Secret operations are essential in war; upon them the army relies to make its every move.

When your opponent gives you an opening, be swift as a hare.

If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.

Unless you enter the tiger's lair, you cannot get hold of the tiger's cub's.

One who speaks deferentially but increases his preparations will advance. One who speaks belligerently and advances hastily will retreat.

Be the first to seize intersecting ground, that is ground which lies the intersections of borders or intersections of main thoroughfares of commerce and travel. Your occupation of it gives you access to all who border it and all who would covet it. On intersecting ground, if you establish alliances you are safe, if you lose alliances you are in peril.

These are six ways of courting defeat, which must be carefully noted by the general who has attained a responsible post.