One who sets the entire army in motion to chase an advantage will not attain it.

If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in.

Do not engage an enemy more powerful than you. And if it is unavoidable and you do have to engage, then make sure you engage it on your terms, not on your enemy's terms.

One whose troops repeatedly congregate in small groups here and there, whispering together, has lost the masses. One who frequently grants rewards is in deep distress. One who frequently imposes punishments is in great difficulty. One who is at first excessively brutal and then fears the masses is the pinnacle of stupidity.

If the enemy has occupied them before you, do not follow him, but retreat and try to entice him away.

A battle avoided cannot be lost.

Therefore the good fighter will be terrible in his onset, and prompt in his decision.