He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks.

Should the enemy strengthen his van, he will weaken his rear; should he strengthen his rear, he will weaken his van; should he strengthen his left, he will weaken his right; should he strengthen his right, he will weaken his left. If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.

It is according to the shapes that I lay the plans for victory, but the multitude does not comprehend this. Although everyone can see the outward aspects, none understands the way in which I have created victory.

Agitate him and ascertain the pattern of his movement.

Nothing is more difficult than the art of maneuver. What is difficult about maneuver is to make the devious route the most direct and to turn misfortune to advantage.

Those who are victorious plan effectively and change decisively. They are like a great river that maintains its course but adjusts its flow.

Winning isn't enough. The acme of all skill is to defeat your enemy before taking the field.