VIII. Variation of Tactics

The Variation of Tactics chapter of The Art of War emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adaptability in warfare. Sun Tzu argues that a successful military leader must be able to change their tactics and strategies in response to changes on the battlefield. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of knowing your enemy and using surprise and deception to gain an advantage in battle.

In business, adaptability and flexibility are also important qualities for a successful leader. A business can apply the principles discussed in this chapter by being open to changing their strategies and tactics in response to changes in the market or the competitive landscape. This might mean being willing to pivot to a new business model, or adopting new technologies or techniques to stay ahead of the competition. Additionally, a business person can apply the principle of knowing their enemy by conducting thorough market research and staying up to date with their competitors’ strategies and tactics. Using surprise and deception can also be effective in business, for example by launching a new product or service before competitors are expecting it, or by disguising the true nature of a product or service in order to gain a competitive advantage. Overall, the principles discussed in this chapter can be applied to business in order to help leaders stay agile and competitive in a constantly changing marketplace.

1. In war, the general receives his commands from the sovereign, collects his army and concentrates his forces.

2. When in difficult country, do not encamp. In country where high roads intersect, join hands with your allies. Do not linger in dangerously isolated positions. In hemmed-in situations, you must resort to stratagem. In a desperate position, you must fight.

3. There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must not be attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested, commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed.

4. The general who thoroughly understands the advantages that accompany variation of tactics knows how to handle his troops.

5. The general who does not understand these, may be well acquainted with the configuration of the country, yet he will not be able to turn his knowledge to practical account.

6. So, the student of war who is unversed in the art of varying his plans, even though he be acquainted with the Five Advantages, will fail to make the best use of his men.

7. Hence in the wise leader’s plans, considerations of advantage and of disadvantage will be blended together.

8. If our expectation of advantage be tempered in this way, we may succeed in accomplishing the essential part of our schemes.

9. If, on the other hand, in the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.

10. Reduce the hostile chiefs by inflicting damage on them; make trouble for them, and keep them constantly engaged; hold out specious allurements, and make them rush to any given point.

11. The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy’s not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable.

12. There are five dangerous faults which may affect a general: Recklessness, which leads to destruction; cowardice, which leads to capture; a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults;

13. These are the five besetting sins of a general, ruinous to the conduct of war.

14. When an army is overthrown and its leader slain, the cause will surely be found among these five dangerous faults. Let them be a subject of meditation.