故校之以計(jì)，而索其情，曰：主孰有道？
Therefore, in your deliberations, when seeking to determine the military conditions, let them be made the basis of a comparison, in this wise:--
將孰有能？天地孰得？法令孰行？兵眾孰強(qiáng)？士卒孰練？賞罰孰明？吾以此知?jiǎng)儇?fù)矣。
(1) Which of the two sovereigns is imbued with the Moral law? (2) Which of the two generals has most ability? (3) With whom lie the advantages derived from Heaven and Earth? (4) On which side is discipline most rigorously enforced? (5) Which army is stronger? (6) On which side are officers and men more highly trained? (7) In which army is there the greater constancy both in reward and punishment?
By means of these seven considerations I can forecast victory or defeat.
將聽吾計(jì)，用之必勝，留之；將不聽吾計(jì)，用之必?cái)。ブ?BR> The general that hearkens to my counsel and acts upon it, will conquer: let such a one be retained in command! The general that hearkens not to my counsel nor acts upon it, will suffer defeat:--let such a one be dismissed!
計(jì)利以聽，乃為之勢(shì)，以佐其外。
While heading the profit of my counsel, avail yourself also of any helpful circumstances over and beyond the ordinary rules.
勢(shì)者，因利而制權(quán)也。
According as circumstances are favorable, one should modify one's plans.
兵者，詭道也。
All warfare is based on deception.
故能而示之不能，用而示之不用，近而示之遠(yuǎn)，遠(yuǎn)而示之近。
Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.
利而誘之，亂而取之，
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
實(shí)而備之，強(qiáng)而避之，
If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him.
怒而撓之，卑而驕之，
If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.
佚而勞之，親而離之，
If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them.
攻其無(wú)備，出其不意。
Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.
此兵家之勝，不可先傳也。
These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand.
夫未戰(zhàn)而廟算勝者，得算多也；未戰(zhàn)而廟算不勝者，得算少也。多算勝少算，而況于無(wú)算乎！吾以此觀之，勝負(fù)見(jiàn)矣。
Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple where the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.