The Art of War by active 6th century B.C. Sunzi

5. In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle,

Chapter 138 57 words
but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory. [Chang Yu says: "Steadily develop indirect tactics, either by pounding the enemy’s flanks or falling on his rear." A brilliant example of "indirect tactics" which decided the fortunes of a campaign was Lord Roberts’ night march round the Peiwar Kotal in the second Afghan war. [1]