The 36 Strategies - Strategies for Confrontation

Create something out of nothing

Design a counterfeit front to put the enemy off-guard. When the trick works, the front is changes into something real so that the enemy will be thrown into a atate of double confusion. In short, deceptive appearances often conceal some forthcoming dangers.

Example

Advance to Chencang by a hidden path

To pin down the enemy, expose part of your action deliberately, so that you make a surprise attack somewhere else.

Example

Watch the fire burning across the river

When a serious conflict breaks out within the enemy alliance, wait quietly for the chaos to build up. Because once its internal conflict intensifies, the alliance will bring destruction upon itself. As for you, observe closely and make preparations for any advantage that may come from it.

Example

Conceal a dagger in a smile

One way or another, make the enemy trust you and thereby slacken his vigilance. Meanwhile, plot secretly, making preparations for your future action to ensure its success. In this stratagem, one conceals one' hostility by assuming outward friendliness.

Example

Sacrifice the plum for the peach

When loss is inevitable, sacrifice the part for the benefit of the whole.

Example

Lead away a goat in passing

Exploit any minor lapses on the enemy side, and seize every advantage to your side. Any negligence of the enemy must be turned into a benefit for you.

Example