Chapter 1 of Sun Tzu's Art of War is about pre-battle calculation — assessing odds before acting.
Five factors: Way (shared purpose), Heaven (timing), Earth (terrain), General (leadership), Law (organization). Seven questions: Which ruler has the Way? Which general is more able? Which side has advantage of terrain? Which army is stronger? Which troops are better trained? Which side rewards and punishments are clearer?
"War is the way of deception." Able but appear unable; wanting to attack but appear inactive. Not conspiracy — the art of hiding true intent to mislead opponents.
"He who wins beforehand calculates much; he who loses calculates little." Thorough pre-calculation wins. This is not just military — it's the principle of preparation before any endeavor.