ABSTRACT
Whenever racing after a fleeing enemy or pursuing a retreating one, you must distinguish real and feigned withdrawals. If their flags are well ordered and their drums responsive, while their commands and orders are unified, even though they appear to be retreating in chaos and confusion, it is not a true defeat but certainly an unorthodox tactic. You should ponder it for some time before taking any action. However, if their flags are confused and disordered and the response of their large and small drums discordant, while their commands and orders are shouted and clamorous and not at all unified, this truly is a defeated, terrified army that should be vigorously pursued. A tactical principle from the Ssu-ma Fa states: "Whenever pursuing an enemy do not be dilatory. However, if the enemy should stop along the road then contemplate it well."
