If a general shows confidence in his men but always insists on his orders being obeyed, the gain will be mutual.

O divine art of subtlety and secrecy! Through you we learn to be invisible, through you inaudible and hence we can hold the enemy's fate in our hands.

When I have won a victory I do not repeat my tactics but respond to circumstances in an infinite variety of ways.

When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.

Those who do not know the plans of competitors cannot prepare alliances. Those who do not know the lay of the land cannot maneuver their forces. Those who do not use local guides cannot take advantage of the ground.

And regulation entails organizational effectiveness, a chain of command, and a structure for logistical support.

It is the rule in war, if ten times the enemy's strength, surround them; if five times, attack them; if double, be able to divide them; if equal, engage them; if fewer, defend against them; if weaker, be able to avoid them.