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Strength against WeaknessAlways |
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Consequently, the art of using troops is this:
When ten to the enemy's one, surround him.
When five times his strength, attack him.
If double his strength, engage him.
If equally matched, be capable of dividing him.
If less in number, be capable of defending yourself.
And if in all respects unfavorable, be capable of eluding him. |
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*Hence, a weak force will eventually fall captive to a strong one if it simply holds ground and conducts a desperate defense. |
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Other translators' versions of the last sentence help explain the consequences of fighting a larger foe: |
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*If in all respects unequal, be capable of eluding him, for a small force is but booty for one more powerful.
Samuel B. Griffith |
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*Thus a small enemy that acts inflexibly will become captives of a large enemy.
Ralph D. Sawyer |
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*For if inferior numbers make a determined stand, they will be captured by the greater.
A. L. Sadler |
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*Though an obstinate fight might be made by a smaller force, in the end it must be captured by the larger force.
James Clavell |
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