Sun Tzu puts forward seven criteria to compare rival sides, including virtuous rulers, capable generals and disciplined troops, to judge victory or defeat. He also notes leaving or staying based on whether a general adopts his strategies.
After adopting favorable war plans, commanders should build favorable momentum. Sun Tzu defines momentum as flexibly adjusting tactics and making timely decisions based on existing advantages to support military operations.
Sun Tzu emphasizes pre-war deliberation in ancestral temples. Ample thorough plans secure victory, while inadequate ones lead to defeat. Without any planning at all, defeat is inevitable, so we can easily predict the final outcome.
7.11 The Master said to Yan Hui, “When employed, we act; when set aside, we withdraw. Only you and I can do this!”