Ponder and deliberate before you make your move. He will conquer who has learned the artifice of deviation. Such is the art of maneuvering.

Pretend to be weak, so your enemy may grow arrogant.

Without harmony in the State, no military expedition can be undertaken; without harmony in the army, no battle array can be formed.

In your deliberations, when seeking to determine the military conditions, let them be made the basis of a comparison, in this wise: which of the two generals has the most ability? on which side is Discipline most rigorously enforced? which army is stronger? on which side are the officers and men more highly trained? in which army is there the greater constancy both in reward and punishment?

You can prevent your opponent from defeating you through defense, but you cannot defeat him without taking the offensive.

When he pretends to flee, do not pursue.

When campaigning, be swift as the wind; in leisurely march, majestic as the forest; in raiding and plundering, like fire; in standing, firm as the mountains. As unfathomable as the clouds, move like a thunderbolt.