If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.

Subjugating the enemy's army without fighting is the true pinnacle 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.

Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain

For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.

He who is not sage and wise, humane and just, cannot use secret agent.s. And he who is not delicate and subtle cannot get the truth out of them.

Wait by the river long enough and the body of your enemy will float by you.