The Attack by Fireのイラスト
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts
Military / Strategy / Classical Texts

The Attack by Fire

Use special means only when conditions are right, and never let emotion control escalation.

別名
The Attack by Fire / 火攻 / Art of War Chapter 12
分野
Strategy, leadership, planning, deception, competition

Chapter Focus

  • Use special means only when conditions are right, and never let emotion control escalation.
  • Alternate chapter title: The Attack by Fire
  • Chinese chapter title: 火攻
  • This chapter page groups three practical quote cards from the same chapter.

Selected Rules

  • Rule 12.1: Specialized tactics need classification and discipline.
  • Rule 12.2: Tools amplify strategy when used with judgment.
  • Rule 12.3: Escalation must be justified.

Rule 12.1

Rule 12.1
  • Chinese original: 凡火攻有五。
  • Working English: There are five ways to attack with fire.
  • Simple definition: Specialized tactics need classification and discipline.
  • Simple explanation: Do not use powerful tools vaguely; know the exact method and effect.
  • Simple usage: Separate disruption tactics into categories: price attack, narrative attack, channel attack, timing attack, and capability attack.

Rule 12.2

Rule 12.2
  • Chinese original: 以火佐攻者明，以水佐攻者強。
  • Working English: One who uses fire intelligently in attack shows clarity; one who uses water well gains force.
  • Simple definition: Tools amplify strategy when used with judgment.
  • Simple explanation: Means matter, but timing and intelligence matter more.
  • Simple usage: Use the right lever for the right moment instead of applying the same playbook everywhere.

Rule 12.3

Rule 12.3
  • Chinese original: 非利不動，非得不用，非危不戰。
  • Working English: Do not move without advantage, do not act without gain, do not fight unless necessary.
  • Simple definition: Escalation must be justified.
  • Simple explanation: Pride is a terrible decision rule.
  • Simple usage: Do not start a public conflict unless the likely upside clearly exceeds the cost.