One mark of a great soldier is that he fight on his own terms or fights not at all.

The good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.

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.

Rapidity is the essence of war.

When the soldiers stand leaning on their spears, they are faint from want of food.

Do not engage an enemy more powerful than you. And if it is unavoidable and you do have to engage, then make sure you engage it on your terms, not on your enemy's terms.

In making tactical dispositions, the highest pitch you can attain is to conceal them.