Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent's fate.

The one who figures on victory at headquarters before even doing battle is the one who has the most strategic factors on his side.

The rising of birds in their flight is the sign of an ambuscade. Startled beasts indicate that a sudden attack is coming.

Thus we may know that there are five essentials for victory: He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight. He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces. He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks. He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared. He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign.

The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.

Hence the saying: The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead; the good general cultivates his resources.

Bring war material with you from home, but forage on the enemy... use the conquered foe to augment one's own strength.