Every battle is won before it is fought.

When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.

Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.

Invincibility depends on one's self; the enemy's vulnerability on him.

The difficulty of tactical maneuvering consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain.

Victory is reserved for those who are willing to pay its price.

On dispersive ground, therefore, fight not. On facile ground, halt not. On contentious ground, attack not. On open ground, do not try to block the enemy's way. On the ground of intersecting highways, join hands with your allies. On serious ground, gather in plunder. In difficult ground, keep steadily on the march. On hemmed-in ground, resort to stratagem. On desperate ground, fight.