This passage introduces four ways to probe enemy intelligence: analyzing schemes, provoking movements, feigning deployments and small skirmishes. The supreme stratagem is invisible troop formations, hiding all plans and flexibly adapting tactics to endless shifting battlefield conditions.
This section of The Art of War stresses knowing the exact time and battlefield to coordinate troops seamlessly. Without clear plans, army units cannot support each other. Skillful strategy can neutralize large enemy forces and seize victory regardless of their numerical strength.
This article explains Sun Tzu’s temple calculation principle: thorough pre-war planning secures victory. It contrasts Wu Zixu’s well-devised exhaustion strategy against Chu with Cao Jiu’s reckless, unplanned battle defeat, extending the wisdom to modern business and life decisions.
Sun Tzu states hiding your battlefield forces foes to spread defenses thin everywhere. Troops weaken when passively guarding all fronts. Wu Zixu’s rotating border raids on Chu perfectly embody this logic, exhausting Chu’s scattered army and paving Wu’s final victory.
This article explains Sun Tzu’s tactic of feigning humility to inflate enemy arrogance. Modu Chanyu yielded treasures and his wife to lull Donghu, then crushed them. It also parallels Lu Xun’s flattering ploy that tricked arrogant Guan Yu into losing Jingzhou.
This article illustrates Sun Tzu’s rule “evade strong foes” via Chu’s invasion of Sui. Wise Ji Liang advised striking Chu’s weak right flank, yet the vain Sui lord fought their elite left wing head-on, suffering a crushing defeat due to blind pride over rational tactics.
This article analyzes the Battle of Xiangfan through Sun Tzu’s strategies. Sima Yi urged Cao Cao to ally with Wu, luring Sun Quan with territory to attack Guan Yu’s rear. Arrogant Guan Yu ignored hidden threats, lost Jingzhou, embodying the cost of ignoring diplomatic and deceptive warfare principles.