Tactics Quotes

One minute can decide the outcome of the battle, one hour - the outcome of the campaign, and one day - the fate of the country.

All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

When you have no basis for an argument, abuse the plaintiff.

Let your plans be dark and as impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.

To know how to dissimulate is the knowledge of kings.

The best is the enemy of the good.

The archetypal No. 10 is a skillful player who is more interested in being in possession than tracking to get the ball back.

Very few wars have been won by mere numbers alone. Quality, willpower, geographical advantages, natural and financial resources, the command of the sea, and above all a cause that rouses the spontaneous surgings of the human spirit…

The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought. The general who loses makes but few calculations beforehand.

Read over and over again the campaigns of Alexander, Hannibal, Caesar, Gustavus, Turenne, Eugene and Frederic. ... This is the only way to become a great general and master the secrets of the art of war.

O divine art of subtlety and secrecy! Through you we learn to be invisible, through you inaudible and hence we can hold the enemy's fate in our hands.

Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.

… it is time to finish retreating. Not one step back! Such should now be our main slogan. ... Henceforth the solid law of discipline for each commander, Red Army soldier, and commissar should be the requirement — not a single step back without order from higher command.

I think defending is more of, like, a science, and it's fun to learn that. And then I see attacking as an art.

He who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.

One defends when his strength is inadequate, he attacks when it is abundant.

The bullet is a fool, the bayonet is a fine chap.

Thou shalt not steal. I mean defensively. On offense, indeed thou shall steal and thou must.

Men, I am not ordering you to attack. I am ordering you to die. In the time that it takes us to die, other forces and commanders can come and take our place.

I think a lot when I'm on my own - and much of it is about cricket.

Nature creates few men brave; industry and training makes many. Discipline in war counts more than fury.

You need to know exactly where to be on the pitch at all times.

In my opinion Test cricket is the best version of this game. It tests you mentally, physically, emotionally.

Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack.

In terms of pace, every captain wants pace in their attack.