Tactical Dispositions

Xing: Disposition of Military Strength

Sunzi said: In ancient times, those skilled in warfare first made themselves invincible, thereby awaiting the moment when the enemy could be vanquished. Invincibility depends on oneself; the opportunity to vanquish the enemy depends on the enemy. Thus, one skilled in warfare can make himself invincible but cannot compel the enemy to be vulnerable. Hence it is said: Victory can be known, but it cannot be forced.

Invincibility is a matter of defense; the ability to vanquish the enemy is a matter of offense. Defense is undertaken when strength is insufficient; offense is undertaken when strength is abundant. One skilled in defense conceals himself as if hidden in the deepest earth; one skilled in offense strikes as if from the highest heaven. Thus he can preserve himself and achieve complete victory.

To foresee victory when it is within the common man’s understanding is not the highest skill; to win a battle and have the whole world acclaim it is not the highest skill. Thus, lifting an autumn hair does not require great strength; seeing the sun and moon does not require sharp eyesight; hearing thunder does not require keen ears.

The so-called skilled warriors of old conquered enemies that were easy to conquer. Therefore, the victories of skilled warriors are not marked by wisdom or courage. Their victories are without error. The lack of error arises from actions that are certain to succeed, conquering enemies already doomed to defeat. Thus, the skilled warrior first places himself in an invincible position and then misses no opportunity to defeat the enemy. Consequently, a victorious army first creates conditions for victory and then seeks battle; a defeated army first engages in battle and then seeks victory by luck. One skilled in warfare cultivates the Way and upholds the law, thereby controlling the outcome of victory and defeat.

The principles of military strategy are: first, measurement of terrain; second, estimation of resources; third, calculation of troop numbers; fourth, comparison of strength; fifth, achievement of victory. Terrain gives rise to measurement; measurement gives rise to resources; resources give rise to numbers; numbers give rise to comparisons of strength; comparisons of strength give rise to victory. Thus, a victorious army is like a yi weighing a zhu, possessing overwhelming advantage; a defeated army is like a zhu weighing a yi, at an utter disadvantage. The commander of a victorious army directs his troops as if releasing pent-up water from a thousand-ren gorge—irresistible. This is the manifestation of xing (military disposition).