Take advantage of the enemy’s internecine fight and make use of its weakness and lack of judgment. Sui: At nightfall, return home to rest. A regular element in offensive operations, surprise can be effected by..

Maintain the original shape and play out the original pose, so that the ally does not doubt and the enemy does not move. Submission and stillness lead to decay. From a distance, the newly sloughed..

Force the small enemy into a quagmire. Bo: It is not favorable to set forth. It is disadvantageous to pursue a weak, tottering enemy for long distance. When you return home to discover that a..

When circumscribed in situation and restricted in disposition, seek profit from nearby and keep peril at distance. Fire above the lake. In the late Warring States period, Qin emerged as the most powerful state and..

A small state is sandwiched between two great powers. If one of them attempts to bring it to submission, the other will be able to take control under the pretext of aiding it. Kun: when..

Change the enemy’s formation frequently, dislocate its main force and deal the blow when it tends towards defeat. Stop the wheel. Battle formations are a common feature in early military history of China. A typical..

Feign ignorance and make no move rather than feign knowledge and make rash moves. Stay motionless and hide one’s intention. Clouds and thunder symbolize Tun. In warfare, suddenness can be achieved either by secrecy, concealing..

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..

Exploit external forces to create favorable conditions, so that a small army acquires great energy. The wild goose gradually approaches the cloudy paths. Its feathers can be used in ritual decoration. Attach lifelike silk flowers..

Take the opportunity to put in your foot and seize the heart of the enemy, proceed step by step. When a host is so awkward that he does not know how to accommodate a guest,..