The skillful tactician may be likened to the shuai-jan. Now the shuai-jan is a snake that is found in the Ch'ang mountains. Strike at its head, and you will be attacked by its tail; strike at its tail, and you will be attacked by its head; strike at its middle, and you will be attacked by head and tail both.

The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.

In warfare, there are no constant conditions. He who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent will succeed and win.

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

Hence the saying: The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead; the good general cultivates his resources.

Attack the enemy's strategy.

Throw your soldiers into positions whence there is no escape, and they will prefer death to flight. If they will face death, there is nothing they may not achieve.