By altering his arrangements and changing his plans, the skillful general keeps the enemy without definite knowledge. By shifting his camp and taking circuitous routes, he prevents the enemy from anticipating his purpose. At the critical moment, the leader of an army acts like one who has climbed up a height and then kicks away the ladder behind him.

Should the enemy forestall you in occupying a pass, do not go after him if the pass is fully garrisoned, but only if it is weakly garrisoned.

Convince your enemy that he will gain very little by attacking you; this will diminish his enthusiasm

Attack where he is unprepared; sally forth when he does not expect you.

All battles are won before they start.

Those whose upper and lower ranks have the same desire are victorious.

Therefore a victorious army first wins and then seeks battle; a defeated army first battles and then seeks victory.