Tactical Dispositions · First Make Yourself Invincible
Sun Tzŭ said: The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy. To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
First make yourself impossible to defeat, then wait for the other side to become beatable. Being unbeatable depends on you; being able to win depends on their mistakes.
Tactical Dispositions · Mastery of Defense and Attack
Security against defeat implies defensive tactics; ability to defeat the enemy means taking the offensive. Standing on the defensive indicates insufficient strength; attacking, a superabundance of strength. The general who is skilled in defence hides in the most secret recesses of the earth; he who is skilled in attack flashes forth from the topmost heights of heaven. Thus on the one hand we have ability to protect ourselves; on the other, a victory that is complete.
When you cannot win, defend; when you can, attack. Defend so they cannot find you; attack so they cannot stop you. That way you stay safe and win completely.