It is the rule in war, if ten times the enemy's strength, surround them; if five times, attack them; if double, be able to divide them; if equal, engage them; if fewer, defend against them; if weaker, be able to avoid them.

Therefore I say: know the enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles you will never be in peril. When you are ignorant of the enemy but know yourself, your chances of winning or losing are equal. If ignorant both of your enemy and of yourself, you are certain in every battle to be in peril.

The expert in battle seeks his victory from strategic advantage and does not demand it from his men.

Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.

Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared.

Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.

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