In conflict, straightforward actions generally lead to engagement, surprising actions generally lead to victory.

One whose troops repeatedly congregate in small groups here and there, whispering together, has lost the masses. One who frequently grants rewards is in deep distress. One who frequently imposes punishments is in great difficulty. One who is at first excessively brutal and then fears the masses is the pinnacle of stupidity.

These are the six ways of courting defeat - neglect to estimate the enemy's strength; want of authority; defective training; unjustifiable anger; nonobservance of discipline; failure to use picked men.

When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.

He who wishes to fight must first count the cost. When you engage in actual fighting, if victory is long in coming, then men's weapons will grow dull and their ardor will be dampened. If you lay siege to a town, you will exhaust your strength.

Without subtle ingenuity of mind, one cannot make certain of the truth of their reports.

Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.