When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.

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

Therefore the good fighter will be terrible in his onset, and prompt in his decision.

If asked how to cope with a great host of the enemy in orderly array and on the point of marching to the attack, I should say: "Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will." Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.

The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.

The line between disorder and order lies in logistics.

Bring war material with you from home, but forage on the enemy... use the conquered foe to augment one's own strength.