He must be able to mystify his officers and men by false reports and appearances, and thus keep them in total ignorance.

When the thunderclap comes, there is no time to cover the ears.

In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory. Indirect tactics, efficiently applied, are inexhaustible as Heaven and Earth, unending as the flow of rivers and streams; like the sun and moon, they end but to begin anew; like the four seasons, they pass away to return once more.

One who sets the entire army in motion to chase an advantage will not attain it.

When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.

One who speaks deferentially but increases his preparations will advance. One who speaks belligerently and advances hastily will retreat.

So there are five ways of knowing who will win. Those who know when to fight and when not to fight are victorious. Those who discern when to use many or few troops are victorious. Those whose upper and lower ranks have the same desire are victorious.