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Properly organized and led, ordinary men could defeat skilled warriors who fought as individuals or as small bands. The classic example of design in battle strategy, one that is still studied today, is Hannibal’s victory over the Roman army at Cannae in 216 B.C.

Hence that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.

Subjugating the enemy’s army without fighting is the true pinnacle of excellence.33 The strategy for employing the army is not to rely on their not coming, but to depend upon us having the means to await them. Do not rely on them not attacking, but depend upon us having an unassailable position.34 When someone excels at defense the enemy does not k

When does one attack? Sun Tzu, in The Art of War, declares, "Invincibility lies in the defense; the possibility of victory in the attack. One defends when his strength is inadequate; he attacks when it is abundant.