To perceive victory when it is known to all is not really skilful. Everyone calls victory in battle good, but it is not really good.
The one who figures on victory at headquarters before even doing battle is the one who has the most strategic factors on his side.
Victory is the main object in war.
Therefore a victorious army first wins and then seeks battle; a defeated army first battles and then seeks victory.
According to my assessment, even if you have many more troops than others, how can that help you to victory?
Weak leadership can wreck the soundest strategy; forceful execution of even a poor plan can often bring victory.
Therefore, to estimate the enemy situation and to calculate distances and the degree of difficulty of the terrain so as to control victory are virtues of the superior general.
It is according to the shapes that I lay the plans for victory, but the multitude does not comprehend this. Although everyone can see the outward aspects, none understands the way in which I have created victory.
Factors in the art of warfare are: First, calculations; second, quantities; third, logistics; fourth, the balance of power; and fifth, the possibility of victory is based on the balance of power.
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.
Those skilled in attack move as from above the nine-fold heavens. Thus they are capable both of protecting themselves and of gaining complete victory.
If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.
All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.
The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.
The expert in battle seeks his victory from strategic advantage and does not demand it from his men.
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.
In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.
Invincibility lies in the defense; the possibility of victory in the attack.
So it is said that victory can be made.
It is not a victory unless you say `Jumanji´.
Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack.
So a military force has no constant formation, water has no constant shape: the ability to gain victory by changing and adapting according to the opponent is called genius.
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.
Victory comes from finding opportunities in problems.
Victory is reserved for those who are willing to pay its price.
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.
What is essential in war is victory, not prolonged operations.
In conflict, straightforward actions generally lead to engagement, surprising actions generally lead to victory.
When I have won a victory I do not repeat my tactics but respond to circumstances in an infinite variety of ways.
If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you know Heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete.