So the principles of warfare are: Do not depend on the enemy not coming, but depend on our readiness against him. Do not depend on the enemy not attacking, but depend on our position that cannot be attacked.

Where the army is, prices are high; when prices rise the wealth of the people is exhausted.

Pretend to be weak, so your enemy may grow arrogant.

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.

Should the enemy forestall you in occupying a pass, do not go after him if the pass is fully garrisoned, but only if it is weakly garrisoned.

Go into emptiness, strike voids, bypass what he defends hit him where he does not expect you.

A military operation involves deception. Even though you are competent, appear to be incompetent. Though effective, appear to be ineffective.