When I have won a victory I do not repeat my tactics but respond to circumstances in an infinite variety of ways.

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

So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak. Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing.

Be subtle! be subtle! and use your spies for every kind of business.

Therefore, to estimate the enemy situation and to calculate distances and the degree of difficulty of the terrain so as to control victory are virtues of the superior general.

Opportunities multiply as they are seized.

This does not mean that the enemy is to be allowed to escape. The object is to make him believe that there is a road to safety, and thus prevent his fighting with the courage of despair. After that, you may crush him.