10. Configurations of Terrain
Sun-tzu said:
The major configuration (hsing) of terrain are accessible,
suspended, stalemated, constricted, precipitous, and expansive.
If we can go forth and the enemy can also advance, it is termed
accessible.' In an accessible configuration, first occupy the heights and
yang [side], and improve the routes for transporting provisions. Then when
we engage in battle, it will be advantageous.
If we can go forth but it will be difficult to return, it is termed
suspended.' In a suspended configuration, if they are unprepared go forth
and conquer them. If the enemy is prepared and we sally forth without
being victorious, it will be difficult to turn back and [is] not
advantageous.
If it is not advantageous for us to go forth nor advantageous for the
enemy to come forward, it is termed stalemated.' In a stalemated
configuration, even though the enemy tries to entice us with profit, we do
not go forth. Withdraw [our forces] and depart. If we strike them when half the
enemy has come forth, it will be advantageous.
As for precipitous configurations, if we occupy them we must hold the
heights and yang sides to await the enemy. If the enemy occupies them
first, withdraw [our forces] and depart. Do not follow them.
As for expansive configurations, if our strategic power (shih)
is equal, it will be difficult to provoke [them to] combat. Engaging in
combat will not be advantageous.
Now these six are the Tao of terrain. Any general who undertakes
responsibility for command cannot but investigate them.
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Thus there are [six types of ill-fated] armies: running [off], lax,
sinking, crumbling, chaotic, and routed. Now these six are not disasters
brought about by Heaven and Earth but by the general's errors.
Now if, when their strategic power (shih) is equal, one
attacks ten, this is called running [off]'.
If the troops are strong but the officers are weak, it is termed
lax.'
If the officers are strong but the troops are weak, it is termed
sinking.'
If the higher officers are angry and insubordinate, engaging the
enemy themselves out of unrestrained anger while the general does not yet
know their capability, it is termed crumbling.'
If the general is weak and not strict, unenlightened in his
instructions and leadership; the officers and troops lacks constant
[duties]; and their deployment of troops into formation is askew, it is
termed chaotic.'
If the general, unable to fathom the enemy, engages a large number
with a small number, attacks the strong with the weak while the army lacks
a properly selected vanguard, it is termed routed.'
Now these six are the Tao of defeat. Any general who undertakes
responsibility for command cannot but investigate them.
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Configuration of terrain is an aid to the army. Analyzing the enemy,
taking control of victory, estimating ravines and defiles, the distant and
near, is the Tao of the superior general. One who knows these and employs
them in combat will certainly be victorious. One who does not know these
or employ them in combat will certainly be defeated.
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If the Tao of Warfare [indicates] certain victory, even though the
ruler has instructed that combat should be avoided, if you must engage in
battle it is permissible. If the Tao of Warfare indicates you will not be
victorious, even thought the ruler instructs you to engage in battle, not
fighting is permissible.
Thus [a general] who does not advance to seek fame, nor [fail to
retreat] to avoid [being charged with the capital] offense of retreating,
but seeks only to preserve the people and gain advantage for the ruler is
the state's treasure.
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When the general regards his troops as young children, they will
advance into the deepest valleys with him. When he regards the troops as
his beloved children, they will be willing to die with him.
If they are well treated but cannot be employed, if they are loved
but cannot be commanded, or when in chaos they cannot be governed, they
may be compared to arrogant children and cannot be used.
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If I know our troops can attacks, but do not know the enemy cannot be
attacked, it is only half way to victory. If I know the enemy can be
attacked, but do not realize our troops cannot attack, it is only halfway
to victory.
Knowing that the enemy can be attacked, and knowing that our army can
effect the attack, but not knowing the terrain is not suitable for combat,
is only halfway to victory. Thus on who truly knows the army will never be
deluded when he moves, never be impoverished when initiating an
action.
Thus it is said if you know them and know yourself, your victory will
not be imperiled. If you know Heaven and know Earth, your victory can be
complete.
11. Nine Terrains
Sun-tzu said:
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12. Incendiary Attacks
Sun-tzu said:
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13. Employing Spies
Sun-tzu said:
When you send forth an army of a hundred
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