If I wish to engage, then the enemy, for all his high ramparts and deep moat, cannot avoid engagement; I attack that which he is obliged to rescue.

All warfare is based on deception. There is no place where espionage is not used. Offer the enemy bait to lure him.

Defeat the enemies strategy.

Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.

To perceive victory when it is known to all is not really skilful. Everyone calls victory in battle good, but it is not really good.

The one who figures on victory at headquarters before even doing battle is the one who has the most strategic factors on his side.

Invincibility is in oneself, and vulnerability is in the opponent. Invincibility is a matter of defense, vulnerability is a matter of attack. Therefore skillful warriors are able to be invincible, but they cannot cause opponents to be vulnerable. That is why it is said that victory is discerned and not manufactured.