Fierce language and pretentious advances are signs that the enemy is about to retreat.

The natural formation of the country is the soldier's best ally

The essential factor of military success is speed, that is taking advantage of others' unpreparedness or lack of foresight, their failure to catch up, going by routes they do not expect, attacking where they are not on guard. This you cannot accomplish with hesitation.

The relative size of your force as against that of your adversary is by itself of no consequence. What controls is the relative size of your force at the point where you join in battle. You can strike with the few and be many if you strike your adversary in his gaps. Seek out places where the defense is not strict, the place not tightly guarded, the generals weak, the troops disorderly, the supplies are scarce and the forces are isolated.

When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.

Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.

He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.