Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.

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

who wishes to fight must first count the cost

Rouse him, and learn the principle of his activity or inactivity. Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots.

Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack.

There are roads which must not be followed, armies which must not be attacked, towns which must not be besieged, positions which must not be contested, commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed.

Great results, can be achieved with small forces.

Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.

The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.