When a general, unable to estimate the enemy’s strength, allows an inferior force to engage a larger one, or hurls a weak detachment against a powerful one, and neglects to place picked soldiers in the front rank, the result must be rout.
Carefully compare the opposing army with your own, so that you may know where strength is superabundant and where it is deficient.
In making tactical dispositions, the highest pitch you can attain is to conceal them.
Use humility to make the enemy haughty. Tire them by flight. Cause division among them. When they are unprepared, attack and make your move when they do not expect it.
If you are strong, appear weak. But if you are weak, appear strong.
Sweat more during peace: bleed less during war.
A wise general makes a point of foraging of the enemy.
He who wishes to fight must first count the cost. When you engage in actual fighting, if victory is long in coming, then men’s weapons will grow dull and their ardor will be dampened. If you lay siege to a town, you will exhaust your strength.
When the thunderclap comes, there is no time to cover the ears.
There is an intelligent way to eat a live frog – I just don’t know what it is.
So it is that good warriors take their stance on ground where they cannot lose, and do not overlook conditions that make an opponent prone to defeat.
It is through the dispositions of an army that its condition may be discovered. Conceal your dispositions, and your condition will remain secret, which leads to victory,; show your dispositions, and your condition will become patent, which leads to defeat.
If their forces are substantial, prepare for them; if their forces are strong, avoid them.
Without local guides, your enemy employs the land as a weapon against you.
We cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country...
In war, practice dissimulation and you will succeed.
The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined energy, and does not require too much from individuals. Hence his ability to pick out the right men and utilize combined energy.
In warfare, first lay plans which will ensure victory, and then lead your army to battle; if you will not begin with stratagem but rely on brute strength alone, victory will no longer be assured.
If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst.
Rewards for good service should not be deferred a single day.
In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be needed in order to secure victory.