All wars are won or lost before they are ever fought.

To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence.

Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.

The height of strategy, is to attack your opponent's strategy.

Therefore a victorious army first wins and then seeks battle; a defeated army first battles and then seeks victory.

Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to the attack are signs that he will retreat.

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