Thus the highest form of generalship is to balk the enemy's plans, the next best is to prevent the junction of the enemy's forces, the next in order is to attack the enemy's army in the field, and the worst policy of all is to besiege walled cities.

Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.

The best victory is when the opponent surrenders of its own accord before there are any actual hostilities...It is best to win without fighting.

As water shapes its flow in accordance with the ground, so an army manages its victory in accordance with the situation of the enemy.

When campaigning, be swift as the wind; in leisurely march, majestic as the forest; in raiding and plundering, like fire; in standing, firm as the mountains. As unfathomable as the clouds, move like a thunderbolt.

To a surrounded enemy, you must leave a way of escape.

One mark of a great soldier is that he fight on his own terms or fights not at all.