The 36 Strategies is a summary of war strategies.
Some believe that the strategies may have been adapted from I-Ching (易经). Others also believe it could have come from the “Yin Yang Theory” (阴阳学说) which uses the Tai Yin number of 66 (太阴六六之数) to mean “many tricks”.
Why 36?
Six multiplied by six is 36. The word “calculation” (数) conceals another word, namely “strategy” (术). In the application of a strategy, careful calculation is required. Once one is able to calculate the pattern of how situations develop, he will find the required strategy. A strategy cannot be detached from an objective assessment of a situation. It cannot work by subjective imagination.
六六三十六,数中有术,术中有数。
阴阳变理，机在其中。机不可设，设则不中。
Classification of the 36 Strategies
Generally, the Thirty-six Strategies are grouped under 6 categories. Each category contains 6 strategies. The six categories in turn can be used in two types of situations.
The three categories for advantageous situations:
The three categories for disadvantageous situations
- Confusion Strategies” (混战计）
- Deception Strategies” (并战计）
- Desperate Strategies” (败战计）
Strategies are not used in isolation. Rather, it is to be adapted and used in combinations like a water flowing and adapting to the terrain.
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