攻其無備，出其不意

Strike where they're unprepared. Appear where they don't expect you.

Sun Tzu, The Art of War 1 (Laying Plans)

What it means

The best move hits a gap the other side has not covered. Surprise multiplies whatever force you have. Look for the place no one is watching.

The source

"Strike where they're unprepared. Appear where they don't expect you." Sun Tzu said it in The Art of War 1 (Laying Plans). Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.

"攻其無備，出其不意。"

Original Chinese, The Art of War 1 (Laying Plans). Text read at zh.wikisource.org.

Who said it

Sun Tzu (c. 5th century BC). Chinese general traditionally credited with The Art of War, a short book on strategy that values preparation, deception and winning without battle. It has been read by commanders, athletes and founders ever since.

Questions

What does "Strike where they're unprepared. Appear where they don't expect you." mean?: The best move hits a gap the other side has not covered. Surprise multiplies whatever force you have. Look for the place no one is watching.
Who said "Strike where they're unprepared. Appear where they don't expect you."?: Sun Tzu (c. 5th century BC). Source: The Art of War 1 (Laying Plans).
What is the original Chinese?: 攻其無備，出其不意。. Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.
Is "Strike where they're unprepared. Appear where they don't expect you." on a shirt?: Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

Cite this line

"Strike where they're unprepared. Appear where they don't expect you." (Sun Tzu, The Art of War 1 (Laying Plans), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/strike-where-theyre-unprepared-appear-where-they-dont