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

It is the business of a general to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order.

The control of large numbers is possible, and like unto that of small numbers, if we subdivide them.

Spies cannot be usefully employed without a certain intuitive sagacity.

Opportunities increase as they are taken.

With regard to ground of this nature, be before the enemy in occupying the raised and sunny spots, and carefully guard your line of supplies. Then you will be able to fight with advantage.

When a general, unable to estimate the enemy's strength, allows an inferior force to engage a larger one, or hurls a weak detachment against a powerful one, and neglects to place picked soldiers in the front rank, the result must be rout.