We may distinguish six kinds of terrain, to wit: (1) Accessible ground; (2) entangling ground; (3) temporising ground; (4) narrow passes; (5) precipitous heights; (6) positions at a great distance from the enemy.

Place your army in deadly peril, and it will survive; plunge it into desperate straits, and it will come off in safety.

The expert in battle seeks his victory from strategic advantage and does not demand it from his men.

When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.

There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must not be attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested, commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed.

Rely not on the likelihood of the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him

Should the enemy forestall you in occupying a pass, do not go after him if the pass is fully garrisoned, but only if it is weakly garrisoned.