Variation in Tactics

Sun Tzu said: In the art of war, the general accepts the sovereign's commands, gathers the people into armies, and avoids encampment in perilous terrain; in crossroads, he forges alliances with neighboring rulers; in difficult terrain, he does not linger; in enclosed terrain, he contrives stratagems; and in dead-end situations, he fights with utmost desperation. There are paths that must not be taken, enemies that must not be engaged, towns that must not be besieged, and territories that must not be contested. Even the sovereign's orders may sometimes be disregarded. A general who understands the benefits of flexibility and adaptability knows the essence of war; one who does not comprehend these remains oblivious to the advantages of terrain, regardless of how well he knows it. In commanding troops without understanding the tactics of adaptability, even with knowledge of the "five advantages" such as avoiding treacherous paths, he cannot fully harness the soldiers' combat capabilities.

Hence, a wise general considers both advantages and disadvantages in his deliberations. By recognizing opportunities even in adversity, he ensures smooth progress; by anticipating disadvantages in favorable conditions, he averts calamities early.

This involves intimidating other states with threats of calamity, employing grandiose pretexts to enslave them, and using minor inducements to exhaust them in constant pursuit.

The principles of war are: do not rely on the enemy's not coming, but on being yourself ready; do not depend on the enemy's not attacking, but on having made your position unassailable.

Five dangerous personal flaws in a general are perilous: boldness without cunning, leading to entrapment and death; cowardice and suspicion, resulting in capture; impulsiveness and anger, inviting humiliation; pride in honor, making one vulnerable to defamation; and excessive mercy, which can be exploited through harassment. All these are defects in a general's character and great hindrances in warfare. Total defeat and the death of the general invariably stem from these five dangers. Therefore, one cannot overlook this wisdom.

In summary, Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of adaptability, foresight, and awareness of one's own and the enemy's strengths and weaknesses. A general must navigate the complexities of war with a balanced perspective, recognizing both opportunities and threats, and adjusting strategies accordingly to ensure victory.