Unless you enter the tiger's lair, you cannot get hold of the tiger's cub's.

If ignorant both of your enemy and yourself, you are certain to be in peril.

Who can determine where one ends and the other begins?

Should one ask: 'how do I cope with a well-ordered enemy host about to attack me?' I reply: seize something he cherishes and he will conform to your desires.

One who sets the entire army in motion to chase an advantage will not attain it.

In war, practice dissimulation and you will succeed.

If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is tempermental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.