06.006 To be certain to take what you attack...

[Saro]

In the same thread as the previous sentence, attacking where there's no defense ensures you meet the least amount of resistance. Although I don't believe this will make you "certain" of taking it, since environmental conditions will still factor in, this will make success far more likely.

[Bubishi]

Originally posted by sonshi
To be certain to take what you attack, attack where the enemy cannot defend.

The best way to win a fight is to fight only when you can win.

To control an enemy, you must have something to control. If you control that which controls your enemy, then enemy will fall to their knees in defeat.

This passage stresses that one should ensure vicotry by attacking your enemy where it will collapse.

[Hazard]

Originally posted by sonshi
To be certain to take what you attack, attack where the enemy cannot defend.

You are more likely to gain total victory when attacking points of lesser resistance. Attacking an army might give you victory but at a cost that outweighs attacking somewhere else. Blockading a river could have better opportunity costs than attacking a city. These are things a general must consider.

[Yin]

Originally Posted by sonshi

To be certain to take what you attack, attack where the enemy cannot defend.

to be certain of being effective enter their holes not their walls