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.

In executing an Artful Strategy: When ten times greater, surround them; When five times greater, attack them; When two times greater, scatter them. If the opponent is ready to challenge: When fewer in number, be ready to evade them; When unequal to the match, be ready to avoid them. Even when the smaller opponents have a strong position, the larger opponent will capture them.

Hence the experienced soldier, once in motion, is never bewildered; once he has broken camp, he is never at a loss.

He must be able to mystify his officers and men by false reports and appearances, and thus keep them in total ignorance.

Victory is reserved for those who are willing to pay its price.

In all history, there is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare. Only one who knows the disastrous effects of a long war can realize the supreme importance of rapidity in bringing it to a close.

If their forces are substantial, prepare for them; if their forces are strong, avoid them.