If loss is inevitable, decrease yin to increase yang. War, as a contest of strength, leads to losses on the part of the winner as well as the loser. The different lies in that the..

Take advantage of the smallest flaw; seize the smallest profit. Make use of a minor mistake of the enemy to gain a minor victory. To lead away a goat one should choose an opportune time,..

Ascertain the doubtful; find out about the enemy before taking action. Return and bring the enemy’s secrets to light. This expression comes from a story in a Tang Dynasty sketchbook. The magistrate of Dangtu District,..

The useful declines to be used, whereas the useless asks to be used. Make use of the useless. It is not I who seek help from the callow youth but the callow youth who seeks..

Wait for Heaven to encumber the enemy and make plots to allure it. When going leads to obstruction, come back. In military context, a tiger in the mountain symbolizes a strong enemy who enjoys the..

Close in upon the defeated enemy and it will strike back; let it go and its position will weaken. Follow it closely but do not press too hard. Fritter away its strength and sap its..

Lure the enemy with counterfeits. Punish the callow youth. The expression comes from a story about two poets in the Tang Dynasty. Once, a celebrated poet named Zhao Xia was about to visit Suzhou, the..

Crush the enemy’s main force and capture its chief to disintegrate its body. A dragon compelled to fight on land is faced with an impasse. This expression is taken from a poem by the Tang..

Avoid a contest of strength with the enemy but seek to weaken its position in accordance with the image of Dui underneath Qian. The man must be completely foolish who attempts to cook water in..

Avoid a contest of strength with the enemy but seek to weaken its position in accordance with the image of Dui underneath Qian. The man must be completely foolish who attempts to cook water in..