When he pretends to flee, do not pursue.

Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.

One who speaks deferentially but increases his preparations will advance. One who speaks belligerently and advances hastily will retreat.

The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.

Whoever is the first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy will be fresh for the fight... Therefore the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy... By holding out advantages to him, he can cause the enemy to approach of his own accord; or by inflicting damage, he can make it impossible for the enemy to draw near.

If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle

On dispersive ground, therefore, fight not. On facile ground, halt not. On contentious ground, attack not. On open ground, do not try to block the enemy's way. On the ground of intersecting highways, join hands with your allies. On serious ground, gather in plunder. In difficult ground, keep steadily on the march. On hemmed-in ground, resort to stratagem. On desperate ground, fight.