故经之以五事，校之以计，而索其情：一曰道，二曰天，三曰地，四曰将，五曰法。
The first of these factors is politics; the second, weather; the third, terrain; the fourth, the commander; and the fifth, doctrine.
Politics means the thing which causes the people to be in harmony with their ruler so that they will follow him in disregard of their lives and without fear of any danger.
道者，令民与上同意也，故可以与之死，可以与之生，而不畏危。
Weather signifies night and day, cold and heat, fine days and rain, and change of seasons.
Terrain means distances, and refers to whether the ground is traversed with ease or difficulty and to whether it is open or constricted, and influences your chances of life or death.
The commander stands for the general's qualities of wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage, and strictness.
天者，阴阳、寒暑、时制也。
Weather signifies night and day, cold and heat, fine days and rain, and change of seasons.
Terrain means distances, and refers to whether the ground is traversed with ease or difficulty and to whether it is open or constricted, and influences your chances of life or death.
The commander stands for the general's qualities of wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage, and strictness.
地者，远近、险易、广狭、死生也。
Doctrine is to be understood as the organisation of the army, the gradations of rank among the officers, the regulation of supply routes, and the provision of military materials to the army.
These five fundamental factors are familiar to every general.
Those who master them win; those who do not are defeated.
将者，智、信、仁、勇、严也。
Doctrine is to be understood as the organisation of the army, the gradations of rank among the officers, the regulation of supply routes, and the provision of military materials to the army.
These five fundamental factors are familiar to every general.
Those who master them win; those who do not are defeated.
法者，曲制、管道、主用也。
Therefore, in laying plans, compare the following seven elements, appraising them with the utmost care.
凡此五者，将莫不闻，知之者胜，不知者不胜。
1Which ruler is wise and more able? 2Which commander is more talented? 3Which army obtains the advantages of nature and the terrain? 4 In which army are regulations and instructions better carried out? 5Which troops are stronger? 6 Which army has the better-trained officers and men?
故校之以计。
1Which ruler is wise and more able? 2Which commander is more talented? 3Which army obtains the advantages of nature and the terrain? 4 In which army are regulations and instructions better carried out? 5Which troops are stronger? 6 Which army has the better-trained officers and men?
而索其情。
1Which ruler is wise and more able? 2Which commander is more talented? 3Which army obtains the advantages of nature and the terrain? 4 In which army are regulations and instructions better carried out? 5Which troops are stronger? 6 Which army has the better-trained officers and men?
曰：主孰有道？
7 Which army administers rewards and punishments in a more enlightened and correct way?
By means of these seven elements, I shall be able to forecast which side will be victorious and which will be defeated.
The general who heeds my counsel is sure to win.
Such a general should be retained in command.
将孰有能？
7 Which army administers rewards and punishments in a more enlightened and correct way?
By means of these seven elements, I shall be able to forecast which side will be victorious and which will be defeated.
The general who heeds my counsel is sure to win.
Such a general should be retained in command.
天地孰得？
7 Which army administers rewards and punishments in a more enlightened and correct way?
By means of these seven elements, I shall be able to forecast which side will be victorious and which will be defeated.
The general who heeds my counsel is sure to win.
Such a general should be retained in command.
法令孰行？
7 Which army administers rewards and punishments in a more enlightened and correct way?
By means of these seven elements, I shall be able to forecast which side will be victorious and which will be defeated.
The general who heeds my counsel is sure to win.
Such a general should be retained in command.
兵众孰强？
7 Which army administers rewards and punishments in a more enlightened and correct way?
By means of these seven elements, I shall be able to forecast which side will be victorious and which will be defeated.
The general who heeds my counsel is sure to win.
Such a general should be retained in command.
士卒孰练？
7 Which army administers rewards and punishments in a more enlightened and correct way?
By means of these seven elements, I shall be able to forecast which side will be victorious and which will be defeated.
The general who heeds my counsel is sure to win.
Such a general should be retained in command.
赏罚孰明？
7 Which army administers rewards and punishments in a more enlightened and correct way?
By means of these seven elements, I shall be able to forecast which side will be victorious and which will be defeated.
The general who heeds my counsel is sure to win.
Such a general should be retained in command.
吾以此知胜负矣。
7 Which army administers rewards and punishments in a more enlightened and correct way?
By means of these seven elements, I shall be able to forecast which side will be victorious and which will be defeated.
The general who heeds my counsel is sure to win.
Such a general should be retained in command.
将听吾计，用之必胜，留之；将不听吾计，用之必败，去之。
One who ignores my counsel is certain to be defeated.
Such a one should be dismissed.
Having paid attention to my counsel and plans, the general must create a situation which will contribute to their accomplishment.
计利以听，乃为之势，以佐其外。
By 'situation' I mean he should take the field situation into consideration and act in accordance with what is advantageous.
All warfare is based on deception.
势者，因利而制权也。
Therefore, when capable of attacking, feign incapacity; when active in moving troops, feign inactivity.
兵者，诡道也。
Therefore, when capable of attacking, feign incapacity; when active in moving troops, feign inactivity.
故能而示之不能，用而示之不用，近而示之远，远而示之近。
When near the enemy, make it seem that you are far away; when far away, make it seem that you are near.
Hold out baits to lure the enemy.
Strike the enemy when he is in disorder.
Prepare against the enemy when he is secure at all points.
利而诱之，乱而取之，实而备之，强而避之，怒而挠之，卑而骄之，佚而劳之，亲而离之。
Avoid the enemy for the time being when he is stronger.
If your opponent is of choleric temper, try to irritate him.
If he is arrogant, try to encourage his egotism.
If the enemy troops are well prepared after reorganisation, try to wear them down.
攻其无备，出其不意。
If they are united, try to sow dissension among them.
Attack the enemy where he is unprepared, and appear where you are not expected.