The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands

If the enemy has occupied them before you, do not follow him, but retreat and try to entice him away.

Against those skilled in attack, an enemy does not know where to defend; against the experts in defense, the enemy does not know where to attack.

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.

Opportunities increase as they are taken.

He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.

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.