Agitate him and ascertain the pattern of his movement.

This does not mean that the enemy is to be allowed to escape. The object is to make him believe that there is a road to safety, and thus prevent his fighting with the courage of despair. After that, you may crush him.

Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack.

Secret operations are essential in war; upon them the army relies to make its every move.

When you do battle, even if you are winning, if you continue for a long time it will dull your forces and blunt you edge...If you keep your armies out in the field for a long time, your supplies will be insufficient. Transportation of provisions itself consumes 20 times the amount transported.

Know the enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles you will never peril.

Attack where he is unprepared; sally forth when he does not expect you.