When he utilizes combined energy, his fighting men become as it were like unto rolling logs or stones. For it is the nature of a log or stone to remain motionless on level ground, and to move when on a slope; if four-cornered, to come to a standstill, but if round-shaped to go rolling down.

The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him.

Carefully compare the opposing army with your own, so that you may know where strength is superabundant and where it is deficient.

Hence the saying: If you know the enemy and you know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you now Heaven and you know Earth, you may make your victory complete.

Hence the saying: One may know how to conquer without being able to do it.

It is the rule in war, if our forces are ten to the enemy's one, to surround him; if five to one, to attack him; if twice as numerous, to divide our army into two.

The control of large numbers is possible, and like unto that of small numbers, if we subdivide them.