Do not engage an enemy more powerful than you. And if it is unavoidable and you do have to engage, then make sure you engage it on your terms, not on your enemy's terms.

To ... not prepare is the greatest of crimes; to be prepared beforehand for any contingency is the greatest of virtues.

One who has few must prepare against the enemy; one who has many makes the enemy prepare against him.

If we know that the enemy is open to attack, but are unaware that our own men are not in a condition to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory.

Appraise war in terms of the fundamental factors. The first of these factors is moral influence.

We cannot enter into alliance with neighbouring princes until we are acquainted with their designs. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country - its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices, its marshes and swamps. We shall be unable to turn natural advantages to account unless we make use of local guides.

In war, practice dissimulation and you will succeed.