Instead of attacking headlong a powerful, concentrated enemy, break it up into smaller, vulnerable groups. Instead of striking first, bide your time and strike only after the enemy has struck. This strategy advises one to..

When the enemy’s intention is obvious and the ally’s attitude hesitant, induce the ally to fight the enemy while preserving one’s own strength. This can be inferred from Sun. To avoid getting incriminated for his..

It is possible to lead the enemy into an impasse without fighting. The active is weakened to strengthen the passive. The offensive and the defensive are the two fundamental elements in warfare. The offensive has..

When the enemy suffers from a major crisis, seize the chance to gain advantage. Resolution prevails over pliancy. A burning house falls into commotion and tumult. Thus a thief can seize the chance to loot..

The enemy’s command becomes confused and unrestrained, with the symbol of Kun below and Dui above, signifying river water ready to overflow the bank. Subdue the enemy when it has thus lost its discipline. In..

Make a false move, not to pass it for a genuine one but to transform it into a genuine one after the enemy has been convinced of its falsity. Genuine strength grows under the cover..

Make a false move to tie up the main force of the enemy. It is of benefit to set forth in conformity to the situation. The idiom refers to the strategy used by Liu Bang,..

Make a false move to tie up the main force of the enemy. It is of benefit to set forth in conformity to the situation. The idiom refers to the strategy used by Liu Bang,..

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..

Reassure the enemy to make it slack, work in secret to subdue it; prepare fully before taking action to prevent the enemy from changing its mind: This is the method of hiding a strong will..