Act after having made assessments. The one who first knows the measure of far and near wins - this is the rule of armed struggle.
I will be able to forecast which side will be victorious and which defeated.
There has never been a protracted war from which a country has benefitted.
Weak leadership can wreck the soundest strategy; forceful execution of even a poor plan can often bring victory.
Agitate him and ascertain the pattern of his movement.
The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.