The 36 Strategies - Strategies for Desperate Situations

Beauty trap

When faced with a formidable enemy, try to subdue their leader. When dealing with an able and resourceful commander, exploit his indulgence of sensual pleasures in order to weaken his fighting spirit. When the commander becomes inept, his soldiers will be demoralized, and their combat power will be greatly weakened. This stratagem takes advantage of the enemy's weakness for the sake of self protection.

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Empty city ploy

In spite of the inferirity of your forces, deliberately make your defensive line defenseless in order to confuse the enemy. In situations when the enemies are many and you are few, this tactic seems all the more intriguing.

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Sow discord in the enemy's camp

Spying is the best of all the deceptive measures against the enemy. Use the enemy's spies to work for you and you will win without any loss inflicted on your side.

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Inflict injury on oneself to win the enemy's trust

People rarely inflict injuries on themselves, so when they get injured, it is usually genuine. Exploit this naivety and make the enemy believe one's words; then the trick to sow discord among enemies will pay off. In this case, one takes advantage of the enemy's weakness, and makes the enemy look as if he were a naive child easily taken in.

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Interlocking stratagems

When the enemy possesses a superior force, do not attack recklessly. Instead, weaken him by devising plots to bring him into a difficult position of his own doing. Good leadership plays a key role in winning a war. A wise commander gains Heaven's favour.

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When retreat is the best option

To avoid combat with a powerful enemy, the whole army should retreat and wait for the right time to advance again. This is not inconsistent with normal military priciples.

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