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[Ts'ao Kung says a manoeuver of this sort may be only a ruse to

gain time for an unexpected flank attack or the laying of an

ambush.]

40. If our troops are no more in number than the enemy, that is

amply sufficient; it only means that no direct attack can be

made.

[Literally, "no martial advance." That is to say, cheng tactics

and frontal attacks must be eschewed, and stratagem resorted to

instead.]

What we can do is simply to concentrate all our available

strength, keep a close watch on the enemy, and obtain

reinforcements.