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

You can ensure the success of your attacks if you only attack places that are undefended. You can ensure the safety of your defense if you only hold positions that cannot be attacked. Therefore, that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.

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

Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.

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.

Subjugating the enemy's army without fighting is the true pinnacle of excellence.

He whose ranks are united in purpose will be victorious.