Therefore the skillful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field.

Confront them with annihilation, and they will then survive; plunge them into a deadly situation, and they will then live. When people fall into danger, they are then able to strive for victory.

To capture the enemy's entire army is better than to destroy it; to take intact a regiment, a company, or a squad is better than to destroy them. For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the supreme of excellence. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence.

The one who figures on victory at headquarters before even doing battle is the one who has the most strategic factors on his side.

Hence the experienced soldier, once in motion, is never bewildered; once he has broken camp, he is never at a loss.

Set the troops to their tasks without imparting your designs.

When the soldiers stand leaning on their spears, they are faint from want of food.