Sun Tzu Decoded
Chapter 1 · Initial Assessments · 始計

Passage 1-13

利而誘之, 亂而取之, 實而備之, 强而避之, 怒而橈之, 卑而驕之, 佚而勞之, 親而離之.

Entice with advantage, then strike when confusion reigns Where the enemy is solid, prepare thoroughly Where the enemy is strong, avoid engagement When the enemy is easily angered, provoke him When the enemy is humble, make him arrogant When the enemy is rested, exhaust him When the enemy is united, divide him

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These passages from other chapters connect to the themes in Passage 1-13:

Formlessness Passage 6-9 故形人而我無形, 則我專而敵分. 我專爲一, 敵分爲十, 是... Baiting the Enemy Passage 5-8 故善動適者, 形之, 適必從之; 予之, 適必取之; 以利動... Sealing Enemy's Plans Passage 11-36 先其所愛, 微與之期, 賤墨隨敵, 以決戰事. 是故始如處女... Deception in Movement Passage 7-8 故兵以詐立, 以利動, 以分合爲變者也. Subjugate Without Fighting Passage 8-7 是故屈諸侯者以害, 役諸侯者以業, 趨諸侯者以利. Humble Words, Hidden Intent Passage 9-13 辭卑而益備者, 進也. 辭詭而强進驅者, 退也. 輕車先出其...

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 1-10: If a ruler heeds my strategies and employs me, victory is certain—I shall stay. ... 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 1-14: 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...