Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.

When the leader is morally weak and his discipline not strict, when his instructions and guidance are not enlightened, when there are no consistent rules, neighboring rulers will take advantage of this.

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

If I am able to determine the enemy's dispositions while at the same time I conceal my own, then I can concentrate and he must divide.

Should the enemy forestall you in occupying a pass, do not go after him if the pass is fully garrisoned, but only if it is weakly garrisoned.

It is according to the shapes that I lay the plans for victory, but the multitude does not comprehend this. Although everyone can see the outward aspects, none understands the way in which I have created victory.

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.