Illustration de Loot a burning house
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts

Loot a burning house

When the enemy is already in trouble, move with the situation and take advantage.

Alias
趁火打劫 / Set 1. Winning Stratagems
Domaines
Strategy, negotiation, positioning, competition, conflict

Chinese Maxim

  • Chinese title: 趁火打劫
  • Chinese maxim: 敵之害大，就勢取利，剛決柔也。
  • Plain-English rendering: When the enemy is already in trouble, move with the situation and take advantage.

How It Works

  • Simple definition: Strike when disorder already exists.
  • Simple explanation: Crisis opens doors that would stay closed under normal conditions.

Usage Example

  • Acquire talent or accounts when a rival is distracted by internal breakdown.