Should the army forestall you in occupying a pass, do not go after him if the pass is fully garrisoned, but only if it is weakly garrisoned.

With regard to precipitous heights , if you are beforehand with your adversary, you should occupy the raised and sunny spots, and there wait for him to come up. 531

If the enemy has occupied them before you, do not follow him, but retreat and try to entice him away. 532

If you are situated at a great distance from the enemy, and the strength of the two armies is equal, 533 it is not easy to provoke a battle, 534 and fighting will be to your disadvantage.