All war is deception.

Without local guides, your enemy employs the land as a weapon against you.

So it is that good warriors take their stance on ground where they cannot lose, and do not overlook conditions that make an opponent prone to defeat.

Use humility to make the enemy haughty. Tire them by flight. Cause division among them. When they are unprepared, attack and make your move when they do not expect it.

So a military force has no constant formation, water has no constant shape: the ability to gain victory by changing and adapting according to the opponent is called genius.

The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds.

The enlightened ruler is heedful, and the good general full of caution.