A Translation of The Thirty-Six Stratagems

The Thirty-Six Stratagems is a classic military treatise that embodies the wisdom of ancient Chinese warfare. It originated in military practices of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, was compiled around the transition from the Ming to the Qing dynasty, and brings together the essence of ancient military strategy. It is celebrated as a dazzling gem of China's intangible cultural heritage. The book is organized around thirty-six stratagems, divided according to the state of war into six sets: Winning Battles, Facing the Enemy, Attacking, Contending, Allied Battles, and Losing Battles. Each set contains six stratagems, for a total of thirty-six, forming a complete system of military strategy. The first three sets apply to situations of advantage, while the latter three address situations of disadvantage, creating a tactical philosophy that balances offense and defense, strength and flexibility.