He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.

A clever general... avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. This is the art of studying moods. Disciplined and calm, he awaits the appearance of disorder and hubbub among the enemy. This is the art of retaining self-possession.

The Art of War is self-explanatory

For them to perceive the advantage of defeating the enemy, they must also have their rewards.

To fight and conquer in all our battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting.

Weak leadership can wreck the soundest strategy

If the enemy has occupied them before you, do not follow him, but retreat and try to entice him away.