All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

On dispersive ground, therefore, fight not. On facile ground, halt not. On contentious ground, attack not. On open ground, do not try to block the enemy's way. On the ground of intersecting highways, join hands with your allies. On serious ground, gather in plunder. In difficult ground, keep steadily on the march. On hemmed-in ground, resort to stratagem. On desperate ground, fight.

One who has few must prepare against the enemy; one who has many makes the enemy prepare against him.

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

All war is deception.

A kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.

With regard to precipitous heights, if you are beforehand with your adversary, you should occupy the raised and sunny spots, and there wait for him to come up.