Deceptive Standoff Tactic

Overview

A psychological warfare tactic used when a small force encounters a much larger enemy force. Instead of fleeing (which invites pursuit and destruction), advance and display non-retreat behavior to convince the enemy you are bait for an ambush.

Steps

1. Assess the situation: When spotted by superior enemy forces, recognize that fleeing will result in being hunted down and destroyed

2. Advance toward the enemy: Move forward rather than retreating

3. Stop at close range: Halt approximately 2 li (about 1 km) from enemy positions

4. Dismount and remove saddles: Order all cavalry to dismount and remove saddles from horses

5. Display non-threatening posture: Have soldiers lie down and release horses to graze

6. Maintain the bluff through nightfall: Continue the deception until darkness

7. Enemy withdrawal: The enemy, suspecting an ambush, will withdraw during the night

Decision Points

• Only use when retreat would clearly result in destruction
• Requires sufficient discipline among troops to maintain composure
• Most effective when enemy cannot confirm your actual numbers

Expected Outcomes

• Enemy will hesitate to attack, suspecting a trap
• Forces will survive the encounter without combat
• Enemy may withdraw entirely under cover of darkness

Verification

• Confirm that retreat is genuinely more dangerous than holding position before committing to the bluff
• Validate that troop discipline is sufficient to maintain composure without breaking formation
• Check that the enemy has withdrawn or disengaged before resuming movement toward safety