Illustration de If all else fails, retreat
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts

If all else fails, retreat

When full defeat is likely, withdraw the force intact; retreat preserves the chance to fight again.

Alias
走為上策 / Set 6. Defeat Stratagems
Domaines
Strategy, negotiation, positioning, competition, conflict

Chinese Maxim

  • Chinese title: 走為上策
  • Chinese maxim: 全師避敵。左次無咎，未失常也。
  • Plain-English rendering: When full defeat is likely, withdraw the force intact; retreat preserves the chance to fight again.

How It Works

  • Simple definition: Preserve capability when victory is no longer realistic.
  • Simple explanation: Retreat is not the same as surrender.

Usage Example

  • Exit the bad market, protect the team, and regroup around a winnable position instead of defending pride.