Winning isn't enough. The acme of all skill is to defeat your enemy before taking the field.

Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will.

Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.

The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities...It is best to win without fighting.

A battle avoided cannot be lost.

Know thy enemy and know thy self and you will win a hundred battles.

Attack the enemy's strategy.