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

Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.

In the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.

And therefore those skilled in war bring the enemy to the field of battle and are not brought there by him.

It is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for the purposes of spying, and thereby they achieve great results.

Use humility to make the enemy haughty. Tire them by flight. Cause division among them. When they are unprepared, attack and make your move when they do not expect it.

Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.