To ... not prepare is the greatest of crimes; to be prepared beforehand for any contingency is the greatest of virtues.

If the enemy has occupied them before you, do not follow him, but retreat and try to entice him away.

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.

To Subdue an enemy without fighting is the greatest of skills

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

And therefore those skilled in war bring the enemy to the field of battle and are not brought there by him.

With regard to ground of this nature, be before the enemy in occupying the raised and sunny spots, and carefully guard your line of supplies. Then you will be able to fight with advantage.