[Five Criteria, Nine Seizings]

The concept of "measuring" is found throughout Sun-tzu and most other military writers, particularly with regard to determining the number of men appropriate to configurations of terrain and upcoming campaigns. For example, "As for military methods: the first is termed measurement; the second, estimation of forces; the third, calculation of numbers of men; the fourth, weighing relative strength; and the fifth, victory. Depending upon the terrain's traversability, the engagement site could theoretically be reached in a single day at double pace, just as at the battle of Ma-ling. This chapter discusses some concrete means for manipulating the enemy — forcing him to hasten about — that are virtually identical to Sun-tzu's own measures. The thrust of the "seizures" is to compel the enemy to precipitously act by seizing what he values, what is essential to him, thereby taking the initiative against the enemy and ensuring that any engagements will be with a weakened, confused, and tired opponent.