Sun Tzu Decoded
Chapter 1 · Initial Assessments · 始計

Passage 1-14

攻其無備, 出其不意, 此兵家之勝, 不可先傳也.

Strike where unprepared. Appear where unexpected. This is the strategist’s key to victory—it cannot be predetermined.

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These passages from other chapters connect to the themes in Passage 1-14:

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... Water as the Model Passage 6-17 故形兵之極, 至於無形; 無形, 則深間不能窺, 智者不能謀... 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... Appear Where Unexpected Passage 6-5 微乎微乎, 至於無形; 神乎神乎! 至於無聲, 故能爲敵之司... 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... Five Types of Spies Passage 13-4 故用間有五: 有鄕間, 有內間, 有反間, 有死間, 有生間...

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 1-13: Entice with advantage, then strike when confusion reigns Where the enemy is soli... Passage 1-15: Those who win in the temple calculations before battle have computed many advant...