11.54

Chapter: The Nine Situations

11.54

Translation:

When a warlike prince attacks a powerful state, his generalship shows itself in preventing the concentration of the enemy’s forces. He overawes his opponents, and their allies are prevented from joining against him.

Commentary

It is a dangerous thing to attack a country which has many powerful allies. If they can act in coordination, you may quickly become outnumbered. Hence it is important not only to understand the depth of oppo