Sun Zi – The Art of War

Chinese strategy explained : know yourself and the ennemy, use deception, spies, and "win with ease". Tr. Giles (en, annotated) and Amiot (fr).

Introduction
I. Laying Plans
II. Waging War
III. Attack by Stratagem
IV. Tactical Dispositions

V. Energy
VI. Weak Points and Strong
VII. Maneuvering
VIII. Variation in Tactics
IX. The Army On The March

X. Terrain
XI. The Nine Situations
XII. The Attack By Fire
XIII. The Use of Spies

The Army On The March

The contents of this interesting chapter are better indicated in ss. 1 than by this heading.

Sunzi IX. 15.

When the light chariots come out first and take up a position on the wings, it is a sign that the enemy is forming for battle.

Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot.1

When there is much running about2 and the soldiers fall into rank, it means that the critical moment has come.

When some are seen advancing and some retreating, it is a lure.

1. The reading here is uncertain. Li Ch`uan indicates "a treaty confirmed by oaths and hostages." Wang Hsi and Chang Yu, on the other hand, simply say "without reason," "on a frivolous pretext."

2. Every man hastening to his proper place under his own regimental banner.

Giles IX.25-28.

Lorsqu'on vous fera savoir qu'on a vu quantité de chars vides précéder leur armée, préparez-vous à combattre, car les ennemis viennent à vous en ordre de bataille. Gardez-vous bien d'écouter alors les propositions de paix ou d'alliance qu'ils pourraient vous faire, ce ne serait qu'un artifice de leur part. S'ils font des marches forcées, c'est qu'ils croient courir à la victoire. S'ils vont et viennent, s'ils avancent en partie et qu'ils reculent autant, c'est qu'ils veulent vous attirer au combat.

Amiot

Sun Zi IX. 15.