35. Chain Stratagems
Sometimes, one stratagem is not enough to beat the enemy; you may need multiple stratagems that are to be carried out simultaneously in order to win. Chain stratagems create multiple backup strategies in an effort to wear out the enemy. There is a higher success rate of winning through chain stratagems as there are multiple backup plans if one of them doesn’t work.
Having different stratagems operating simultaneously will increase your chances of succeeding in your plans. The use of chain stratagems is to increase the probability of the enemy to fall into your stratagems. It creates complexity which the enemy cannot figure out. The enemy may not take bait to one stratagem, but as more are created, the enemy will soon take bait and fall for your traps. That is what “chain stratagems” mean.
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I think the Battle of the Red Cliffs between Cao Cao vs. Liu Bei and Sun Quan best illustrates the use of the chain stratagems.
Once the 2nd part of Red Cliff movie is out, we can look forward to see how this chain stratagem was applied.
Avatar- Yeah, the “Battle of Red Cliffs” is one big stratagem. Pang Tong helped in linking Cao Cao’s boats by suggesting it will help combat sea sickness. Huang Gai used the “inflict injury to oneself to win the trust of the enemy” to earn Cao Cao’s trust. Zhuge Liang used “kill with a borrow knife” where he earned Sun Quan’s allegiance through his tongue to counter Cao Cao. The whole Red Cliff was one big chain stratagem.
Pride before the fall. All helped by Cao Cao’s hubris.
Pang Tong was good in stroking Cao Cao’s ego when suggesting the chaining of his ships as well…
Overall, Cao Cao was proud but he didn’t do many things wrong, really. He wanted a quick end to the Southern Campaign as his men were tired. Further, since the wind conditions were blowing in a southern direction, he decided the threat of a fire attack was minimal.
Well, sometimes even the best leaders cannot foresee all possibilities.
YT- I like that quote
Avatar- Yeah, I can see why.
Very detailed analysis!, Avatar. ‘Tis true as you say, even the best leaders cannot foresee all possibilities. If this were so, we’d all be livin’ in benevolent empires. & nobody would have anthin’ to worry ’bout anymore…