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Therefore, if one knows the place and time of the coming battle, his troops can march a thousand li and fight on the field. But if one knows neither the spot nor the time, then one cannot manage to have the left wing help the right wing or the right wing help the left; the forces in the front will be unable to support the rear, and the rear will be unable to reinforce the front. How much more so if the furthest portions of the troop deployments extend tens of li in breadth, and even the nearest troops are separated by several li! |
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Although I estimate the troops of Yue as many, of what benefit is this superiority in terms of victory? |
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Thus, I say that victory can be achieved. For even if the enemy is numerically stronger, we can prevent him from fighting. |
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Therefore, analyze the enemy's battle plan, so as to have a clear understanding of its strong and weak points. Agitate the enemy so as to ascertain his pattern of movement. Lure him in the open so as to find out his vulnerable spots in disposition. Probe him and learn where his strength is abundant and where deficient.* |
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Now, the ultimate in disposing one's troops is to conceal them without ascertainable shape. In this way, the most penetrating spies cannot pry nor can the wise lay plans against you. |
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Another translator advises getting more knowledge about your opponent's plans: |
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*Scheme so as to discover his plans and the likelihood of success. Rouse him, and learn the principle of his activity and inactivity. Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots. Carefully compare the opposing army with our own, so that you may know where strength is superabundant and where it is deficient
Tang Zi-chang |
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