Sun Tzu Decoded
Chapter 1 · Initial Assessments · 始計

Passage 1-10

將聽吾計, 用之必勝, 留之; 將不聽吾計, 用之必敗, 去之.

If a ruler heeds my strategies and employs me, victory is certain—I shall stay. If he ignores my counsel and misemploys me, defeat is certain—I shall depart.

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These passages from other chapters connect to the themes in Passage 1-10:

Knowing Terrain Alone Is Not Enough Passage 10-13 夫地形者 兵之助也. 料敵制勝, 計險阨遠近, 上將之道也.... Command Without Numbers Passage 9-19 兵非益多也, 惟無武進, 足以倂力料敵, 取人而已. 夫惟無... Terrain as Ally Passage 10-14 故戰道必勝, 主曰無戰; 必戰可也. 戰道不勝, 主曰必戰,... Always Prepare for the Worst Passage 8-6 是故智者之慮, 必雜於利害, 雜於利而務可信也, 雜於害而患... Win First, Then Fight Passage 4-9 故善戰者, 立於不敗之地, 而不失敵之敗也. 是故勝兵先勝,... The General as Guardian Passage 2-12 故兵貴勝, 不貴久. 故知兵之將, 民之司命, 國家安危之主...

More from Chapter 1: Initial Assessments (始計)

Passage 1-1: Sun Tzu said: War is a matter of vital importance to the state—the province of l... Passage 1-2: Therefore, analyze it through five fundamental factors, compare conditions throu... Passage 1-3: The Way means bringing the people into complete accord with their ruler, so they... Passage 1-4: Heaven encompasses yin and yang, cold and heat, the cycle of seasons and times.... Passage 1-5: Earth comprises distances near and far, terrain treacherous or accessible, expan... Passage 1-6: Command embodies the five virtues of a general: wisdom, credibility, benevolence... Passage 1-7: Doctrine encompasses organizational structure, chain of command, and logistics m... Passage 1-8: All generals have heard of these five factors. Those who master them will prevai... Passage 1-9: Therefore, assess and compare by means of seven calculations to determine the tr... Passage 1-11: Once advantages are assessed and my counsel accepted, create strategic momentum ... Passage 1-12: Warfare is the Way of Deception. Therefore: - When capable, appear incapable - W... Passage 1-13: Entice with advantage, then strike when confusion reigns Where the enemy is soli... Passage 1-14: Strike where unprepared. Appear where unexpected. This is the strategist’s key t... Passage 1-15: Those who win in the temple calculations before battle have computed many advant...