Agitate him and ascertain the pattern of his movement.

According to my assessment, even if you have many more troops than others, how can that help you to victory?

Spies cannot be usefully employed without a certain intuitive sagacity.

Do not press an enemy at bay. Prince Fu Ch'ai said: "Wild beasts, when at bay, fight desperately. How much more is this true of men! If they know there is no alternative, they will fight to the death.

Thus the expert in battle moves the enemy, and is not moved by him.

Therefore a victorious army first wins and then seeks battle; a defeated army first battles and then seeks victory.

Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot.