Assessing Capabilities

Generals skilled in using troops in ancient times assessed the capabilities of both sides across various dimensions in order to predict victory and defeat. Which side’s ruler is more sage? Which side’s general is more worthy? Which side’s officials are more competent? Which side’s grain and provisions are more abundant? Which side’s soldiers are better trained? Which side’s military discipline and appearance are more orderly? Which side’s warhorses are finer and more rested? Which side occupies more strategically dangerous terrain? Which side’s staff advisors are wiser? Which side’s neighboring states are more in awe of it? Which side’s wealth and goods are more plentiful? Which side’s common people are more stable? From these comparisons, the shape of strength and weakness, victory and defeat, can be determined. Modern Application:The previous chapter, “Responding to Opportunity,” discussed paralyzing an opponent’s response through the unexpected within a window of time; this chapter deals with how, before action, to systematically judge whether a fight is worth......