The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

The one who figures on victory at headquarters before even doing battle is the one who has the most strategic factors on his side.

Wait by the river long enough and the body of your enemy will float by you.

The value of time, that is of being a little ahead of your opponent, often provides greater advantage than superior numbers or greater resources.

Bring war material with you from home, but forage on the enemy... use the conquered foe to augment one's own strength.

You can ensure the success of your attacks if you only attack places that are undefended. You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked. Therefore, that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.

In warfare, first lay plans which will ensure victory, and then lead your army to battle; if you will not begin with stratagem but rely on brute strength alone, victory will no longer be assured.