In executing an Artful Strategy: When ten times greater, surround them; When five times greater, attack them; When two times greater, scatter them. If the opponent is ready to challenge: When fewer in number, be ready to evade them; When unequal to the match, be ready to avoid them. Even when the smaller opponents have a strong position, the larger opponent will capture them.

In making tactical dispositions, the highest pitch you can attain is to conceal them.

These are six ways of courting defeat, which must be carefully noted by the general who has attained a responsible post.

To conquer the enemy without resorting to war is the most desirable. The highest form of generalship is to conquer the enemy by strategy.

One who sets the entire army in motion to chase an advantage will not attain it.

It is imperative to contest all factions for complete victory, so the army is not garrisoned and the profit can be total. This is the law of strategic siege.

Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack.