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.

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

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

First learn to become invincible, then wait for your enemy's moment of vulnerability.

Use humility to make the enemy haughty. Tire them by flight. Cause division among them. When they are unprepared, attack and make your move when they do not expect it.

The end and aim of spying in all its five varieties is knowledge of the enemy; and this knowledge can only be derived, in the first instance, from the converted spy. Hence it is essential that the converted spy be treated with the utmost liberality.

To persuade your enemy to (retreat) before the fight is to defeat them even before the battle begins. An enemy made ally is no longer an enemy.