There is no place where espionage is not possible.

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

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

Hence the saying: One may know how to conquer without being able to do it.

When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is insubordination. When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak, the result is collapse.

Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.

These are six ways of courting defeat, which must be carefully noted by the general who has attained a responsible post.