Those who are victorious plan effectively and change decisively. They are like a great river that maintains its course but adjusts its flow.

In conflict, straightforward actions generally lead to engagement, surprising actions generally lead to victory.

To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence.

The skillful tactician may be likened to the shuai-jan. Now the shuai-jan is a snake that is found in the Ch'ang mountains. Strike at its head, and you will be attacked by its tail; strike at its tail, and you will be attacked by its head; strike at its middle, and you will be attacked by head and tail both.

To plan secretly, to move surreptitiously, to foil the enemy's intentions and balk his schemes, so that at last the day may be won without shedding a drop of blood.

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

It is the rule in war, if our forces are ten to the enemy's one, to surround him; if five to one, to attack him; if twice as numerous, to divide our army into two.