When campaigning, be swift as the wind; in leisurely march, majestic as the forest; in raiding and plundering, like fire; in standing, firm as the mountains. As unfathomable as the clouds, move like a thunderbolt.

Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.

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

In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory. In battle, there are not more than two methods of attack.. the direct and the indirect; yet these two in combination give rise to an endless series of maneuvers.

Invincibility depends on one's self; the enemy's vulnerability on him.

Keep their friends close and their enemies closer.

What is essential in war is victory, not prolonged operations.