The statistical results presented are derived from the National Crime Survey (NCS) data from 1973-1979. The subsample of NCS robberies used includes 1,470 robbery reports in which there was at least one adult male perpetrator and a weapon. A schematic is presented to delineate whether and under what circumstances it is prudent for the victim to offer resistance; the probability of no attack is about twice as high when the victim does not resist. One interpretation of the data is that forceful resistance provokes a violent response, where as nonforceful resistance discourages violence. Another interpretation is that forceful resistance usually occurs only when the victim is physically attacked. Several studies are referenced such as Feeney & Weir, Block & Skogan, and Zimring & Zuehl. The author concludes that available data does not reveal whether victims who chose to resist forcefully are exhibiting poor judgment. 2 tables, 1 figure.