I will be able to forecast which side will be victorious and which defeated.
One defends when his strength is inadequate, he attacks when it is abundant.
All war is based on deception.
When a general, unable to estimate the enemy's strength, allows an inferior force to engage a larger one, or hurls a weak detachment against a powerful one, and neglects to place picked soldiers in the front rank, the result must be rout.
Secret operations are essential in war; upon them the army relies to make its every move.
A clever general... avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. This is the art of studying moods. Disciplined and calm, he awaits the appearance of disorder and hubbub among the enemy. This is the art of retaining self-possession.