do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat

These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand.

The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand.

For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.

The expert in battle seeks his victory from strategic advantage and does not demand it from his men.

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.