欲擒故纵
To Capture, First Let Go
Pressing too hard causes the enemy to fight back; follow closely but do not apply pressure too soon.
Aliases
To Capture / First Let Go / Attack Stratagems
Domains
stratagem, negotiation, positioning, competition, conflict
Stratagem Name and Original Text
- Stratagem Name:
欲擒故纵 - Original Text:
逼则反兵；走则减势。紧随勿迫。累其气力，消其斗志，散而后擒，兵不血刃。需，有孚，光。 - Translation: Pressing too hard causes the enemy to fight back; follow closely but do not apply pressure too soon.
How It Works
- Concise Definition: Give controlled space before the capture.
- Explanation: Pressure must be timed correctly or it only hardens resistance.
Usage Example
- Let a prospective customer retain some freedom while gradually narrowing their other options.
