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

When you are ignorant of the enemy but know yourself, your chances of winning or losing are equal.

If you are situated at a great distance from the enemy, and the strength of the two armies is equal, it is not easy to provoke a battle, and fighting will be to your disadvantage.

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

When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.

If their forces are substantial, prepare for them; if their forces are strong, avoid them.

In war, practice dissimulation and you will succeed.