I will be able to forecast which side will be victorious and which defeated.

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

Do not press an enemy at bay.

Be the first to seize intersecting ground, that is ground which lies the intersections of borders or intersections of main thoroughfares of commerce and travel. Your occupation of it gives you access to all who border it and all who would covet it. On intersecting ground, if you establish alliances you are safe, if you lose alliances you are in peril.

The height of strategy, is to attack your opponent's strategy.

If you are far from the enemy, make him believe you are near.

Without harmony in the State, no military expedition can be undertaken; without harmony in the army, no battle array can be formed.