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

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.

For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.

Do not press an enemy at bay. Prince Fu Ch'ai said: "Wild beasts, when at bay, fight desperately. How much more is this true of men! If they know there is no alternative, they will fight to the death.

When the position is such that neither side will gain by making the first move, it is called temporising ground.

The line between disorder and order lies in logistics.

If a general shows confidence in his men but always insists on his orders being obeyed, the gain will be mutual.