It is according to the shapes that I lay the plans for victory, but the multitude does not comprehend this. Although everyone can see the outward aspects, none understands the way in which I have created victory.

To perceive victory when it is known to all is not really skilful. Everyone calls victory in battle good, but it is not really good.

We may distinguish six kinds of terrain, to wit: (1) Accessible ground; (2) entangling ground; (3) temporising ground; (4) narrow passes; (5) precipitous heights; (6) positions at a great distance from the enemy.

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

Therefore a victorious army first wins and then seeks battle; a defeated army first battles and then seeks victory.

When you know both yourself as well as your competition, you are never in danger. To know yourself and not others, gives you half a chance of winning. Knowing neither yourself or your competition puts you in a position to lose.

Throw your soldiers into positions whence there is no escape, and they will prefer death to flight. If they will face death, there is nothing they may not achieve.