So it is that good warriors take their stance on ground where they cannot lose, and do not overlook conditions that make an opponent prone to defeat.

He who knows things, and in fighting puts his knowledge into practice, will win his battles. He who knows them not, nor practices them, will surely be defeated.

Great results, can be achieved with small forces.

When I have won a victory I do not repeat my tactics but respond to circumstances in an infinite variety of ways.

Pretend to be weak, so your enemy may grow arrogant.

Confront them with annihilation, and they will then survive; plunge them into a deadly situation, and they will then live. When people fall into danger, they are then able to strive for victory.

Set the troops to their tasks without imparting your designs.