The location we take to initiate a challenge must not be made known.
When opponents do not know our location,
They must prepare in many places.
When opponents must prepare in many places,
There will be few at the location where we initiate a challenge
Hence, when the front is prepared, there are fewer in back.
When the back is prepared, there are fewer in front.
When the left is prepared, there are fewer on the right.
When the right is prepared there are fewer on the left.
When every location is prepared, every location will have fewer in place.
Those who are fewer are those who prepare against others.
Those who are numerous are those who make others prepare against them.
Therefore, when the time and a place of a challange is known,
One can meet the challange from a thousand miles away.
But when the time and place of a challenge is not known,
The left cannot rescue the right,
The right cannot rescue the left,
The front cannot rescue the back,
The back cannot rescue the front,
This is more so for those at a distance of several hundred miles,
And even so for those who are as near as a few miles!
If, through measuring the Startegy of others,
We find their numbers to exceed our own,
Does this advantage indicate triumph or defeat?
It is said:"Triumph can be Managed".
Even when opponents are numerous the can be subdued.
Through maneuvering, learn thier calculations for gains and losses.
Through action, learn thier polocies for movement or silence.
Through positioning, learn thier areas of desperation and security.
Through contact, learn where they possess surplus of inadequacies.
