You ever notice how a well‑timed retreat can be as decisive as an attack? I’ve been compiling a list of paradoxical maneuvers that win wars—care to examine one?

1. **Feign Weakness** – let the enemy think you’re collapsing, then pivot to an unexpected counter. 2. **Drop the Load** – shed non‑essential units, keeping only the core fighters to keep the line tight. 3. **Secure the Flanks** – hold a quick screen on the sides so you can regroup without being cut off. 4. **Leave a Signal** – a pre‑planned cue (like a lantern or a specific formation) that your troops recognize as “retreat in order, regroup at point X.” 5. **Conserve Resources** – stop resupplying until you’ve repositioned; that forces the enemy to overcommit. 6. **Use Terrain** – retreat into a place that naturally limits the enemy’s advance (river, cliffs, narrow pass). 7. **Burn the Bridge** – if feasible, destroy a crossing so the enemy can’t immediately chase. Each move must be rehearsed; otherwise, a retreat becomes a rout. Now give me your evaluation.