcraft: the use of outside forces to achieve one’ goal. This puts this strategy in line with Strategy Five, “murder with a borrowed knife.” Which is more difficult to exercise as it often requires intricate manipulation of various powers, either friendly, hostile, or non-committal.