10 Alexander Suvorov Quotes on Strategy

Alexander Suvorov quotes on strategy

1. One cannot think that blind bravery gives victory over the enemy.

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

5. Win with ability, not with numbers.

7. The three military arts. First - Apprehension, how to arrange things in camp, how to march, how to attack, pursue, and strike; for taking up position, final judgement of the enemy's strength, for estimating his intentions. Second - Quickness... This quickness doesn't weary the men. The enemy doesn't expect us, reckons us 100 versts away, and if a long way off to begin with - 200, 300 or more - suddenly we're on him, like snow on the head; his head spins. Attack with what comes up, with what God sends; the cavalry to begin, smash, strike, cut off, don't let slip, hurra! Brothers do miracles! Third - Attack. Leg supports leg. Arm strengthens arm; many men will die in the volley; the enemy has the same weapons, but he doesn't know the Russian bayonet. Extend the line - attack at once with cold steel; extend the line without stopping... the Cossacks to get through everywhere... In two lines is strength; in three, half as much again; the first breaks, the second drives into heaps, the third overthrows.

11. If we had not driven them into hell... hell would have swallowed us.

12. Fight the enemy with the weapons he lacks.

15. A strong pursuit, give no time for the enemy to think, take advantage of victory, uproot him, cut off his escape route.

19. When the enemy is driven back, we have failed, and when he is cut off, encircled and dispersed, we have succeeded.

24. To surprise the enemy is to defeat him.

29. Speed, Assessment, and Hitting Power: Suvorov's Art of Victory