Jiang Wei and Deng Ai Match Formations
Neutral
The poem
Original: 棋逢敌手着相宜 / 黑白盘中未决时 / 皆因一着知胜败 / 须教自有好推宜
The story
At Qishan the Shu general Jiang Wei and the Wei general Deng Ai matched formations, both deploying the eight trigram array. As the lines closed, Jiang Wei waved his flag and the array shifted instantly into the coiling serpent formation, trapping Deng Ai, who was extricated only by a colleague's rescue. At the decisive moment, what counts is intelligence.
What it means
The image is meeting your equal at chess: strategy brings success. Black and white are still on the board and the sides are evenly matched, so the result usually hangs on a single move. Three things follow. Conceal, and do not show your weaknesses or your hand to the other side. Attend, because one small lapse in the sequence is enough to lose the game. And seize the moment: the instant your opponent errs, take it. This is not a lot about luck but about intelligence, and by intelligence you win.
By area of life
Wealth
Gain is achievable and deals favourable. The outcome hangs on one decisive point; grasp it and the return is good. In trade, watch for the opening.
Love
Marriage does not yet fit. Do not display yourself early; observe the other person's background and temper first, then consider pursuit or marriage.
Work
In applying, do not hide your strengths or expose your weaknesses. Do not miss the opening, and repair your own gaps as you go.
Health
There is a subtlety in this illness and treating it needs cleverness. Find the actual knot and address that, and recovery becomes possible.
Travel
A distant venture needs careful calculation. Work through the advantages and the risks, use your judgement about the other parties involved, and only then set out.
Advice
The whole game turns on one move, so do not show your hand and let the other side commit first.