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

1. Feign Retreat

   • Engage briefly then retreat
   • Make enemy believe they are winning
   • Draw them away from their fortifications

2. 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

3. Cut Supply Lines

   • Once enemy is committed, sever all supply routes
   • Prevent any reinforcements from reaching them

4. Wait for Desperation

   • Maintain pressure without direct assault
   • Enemy will weaken over 40+ days without food
   • Internal dissension will develop

5. 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

1. 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
2. Verify supply line severance is complete: no reinforcements or provisions reaching the trapped enemy through secondary routes
3. Monitor for the enemy's desperation breakout attempt — leadership must be eliminated during this phase to prevent organized escape