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.

If I determine the enemy's disposition of forces while I have no perceptible form, I can concentrate my forces while the enemy is fragmented. The pinnacle of military deployment approaches the formless: if it is formless, then even the deepest spy cannot discern it nor the wise make plans against it.

The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds.

The quality of decision is like the well-timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy its victim.

Of old the expert in battle would first make himself invincible and then wait for his enemy to expose his vulnerability.

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.

If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in.