If we know that our own men are in a condition to attack, but are unaware that the enemy is not open to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory. If we know that the enemy is open to attack, but are unaware that our own men are not in a condition to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory. If we know that the enemy is open to attack, and also know that our men are in a condition to attack, but are unaware that the nature of the ground makes fighting impracticable, we have still gone only halfway towards victory.

The height of strategy, is to attack your opponent's strategy.

In making tactical dispositions, the highest pitch you can attain is to conceal them.

These are six ways of courting defeat, which must be carefully noted by the general who has attained a responsible post.

Probe him and learn where his strength is abundant and where deficient.

One who has few must prepare against the enemy; one who has many makes the enemy prepare against him.

Apparent confusion is a product of good order; apparent cowardice, of courage; apparent weakness, of strength.