Do not intercept troops with neat banners, nor attack well‑ordered battle formations. This is how to adapt flexibly.
Rules of warfare: Do not assault an enemy holding high ground. Do not confront troops backed by hills. Do not pursue an enemy that feigns retreat. Do not attack their elite soldiers. Do not fall for enemy bait. Do not block an army returning home. When surrounding an enemy force, leave an escape route. Do not press a foe driven to desperation. These are the fundamental rules of fighting.
Note
This excerpt lays out flexible combat rules: avoid foes with neat banners and orderly formations. It lists eight core taboos, such as not charging uphill, chasing fake retreats or cornered enemies, and leaving an escape gap for surrounded troops to prevent desperate counterattacks.
A great military strategist and thinker in ancient China, who lived in the late Spring and Autumn Period. He authored The Art of War, the world’s earliest and most influential military classic. His strategic thoughts have been widely applied in military, politics and management worldwide.
Well‑ordered formation
Disciplined and fully guarded enemy troops that should be avoided.
Terrain taboos
Avoid attacking enemies on heights or against hills.
Feigned retreat
A common deceptive tactic to lure pursuers into ambushes.
Leave an escape route
Prevent cornered enemies from fighting to the death.
無邀正正之旗，勿擊堂堂之陣，此治變者也；故用兵之法，高陵勿向，背邱勿逆，佯北勿從，銳卒勿攻，餌兵勿食，歸師勿遏，圍師必闕，窮寇勿迫，此用兵之法也。
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