The Command of Multitudes

The essence of command in warfare:
When weak in numbers, consolidate formations.
When strong in numbers, maintain strict order.
Weak forces thrive on unpredictability and surprise.
Strong forces excel in conventional tactics.
Strong armies must advance and halt with mountain-like stability.
Weak armies must advance and retreat like shifting shadows.

Against weaker enemies with superior strength: Envelop them from afar, leaving gaps to induce rout, or attack in waves.
Against stronger enemies with inferior strength: Bluff to confuse them, employing unconventional tactics to seize victory. If the enemy holds advantageous terrain, feign retreat by lowering banners to lure them out, then counterattack. If the enemy is numerous, prepare for siege warfare. If the enemy is few but cautious, retreat briefly, then exploit their complacency to destroy them.

General principles of combat:
Position with the wind at your back and high ground to your rear.
Secure the right flank with heights and the left with natural barriers.
Cross marshes and unstable terrain swiftly.
Camp in elevated, defensible positions surrounded by obstacles.

Deploy formations first, then observe enemy movements before acting. If the enemy lays a trap, withhold attack and monitor their main force. When they strike, concentrate strength to exploit weaknesses.

Probe the enemy:
Test their reactions with varying troop numbers.
Advance and retreat to gauge formation stability.
Threaten closely to assess fear.
Remain still to provoke懈怠 (slackness).
Feint maneuvers to induce confusion.
Ambush suddenly to test discipline.

Strike when the enemy hesitates; attack when unprepared. Disrupt their deployments, exploit reckless advances, thwart their plans, and crush them while their morale falters.

When pursuing a routed enemy: Never relent. If they halt, scrutinize their intent.
When approaching an enemy city: Plan advance routes meticulously.
When retreating: Prearrange withdrawal strategies.

Timing in warfare:
Acting too early exhausts troops.
Delaying too long breeds timidity.
Excessive rest breeds懈怠 (complacency).
Constant motion causes fatigue.
Prolonged rest fosters怯战 (cowardice).

Ancient methods of discipline:
Forbid soldiers from contacting families to sever homesickness.
Select skilled individuals and arm them to enhance combat efficacy.
Abandon heavy gear, carry minimal rations to ignite resolve for desperate combat.

The Command of Multitudes's Pictures

Chapter 5 of Sima Fa: Using the Masses