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Sun Tzu observes: “Operations of war shall normally require a thousand swift chariots, a thousand leather-covered wagons for carrying stores and a hundred thousand armored troops, with food supplies transported over a thousand li. Thus, the expenditure at home and along the way, for fees of advisers and visitors, materials for repair and maintenance, chariots and armor, can sum up to a thousand pieces of gold a day. Only then can an army of a hundred thousand soldiers be raised.” (Sun Tzu 2:1-3)

Victory goes to those who Sun Tzu observes: “One who foresees victory before a battle will mostly win. One who predicts not much of a chance of winning before the fight, will scarcely win. More planning shall give more chances of victory while less planning, less chances of victory. So how about those without planning? By this measure, I can clearly foresee victory or defeat”

Sun Tzu goes on: “When he has the advantageous position, prepare against him; when he is strong, avoid him. If he is prone to choleric temper, irritate him. Pretend weakness so that he may become arrogant. If he is at ease, put him under a strain to wear him down. When his forces are united, divide them. Attack where he is unprepared; appear where you are least expected. These are tactics used by a military strategist for victory and cannot be taught in advance.” 

Let us explore further the taboo subject of deception, going by Sun Tzu’s call: “Hold out baits to lure the enemy; feign disorder and strike him.” 

Sun Tzu says: “All warfare is based on deception. Therefore, when capable, pretend to be incapable; when active, inactive; when near, make the enemy believe that you are far away; when far away, that you are near.”