To capture the enemy's entire army is better than to destroy it; to take intact a regiment, a company, or a squad is better than to destroy them. For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the supreme of excellence. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence.

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

According to my assessment, even if you have many more troops than others, how can that help you to victory?

By altering his arrangements and changing his plans, the skillful general keeps the enemy without definite knowledge. By shifting his camp and taking circuitous routes, he prevents the enemy from anticipating his purpose. At the critical moment, the leader of an army acts like one who has climbed up a height and then kicks away the ladder behind him.

When the soldiers stand leaning on their spears, they are faint from want of food.

In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.

The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him.