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

If you are strong, appear weak. But if you are weak, appear strong.

If I determine the enemy's disposition of forces while I have no perceptible form, I can concentrate my forces while the enemy is fragmented. The pinnacle of military deployment approaches the formless: if it is formless, then even the deepest spy cannot discern it nor the wise make plans against it.

Now this foreknowledge cannot be elicited from spirits; it cannot be obtained inductively from experience, nor by any deductive calculation.

When campaigning, be swift as the wind; in leisurely march, majestic as the forest; in raiding and plundering, like fire; in standing, firm as the mountains. As unfathomable as the clouds, move like a thunderbolt.

The good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.

Pretend to be weak, so your enemy may grow arrogant.