The Shovel Newsletter Archives

6th Century BC, the Chinese military leader Sun Tzu authored “The Art of War”. Over the past 2500 years this ancient record has been claimed to have been used by Napoleon, General Douglas MacArthur, the planners of Operation Desert Storm and now by you and me in our respective haunted houses.

The book is divided into 13 chapters each devoted to a different area of waging war successfully. Section one, Laying Plans, describes beautifully the secrets of planning an effective attack.

I. Laying Plans 18. All warfare is based on deception.

19. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

20. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.

22. If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.

23. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them.

24. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.

Why are we using principles of warfare to teach a Secret of Halloween Theatre? Simple, haunted houses aren’t real.

We are trying to make a part of your brain believe that a real threat exists while a higher part of the brain is trying to convince you that it’s pretend. (more on this another time). We are therefore waging Psychological Warfare.

Study what Sun Tzu has shared. Ask your team how this applies to your haunt this year. Fight the good fight and your patrons and customers will thank you for it.

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Sean and Adam Murray