In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory.

The essential factor of military success is speed, that is taking advantage of others' unpreparedness or lack of foresight, their failure to catch up, going by routes they do not expect, attacking where they are not on guard. This you cannot accomplish with hesitation.

When he utilizes combined energy, his fighting men become as it were like unto rolling logs or stones. For it is the nature of a log or stone to remain motionless on level ground, and to move when on a slope; if four-cornered, to come to a standstill, but if round-shaped to go rolling down.

It is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for the purposes of spying, and thereby they achieve great results.

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

Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do not interfere with an army that is returning home.

In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.