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Having paid attention to the advantages of my stratagems, the commander must create a helpful situation over and beyond the ordinary rules. By 'situation' I mean he should act expediently in accordance with what is advantageous in the field and so meet any exigency. |
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All warfare is based on deception. Therefore, when able to attack, we must pretend to be unable; when employing our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near. |
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Offer a bait to allure the enemy, when he covets small advantages; strike the enemy when he is in disorder. If he is well prepared with substantial strength, take double precautions against him. If he is powerful in action, evade him. If he is angry, seek to discourage him. If he appears humble, make him arrogant. If his forces have taken a good rest, wear them down. If his forces are united, divide them. |
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Launch the attack where he is unprepared; take action when it is unexpected. |
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These are the keys to victory for a strategist. However, it is impossible to formulate them in detail beforehand. |
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Now, the commander who gets many scores during the calculations in the temple before the war will have more likelihood of winning. The commander who gets few scores during the calculations in the temple before the war will have less chance of success. With many scores, one can win; with few scores, one cannot. How much less chance of victory has one who gets no scores at all! By examining the situation through these aspects, I can foresee who is likely to win or lose. |
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Other translators use different words to describe calculations: |
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One says strategic factors, another calls them conditions, and still another translates calculations as meaning strengths and weaknesses. |
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