  Starting from an initial pure quantum state, we present a strategy for
reaching a target state corresponding to the extremum (maximum or minimum) of a
given observable. We show that a sequence of pulses of moderate intensity,
applied at times when the average of the observable reaches its local or global
extremum, constitutes a strategy transferable to different control issues.
Among them, post-pulse molecular alignment and orientation are presented as
examples. The robustness of such strategies with respect to experimentally
relevant parameters is also examined.
