Thus the skilful general conducts his army just as though he were leading a single man, willy-nilly, by the hand.

There are routes not to be followed, armies not to be attacked, citadels not to be besieged, territory not to be fought over.

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

You can ensure the success of your attacks if you only attack places that are undefended. You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked. Therefore, that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.

The successful person has unusual skill at dealing with conflict and ensuring the best outcome for all.

Hence the saying: If you know the enemy and you know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you now Heaven and you know Earth, you may make your victory complete.

On the field of battle, the spoken word does not carry far enough; hence the institution of gongs and drums... banners and flags. Gongs and drums, banners and flags, are means whereby the ears and eyes of the host may be focused on one particular point.