3. 故善戰者能爲不可勝不能使敵必可勝
4. 故曰勝可知而不可爲
5. 不可勝者守也可勝者攻也
6. 守則不足攻則有餘
7. 善守者藏於九地之下善攻者動於九天之上故能自保而全勝也

3. Thus the good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.

4. Hence the saying: One may know how to conquer without being able to do it.

5. Security against defeat implies defensive tactics; ability to defeat the enemy means taking the offensive.

6. Standing on the defensive indicates insufficient strength; attacking, a superabundance of strength.

7. The general who is skilled in defense hides in the most secret recesses of the earth;