Passage 1-9
故校之以七計, 而塞其情. 曰: 主孰有道, 將孰有能, 天地孰得, 法令孰行, 兵衆孰强, 士卒孰鍊, 賞罰孰明, 吾以此知勝負矣.
Therefore, assess and compare by means of seven calculations to determine the true conditions: - Which ruler possesses the Way? - Which commander has greater ability? - Which side holds the advantages of Heaven and Earth? - Which enforces laws and orders more effectively? - Which army is stronger? - Which troops are better trained? - Which administers rewards and punishments more fairly? By these calculations, I can foresee victory or defeat.
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These passages from other chapters connect to the themes in Passage 1-9:
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,...
The Five Elements of War
Passage 4-10
善用兵者, 修道而保法, 故能爲勝敗之政.
Making Victory Inevitable
Passage 4-4
善守者, 藏於九地之下; 善攻者, 動於九天之上, 故能自保...
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....
Five Conditions of Victory
Passage 3-12
故知勝有五: 知可以戰與不可以戰者勝. 識衆寡之用者勝. 上...
Business of the General
Passage 11-22
是故, 方馬埋輪, 未足恃也, 齊勇若一, 政之道也; 剛柔...