When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is insubordination. When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak, the result is collapse.

Ground which can be freely traversed by both sides is called accessible.

Subtle and insubstantial, the expert leaves no trace; divinely mysterious, he is inaudible. Thus he is master of his enemy's fate.

When he pretends to flee, do not pursue.

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

The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to prepare against a possible attack at several different points; and his forces being thus distributed in many directions, the numbers we shall have to face at any given point will be proportionately few.

Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.