Whoever is the first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy will be fresh for the fight... Therefore the clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy... By holding out advantages to him, he can cause the enemy to approach of his own accord; or by inflicting damage, he can make it impossible for the enemy to draw near.

Thus the expert in battle moves the enemy, and is not moved by him.

From a position of this sort, if the enemy is unprepared, you may sally forth and defeat him. But if the enemy is prepared for your coming, and you fail to defeat him, then, return being impossible, disaster will ensue.

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

One need not destroy one's enemy. One need only destroy his willingness to engage.

The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities...It is best to win without fighting.

With regard to ground of this nature, be before the enemy in occupying the raised and sunny spots, and carefully guard your line of supplies. Then you will be able to fight with advantage.