Should the army forestall you in occupying a pass, do not go after him if the pass is fully garrisoned, but only if it is weakly garrisoned.

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Those who were called skillful leaders of old knew how to drive a wedge between the enemy’s front and rear; to prevent co-operation between his large and small divisions; to hinder the good troops from rescuing the bad, the officers from rallying their men.

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The skillful soldier does not raise a second levy, neither are his supply-wagons loaded more than twice.

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In making tactical dispositions, the highest pitch you can attain is to conceal them; conceal your dispositions, and you will be safe from the prying of the subtlest spies, from the machinations of the wisest brains.

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Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot.

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If it is possible to make an assault with fire from without, do not wait for it to break out within, but deliver your attack at a favorable moment.

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Movement amongst the trees of a forest shows that the enemy is advancing. The appearance of a number of screens in the midst of thick grass means that the enemy wants to make us suspicious.

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No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.

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All armies prefer high ground to low and sunny places to dark.

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If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler’s bidding.

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If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst.

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If the enemy has occupied high ground before you, do not follow him, but retreat and try to entice him away.

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When a warlike prince attacks a powerful state, his generalship shows itself in preventing the concentration of the enemy’s forces. He overawes his opponents, and their allies are prevented from joining against him.

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If you set a fully equipped army in march in order to snatch an advantage, the chances are that you will be too late. On the other hand, to detach a flying column for the purpose involves the sacrifice of its baggage and stores.

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A soldier’s spirit is keenest in the morning; by noonday it has begun to flag; and in the evening, his mind is bent only on returning to camp.

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

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To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence. Neither is it the acme of excellence if you fight and conquer and the whole Empire says, “Well done!”

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On open ground, do not try to block the enemy’s way. On the ground of intersecting highways, join hands with your allies.

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Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.

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Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger.

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