Sun Tzu — The Art of War

Describes the five fundamental factors (The Way, seasons, terrain, leadership, and management) and seven elements that determine the outcomes of military engagements. By thinking, assessing and comparing these points, a commander can calculate his chances of victory.

Explains how to understand the economy of warfare and how success requires winning decisive engagements quickly. This section advises that successful military campaigns require limiting the cost of competition and conflict.

Defines the source of strength as unity, not size, and discusses the five factors that are needed to succeed in any war. In order of importance, these critical factors are: Attack, Strategy, Alliances, Army and Cities.

Explains the importance of defending existing positions until a commander is capable of advancing from those positions in safety. It teaches commanders the importance of recognizing strategic opportunities.

Explains the use of creativity and timing in building an army's momentum. Emphasizes the creation of "Shi" (Energy/Momentum) which is the kinetic force created through dynamic positioning.

Explains how an army's opportunities come from the openings in the environment caused by the relative weakness of the enemy and how to respond to changes in the fluid battlefield over a given area.

Explains the dangers of direct conflict and how to win those confrontations when they are forced upon the commander. It details how to turn a devious route into the most direct one.

Focuses on the need for flexibility in an army's responses. It explains how to respond to shifting circumstances successfully. There are routes not to be followed, armies not to be attacked, citadels not to be besieged.

Describes the different situations in which an army finds itself as it moves through new enemy territories, and how to respond to these situations. Much focuses on evaluating the intentions of others.

Looks at the three areas of resistance (distance, dangers and barriers) and the six types of ground positions that arise from them. Each of these six field positions offer certain advantages and disadvantages.

Describes the nine common stages (or conditions) in a campaign, from scattering to deadly, and the specific focus that a commander will need in order to successfully navigate them.

Explains the general use of weapons and the specific use of the environment as a weapon. This section examines the five targets for attack, the five types of environmental attack and the appropriate responses to such attacks.

Focuses on the importance of developing good information sources, specifically the five types of intelligence sources and how to best manage each of them.