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Now, war is based on deception. Move when it is advantageous and change tactics by dispersal and concentration of your troops.* When campaigning, be swift as the wind; in leisurely march, be majestic as the forest; in raiding and plundering, be fierce as fire; in standing, be firm as the mountains. When hiding, be as unfathomable as things behind the clouds; when moving, fall like a thunderclap. When you plunder the countryside, divide your forces. When you conquer territory, defend strategic points. |
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Weigh the situation before you move. He who knows the artifice of deviation will be victorious. Such is the art of maneuvering. |
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Other translators clarify the meaning of deception: |
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*In warfare, practice dissimulation, and you will succeed. Move only if there is a real advantage to be gained. Whether to concentrate or divide your troops, must be decided by circumstances.
Lionel Giles |
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*When waging war, you must employ cunning tactics and multiple transformations in order to succeed. You must judge whether or not something is advantageous before you act. You must decide whether to concentrate your troops or divide them according to circumstances.
Brian Bruya |
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*Forces achieve missions with unexpectation, take advantage to fit advantages, and create diversity through scattering and regrouping.
J. H. Huang |
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