Fighting with a large army under your command is nowise different from fighting with a small one: it is merely a question of instituting signs and signals.

The skilful employer of men will employ the wise man, the brave man, the covetous man, and the stupid man.

When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.

Maneuvering with an army is advantageous; with an undisciplined multitude, most dangerous.

Do not engage an enemy more powerful than you. And if it is unavoidable and you do have to engage, then make sure you engage it on your terms, not on your enemy's terms.

Now an army is exposed to six several calamities, not arising from natural causes, 1 but from faults for which the general is responsible. These are: (1) Flight; (2) insubordination; (3) collapse; (4) ruin; (5) disorganisation; (6) rout.

Thus those skilled in war subdue the enemy's army without battle .... They conquer by strategy.