<P> "The best defense is a good offense" is an adage that has been applied to many fields of endeavor, including games and military combat . It is also known as the strategic offensive principle of war . Generally, the idea is that proactivity (a strong offensive action) instead of a passive attitude will preoccupy the opposition and ultimately hinder its ability to mount an opposing counterattack, leading to a strategic advantage . </P> <P> George Washington wrote in 1799: "...make them believe, that offensive operations, often times, is the surest, if not the only (in some cases) means of defence". </P>

Who said a good defense is the best offense