Use when facing a superior mobile enemy force, especially nomadic cavalry like the Xiongnu. Builds long-term deception through feigned cowardice, resource stockpiling, and a devastating ambush when the enemy grows overconfident.
A strategy for defeating superior enemy forces by appearing weak over an extended period to create overconfidence.
The longer you appear weak, the more devastating your eventual strike.
Li Mu defended against the Xiongnu by refusing to fight for years, then annihilated them when they became overconfident.