The peak efficiency of knowledge and strategy is to make conflict unnecessary.

Amid the turmoil and tumult of battle, there may be seeming disorder and yet no real disorder at all.

O divine art of subtlety and secrecy! Through you we learn to be invisible, through you inaudible and hence we can hold the enemy's fate in our hands.

The skillful tactician may be likened to the shuai-jan. Now the shuai-jan is a snake that is found in the Ch'ang mountains. Strike at its head, and you will be attacked by its tail; strike at its tail, and you will be attacked by its head; strike at its middle, and you will be attacked by head and tail both.

Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.

So the principles of warfare are: Do not depend on the enemy not coming, but depend on our readiness against him. Do not depend on the enemy not attacking, but depend on our position that cannot be attacked.

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