Provide the army with an apparent chance, entice it to advance, cut it off from coordination or reinforcement, and place it in an impasse. One gets poisoned at an improper position.

This strategy underscores the employment of a “ladder” in an ambush planned to annihilate the enemy. Ladders refer to the means by which the enemy is lured into the ambush ring. It may be a gesture of weakness if the enemy commander is arrogant, an enticement of gain if the enemy commander is greedy, or repeated defeats if the enemy commander is hesitant.