The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy, but does not allow the enemy's will to be imposed on him.

If an enemy has alliances, the problem is grave and the enemy's position strong; if he has no alliances, the problem is minor and the enemy's position weak.

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.

Victory is the main object in war.

All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

Unless you know the mountains and the forests, the defiles and impasses, the lay of the marshes and swamps, you cannot maneuver with an armed force. Unless you use local guides, you cannot get the advantages of the land.

A battle avoided cannot be lost.