If this is long delayed, weapons are blunted and morale depressed.

Fierce language and pretentious advances are signs that the enemy is about to retreat.

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

Amid the turmoil and tumult of battle, there may be seeming disorder and yet no real disorder at all.

When the general is weak and without authority; when his orders are not clear and distinct; when there are no fixed duties assigned to officers and men, and the ranks are formed in a slovenly haphazard manner, the result is utter disorganization.

So a military force has no constant formation, water has no constant shape: the ability to gain victory by changing and adapting according to the opponent is called genius.

If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is tempermental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.