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

Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.

Thus the highest form of generalship is to balk the enemy's plans, the next best is to prevent the junction of the enemy's forces, the next in order is to attack the enemy's army in the field, and the worst policy of all is to besiege walled cities.

No nation has ever benefited from a prolonged war.

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

He who wishes to fight must first count the cost

Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.