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.

Those skilled at making the enemy move do so by creating a situation to which he must conform; they entice him with something he is certain to take, and with lures of ostensible profit they await him in strength.

Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger.

When he pretends to flee, do not pursue.

Bestow rewards without regard to rule, issue orders without regard to previous arrangements; and you will be able to handle a whole army as though you had to do with but a single man.

The natural formation of the country is the soldier's best ally; but a power of estimating the adversary, of controlling the forces of victory, and of shrewdly calculating difficulties, dangers and distances, constitutes the test of a great general.

Therefore a victorious army first wins and then seeks battle; a defeated army first battles and then seeks victory.