“It is my experience that bold decisions give the best promise of success.

But one must differentiate between strategical or tactical boldness and a military gamble.

A bold operation is one in which success is not a certainty but which in case of failure leaves one with sufficient forces in hand to cope with whatever situation may arise.

A gamble, on the other hand, is an operation which can lead either to victory or to the complete destruction of one’s force.” (Rommel, 1953, p.201).

Field-Marshal Erwin Rommel (the Desert Fox), World War I junior officer and World War II General, considered a brilliant military commander; adored by his troops and feared by his enemies.

Reference

Rommel, E., Liddel Hart, B.H. (ed) & Findlay, P. (trans) (1953) The Rommel Papers. St James’s Palace, London: Collins.