Against those skilled in attack, an enemy does not know where to defend; against the experts in defense, the enemy does not know where to attack.

He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign.

First learn to become invincible, then wait for your enemy's moment of vulnerability.

The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands

It is through the dispositions of an army that its condition may be discovered. Conceal your dispositions, and your condition will remain secret, which leads to victory,; show your dispositions, and your condition will become patent, which leads to defeat.

Against those skilled in attack, an enemy does not know where to defend; against the experts in defense, the enemy does not know where to attack.

Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to places where you are not expected.