“who wishes to fight must first count the cost” 
― Sun Tzu, The Art of War

----

“If your opponent is of choleric temper,  seek to irritate him.  Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.” 
― Sun Tzu, The Art of War

----

“The skillful tactician may be likened to the shuai-jan. Now the shuai-jan is a snake that is found in the Ch'ang mountains. Strike at its head, and you will be attacked by its tail; strike at its tail, and you will be attacked by its head; strike at its middle, and you will be attacked by head and tail both.” 
― Sun Tzu, The Art of War