When strong, avoid them. If of high morale, depress them. Seem humble to fill them with conceit. If at ease, exhaust them. If united, separate them. Attack their weaknesses. Emerge to their surprise.

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.

Generally, management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization. And to control many is the same as to control few. This is a matter of formations and signals.

As water shapes its flow in accordance with the ground, so an army manages its victory in accordance with the situation of the enemy.

Invincibility depends on one's self; the enemy's vulnerability on him.

Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night.

Quickness is the essence of the war.