| name | military-encirclement-tactics |
| description | Use when besieging a fortified enemy or planning encirclement warfare. Based on Bai Qi's victory at Changping (长平) — feign retreat to draw the enemy out, deploy hidden forces to cut retreat routes, sever supply lines, and wait 40+ days for starvation-driven collapse. |
Military Encirclement Tactics
Based on Bai Qi's victory at Changping, this procedure describes how to defeat a fortified enemy through strategic encirclement.
Overview
When facing an enemy behind fortifications, use feigned weakness to draw them out, then cut off their retreat and supplies.
Steps
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Feign Retreat
- Engage briefly then retreat
- Make enemy believe they are winning
- Draw them away from their fortifications
-
Deploy Ambush Forces
- Position 25,000 troops behind enemy lines to cut retreat
- Position 5,000 cavalry to separate enemy from their base
- Keep these forces hidden until main engagement
-
Cut Supply Lines
- Once enemy is committed, sever all supply routes
- Prevent any reinforcements from reaching them
-
Wait for Desperation
- Maintain pressure without direct assault
- Enemy will weaken over 40+ days without food
- Internal dissension will develop
-
Final Destruction
- When enemy attempts breakout in desperation
- Kill their leadership
- Accept surrender or destroy remaining forces
Expected Outcomes
- Enemy forces trapped and destroyed
- Minimal losses to your own forces
- Psychological impact on enemy nation
Validation
- Confirm the 25,000-troop ambush force and 5,000 cavalry screen are in position before initiating the feigned retreat — premature engagement without encirclement wastes the entire strategy
- Verify supply line severance is complete: no reinforcements or provisions reaching the trapped enemy through secondary routes
- Monitor for the enemy's desperation breakout attempt — leadership must be eliminated during this phase to prevent organized escape
