Dhai-phat (Dhaī Phaṭ, meaning 'two and a half injuries') is a battle tactic historically employed by the Sikhs. It is a particular type of "hit-and-run" tactic on horseback that was observed by contemporary writers (both native and foreign): first the Sikhs advance and then retreat, then rally and return to the fight again. The first strikes inflicts maximum damage on the foe while the second is to minimize damage suffered by the attacker. The 18th century Sikhs considered fleeing and fighting the best way to fight a battle, with them having a disparaging view of pitched battles. Rattan Singh Bhangu, who describes the tactic in his Prachin Panth Prakash, stated the following:
Hit the enemy hard enough to kill, run, turn back and hit him again; run again, hit and run until you exasperate the enemy, and then, melt away.
— Rattan Singh Bhangu, Sicques, Tigers or Thieves (2004), pp. 159–160
Apart from warfare, the term is also used in the Shastar Vidya martial-art.
Their guerrilla tactics were known as dhai phat or two and a half strikes: first to engage the opponent and inflict maximum damage and second to disengage with minimum loss if the enemy gets the upper hand. Both are regarded as whole strikes in battle; to kill and be killed in considered only half a strike.
Martial art concept of 'two and half techniques' in combat. In Sanatan Hindu Sikh Shastar Vidiya, it translates into both opponents having one 'Chatka' (killing blow) each, and the 'half' technique of setting up 'Chatka'. The half technique belongs to whichever of the two contestants utilises it first. 'Dhai Phat' is also used to designate 18th century Sikh method of 'hit and run' guerrilla warfare.