He must be able to mystify his officers and men by false reports and appearances, 628 and thus keep them in total ignorance. 629

By altering his arrangements and changing his plans, 630 he keeps the enemy without definite knowledge. 631 By shifting his camp and taking circuitous routes, he prevents the enemy from anticipating his purpose. 632

At the critical moment, the leader of an army acts like one who has climbed up a height and then kicks away the ladder behind him. 633 He carries his men deep into hostile territory before he shows his hand. 634