"If equally matched, we can offer battle; if slightly inferior in numbers, we can avoid the enemy; if quite unequal in every way, we can flee from him."

"The skillful tactician may be likened to the shuai-jan. Now the shuai-jan is a snake that is found in the Ch'ang Shan mountains. Strike at its head, and you will be attacked by its tail; strike at its…"

"Build your opponent a golden bridge to retreat across."

"If the enemy is in superior strength, evade him."

"When you are ignorant of the enemy's plans, you cannot prepare for them."