With regard to ground of this nature, be before the enemy in occupying the raised and sunny spots, and carefully guard your line of supplies. Then you will be able to fight with advantage.

Act after having made assessments. The one who first knows the measure of far and near wins - this is the rule of armed struggle.

Rapidity is the essence of war.

Fighting with a large army under your command is nowise different from fighting with a small one: it is merely a question of instituting signs and signals.

If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight.

So a military force has no constant formation, water has no constant shape: the ability to gain victory by changing and adapting according to the opponent is called genius.

Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.