Strategy Moves: 14 complete attack and defense strategies for competitive advantage

Chapter 5. When to follow each strategic movement

	“The defensive form of war is in itself stronger than the offence.”
	--Carl von Clausewitz

Introduction

In business and in life, we must know when to attack and when not to. When to stand still, and when to withdraw.

The strategist must follow three main principles. First, defense is easier than attack. So, when in doubt do not attack. Defense must receive the benefit of the doubt; attack the burden of proof. The reasons are discussed in Section 5.2.

If we opt for defense, we must still decide which strategy to adopt. Section 5.3 shows how to choose.

If we decide to attack, we have to choose the type of attack. Section 5.4 shows when each choice should be made.

Choosing between attack and defense

It ...