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.

And therefore those skilled in war bring the enemy to the field of battle and are not brought there by him.

Bestow rewards without respect to customary practice; publish orders without respect to precedent. Thus you may employ the entire army as you would one man.

Know thy enemy and know thy self and you will win a hundred battles.

Keep their friends close and their enemies closer.

Act after having made assessments. The one who first knows the measure of far and near wins - this is the rule of armed struggle.

Should one ask: 'how do I cope with a well-ordered enemy host about to attack me?' I reply: seize something he cherishes and he will conform to your desires.