PART 3- ATTACKING STRATEGIES 13 TO 18

36 STRATEGIES OF ANCIENT CHINA - SAN GUO  YAN YI



"The Thirty-Six Strategies" is a a Chinese collection of 36 proverbs commented as militaristic tactics.

Often attributed to Sun Tzu, this is generally rejected by scholars since Sun Tzu lived during the Spring and Autumn Period of China, while most of the 36 proverbs postdate that. It is believed by many to have been written by Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdoms period.



This set of strategies - is the preparation before the attack, understanding the strengths and weaknesses- to determine the approach after assessing the weaknesses and strengths of the enemies.

Chapter 3 - Attacking Strategies



• Strategy 13 "打草惊蛇" –(Da Cao Jing She) Startle the snake by hitting the grass around it.


o When you cannot detect the opponent's plans launch a direct, but brief, attack and observe your opponent reactions. His behavior will reveal his strategy.


• Strategy 14 "借尸还魂" – (Jie Shi huan hun) Borrow another's corpse to resurrect the soul. (Raise a corpse from the dead.)


o Take an institution, a technology, or a method that has been forgotten or discarded and appropriate it for your own purpose. Revive something from the past by giving it a new purpose or to reinterpret and bring to life old ideas, customs, and traditions.


• Strategy 15 "调虎离山" – ( Diao Hu Li Shan) Entice the tiger to leave its mountain lair.


o Never directly attack an opponent whose advantage is derived from its position. Instead lure him away from his position thus separating him from his source of strength.


• Strategy 16 "欲擒姑纵" – ( Yu Qin Gu Zong) In order to capture, one must let loose.


o Cornered prey will often mount a final desperate attack. To prevent this you let the enemy believe he still has a chance for freedom. His will to fight is thus dampened by his desire to escape. When in the end the freedom is proven a falsehood the enemy's morale will be defeated and he will surrender without a fight.





• Strategy 17 "抛砖引玉" – (Pao Zhuan Yin Yu) Tossing out a brick to get a jade


o Prepare a trap then lure your enemy into the trap by using bait. In war the bait is the illusion of an opportunity for gain. In life the bait is the illusion of wealth, power, and sex.


• Strategy 18 "擒贼擒王" – ( Qin Zei Qin Wang)Defeat the enemy by capturing their chief.


o If the enemy's army is strong but is allied to the commander only by money or threats then, take aim at the leader. If the commander falls the rest of the army will disperse or come over to your side. If, however, they are allied to the leader through loyalty then beware, the army can continue to fight on after his death out of vengeance.