If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. 189

If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. 190 If his forces are united, separate them. 191

Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.

These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand. 192

Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. 193 The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.