Strategy

The Thirty-Six Stratagems: 6 key ideas

by Traditional Chinese

The core ideas of The Thirty-Six Stratagems, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.

1. IDEA 1 OF 6

   Deceive the heavens to cross the sea

   Hide your real move inside routine activity.

   What people see every day they stop examining.

2. IDEA 2 OF 6

   Besiege Wei to rescue Zhao

   Instead of attacking a strong force head on, strike something it must protect.

   It will turn back, and the pressure is relieved.

3. IDEA 3 OF 6

   Wait at leisure for the exhausted enemy

   Let the other side spend energy while you conserve yours.

   Choose the time and place of engagement.

4. IDEA 4 OF 6

   Loot a burning house

   When a rival is in crisis, they are least able to respond.

   Opportunities often appear in others' trouble.

5. IDEA 5 OF 6

   Lure the tiger off the mountain

   Draw an opponent away from the ground that gives them strength before you engage.

6. IDEA 6 OF 6

   When all else fails, retreat

   Withdrawing to fight another day is a legitimate strategy.

   Survival preserves future options.