Chapter 3, Verse 3 - Sun Tzu

Thus the highest form of generalship is to balk the enemy's plans; the next best is to prevent the junction of the enemy's forces; the next in order is to attack the enemy's army in the field; and the worst policy of all is to besiege walled cities.
~ from The Art of War, Giles translation ~

Go here to read the introductory post to the verses of The Art of War.