Tag Archives: #ThirtySixStratagems

Second of #ThirtySixStratagems: Besiege Wei to save Zhao 围魏救赵 (圍魏救趙) – Wéiwèijiùzhào.

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Mini strategy series @soerenbax: The #ThirtySixStratagems, a collection of ancient Chinese military thought and experience.

Characters of the second of Thirty-Six Stratagems: 围魏救赵 (圍魏救趙) – Wéiwèijiùzhào. 围, wéi: surround, enclose. 魏, wèi: Wei (family name). 救, jiù: save, rescue, help. 赵, zhào: Zhao (family name).

Meaning: Besiege Wei to save Zhao. Your friend and ally may besiege the home base of your opponent after his forces left to attack you. Thus finding and attacking the weak and exposed flank of your attacker. The opponent will fight on two fronts, which increases the chance of victory.

Business example: When a strong group (aggressor) is about to take over a weaker group (defender), then a third party may gain a good reputation by attacking the aggressor in apparent behalf of the defender. The third party may succeed to eventually take over both parties without the nasty side effects of outright aggression.

First of #ThirtySixStratagems: 瞒天过海 (瞞天過海) – Mántiānguòhǎi; #English: Sneak across the ocean in broad daylight

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Mini strategy series @soerenbax: The Thirty-Six Stratagems, a collection of ancient Chinese military thought and experience.

Characters of the first of Thirty-Six Stratagems: 瞒天过海 (瞞天過海) – Mántiānguòhǎi. 瞒, mán: conceal. 天, tiān: sky. 过, guò: to cross. 海, hǎi: sea, ocean.

Meaning: To hide action within a unsuspicious, everyday action. To pretend everyting is just business as usual, but actually striking at the opponent.

Business example: When preparing a hostile take over of a stock listed company, it may be wise to hide the true intention, because of possible counter measures. At least at first and until enough shares are already collected. This maybe done through intermediate banks and traders and in small steps. The purchase will look like everyday trade and won’t attract too much attention. When enough shares are collected, then the takeover can be announced. Sneak across the ocean in broad daylight.