Thus the expert in battle moves the enemy, and is not moved by him.

Should the enemy forestall you in occupying a pass, do not go after him if the pass is fully garrisoned, but only if it is weakly garrisoned.

When your weapons are dulled and ardour damped, your strength exhausted and treasure spent, neighboring rulers will take advantage of your distress to act. And even though you have wise counsellors, none will be able to lay good plans for the future. Thus, while we have heard of blundering swiftness in war, we have not yet seen a clever operation that was prolonged.

Generally, management of many is the same as management of few. It is a matter of organization. And to control many is the same as to control few. This is a matter of formations and signals.

Ponder and deliberate before you make a move.

Spies are a most important element in water, because on them depends an army's ability to move.

If you fight with all your might, there is a chance of life; where as death is certain if you cling to your corner