These are six ways of courting defeat, 547 which must be carefully noted by the general who has attained a responsible post. 548

The natural formation of the country is the soldier’s best ally; 549 but a power of estimating the adversary, 550 of controlling the forces of victory, 551 and of shrewdly calculating difficulties, dangers and distances, 552 constitutes the test of a great general. 553

He who knows these things, and in fighting puts his knowledge into practice, will win his battles. He who knows them not, nor practices them, will surely be defeated.