The Art of War -Strategy Four- Positioning

The Art of War -Strategy Four- Positioning

It is possible to lead the enemy into an impasse without fighting.

The offensive and the defensive are the two fundamental elements in warfare. You may think that the aggressor initiating the offensive has the advantage over the other who is forced into defensive mode. But actually this strategy is more about the advantages of being a defender

One who arrives first at the battlefield to wait for the enemy remains reposed, whereas one who arrives late has to give battle in haste even though fatigued. Therefore, a good commander maneuvers the enemy and is not maneuvered himself.

Similarly, never engage an enemy whose formation is in good order and whose spirit is high. Even if the enemy gives challenge by creating serious incidents, avoid action. Wait in good form while the enemy howls and utters treats; rest, eat and wait for the other to weaken in resolve.

The principal goes, “when secure, remain immobile.”

Keep in mind also that, figuratively speaking, the enemy is certainly intrepid in the morning, relaxes as the day draws on, and prepares to retreat at night. Therefore an able general shuns intrepidity of the enemy and waits for its decline and retreat. This is the method for handling the troops’ morale.

To reiterate, by taking a position that the attacker cannot bypass and securing ample reserves, the defender can conserve its strength and wait it out until the enemy’s strength and superiority is sapped. Meanwhile the enemy can be played: first, by tempting them with a perceived advantage to undertake a hasty charge, and then forestalling it with an impasse. When they are properly demoralized then you can pick the time for an effective counterattack. 

The End.