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The Art of War by Sun Tzu Translated by
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Bob Biffound Chapter 1 Laying Plans

The art of war is of vital importance to
the state.

It is a matter of life and death, a road
either to safety or to ruin.

Hence it is a subject of inquiry which
can on no account be neglected.

The art of war, then, is governed by
five constant factors, to be taken into

account in one's deliberations when
seeking to determine the conditions

obtaining in the field.

These are the moral law, heaven, earth,
the commander, method, and discipline.

The moral law causes the people to be in
complete accord with their ruler, so

that they will follow him, regardless of
their lives, undismayed by any danger.

Heaven signifies night and day, cold and
heat, times and seasons.

Earth comprises distances, great and
small, danger and security, open ground

narrow passes, the chances of life and
death.

The commander stands for the virtues of
wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage,

and strictness.

Method and discipline are to be
understood the marshalling of the army

proper subdivisions.

the graduations of rank among the
officers, the maintenance of roads by

supplies may reach the army, and the
control of military expenditure.

These five heads should be familiar to
every general.

He who knows them will be victorious.

He who knows them not will fail.

Therefore, in your deliberations, when
seeking to determine the military

conditions, let them be made the basis
of a comparison in this wise.

Which of the two sovereigns is imbued
with the moral law?

Which of the two generals has most
ability?

With whom lie the advantages derived
from heaven and earth?

On which side is discipline most
rigorously enforced?

Which army is stronger?

On which side are officers and men more
highly trained?

In which army is there the greater
constancy, both in reward and

By means of these seven considerations I
can forecast victory or defeat.

The general that hearkens to my counsel
and acts upon it will conquer.

Let such a one be retained in command.

The general that hearkens not to my
counsel nor acts upon it will suffer

Let such a one be dismissed.

While heeding the prophet of my counsel,
avail yourself also of any helpful

circumstances over and beyond the
ordinary rules.

According as circumstances are
favorable, one should modify one's

All warfare is based on deception.

Hence, when able to attack, we must seem
unable.

When using our forces, we must seem
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.

Hold out bait to entice the enemy.

Feign disorder and crush him.

If he is secure at all points, be
prepared for him. If he is in superior

strength, evade him.

If your opponent is of choleric temper,
seek to irritate him. Pretend to be

weak, that he may grow arrogant.

If he is taking his ease, give him no
rest.

If his forces are united, separate them.

Attack him where he is unprepared.

Appear where you are not expected.

These military devices, leading to
victory, must not be divulged

Now the general who wins a battle makes
many calculations in his temple ere the

battle is fought.

The general who loses a battle makes but
few calculations beforehand.

Thus do many calculations lead to
victory, and few calculations to defeat.

How much more no calculation at all!

It is by attention to this point that I
can foresee who is likely to win or

lose.

Chapter 2 Waging War In the operations
of war, where there are

in the field a thousand swift chariots,
as many heavy chariots, and a hundred

thousand mail -clad soldiers, with
provisions enough to carry them a

lee, the expenditure at home and at the
front, including entertainment of

guests, Small items, such as glue and
paint, and thumbs spent on chariots and

armor, will reach the total of a
thousand ounces of silver per day.

Such is the cost of raising an army of
one hundred thousand men.

When you engage in actual fighting, if
victory is long in coming, then men's

weapons will grow dull, and their ardor
will be damned.

If you lay siege to a town, you will
exhaust your strength.

Again, if the campaign is protracted,
the resources of the state will not be

equal to the strain.

Now, when your weapons are dulled, your
honor damped, your strength exhausted,

and your treasure spent, other
chieftains will spring up to take

your extremity. Then no man, however
wise, will be able to avert the

consequences that must ensue.

Thus, though we have heard of stupid
haste in war, Cleverness has never been

seen associated with long delays.

There is no instance of a country having
benefited from prolonged warfare.

It is only one who is thoroughly
acquainted with the evils of war that

thoroughly understand the profitable way
of carrying it on.

A skillful soldier does not raise a
second levy, neither are his supply

loaded more than twice.

Bring war material with you from home,
but forage on the enemy.

Thus the army will have food enough for
its needs.

Poverty of the state exchequer causes an
army to be maintained by contributions

from a distance.

Contributing to maintain an army at a
distance causes the people to be

impoverished. On the other hand, the
proximity of an army causes prices to go

up, and high prices cause the people's
substance to be drained away.

When their substance is drained away,
the peasantry will be afflicted by heavy

exactions. With this loss of substance
and exhaustion of strength, the homes of

the people will be stripped bare, and
three -tenths of their income will be

dissipated, while government expenses
for broken chariots, worn -out horses,

breastplates and helmets, bows and
arrows, spears and shields, protective

mantles, draft oxen and heavy wagons,
will amount to four -tenths of its total

revenue.

Hence a wise general makes a point of
foraging on the enemy.

One cartload of the enemy's provisions
is equivalent to twenty of one's own,

likewise a single picul of his provender
is equivalent to twenty from one's own

store.

Now, in order to kill the enemy, our men
must be roused to anger, that there may

be advantage from defeating the enemy.

they must have their rewards.

Therefore, in chariot -fighting, when
ten or more chariots have been taken,

those should be rewarded who took the
first.

Our own flags should be substituted for
those of the enemy, and the chariots

mingled and used in conjunction with
ours.

The captured soldiers should be kindly
treated and kept.

This is called using the conquered foe
to augment one's own strength.

In war, then, let your great object be
victory, not lengthy campaigns.

Thus it may be known that the leader of
armies is the arbiter of the people's

fate, the man on whom it depends whether
the nation shall be in peace or in

peril.

Chapter 3 Attack by Stratagem In the
practical art of war, the best thing

of all is to take the enemy's country
whole and intact.

To shatter and destroy it is not so
good.

So, too, it is better to recapture an
army entire than to destroy it, to

a regiment, a detachment, or a company
entire than to destroy them.

Hence, to fight and conquer in all your
battles is not supreme excellence.

Supreme excellence consists in breaking
the army's resistance without fighting.

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.

The rule is not to besiege walled
cities, if it can possibly be avoided.

The preparation of mantlets, movable
shelters, and various implements of war

will take up to three whole months, and
the pining up of mounds over against the

walls will take three months more.

The general, unable to control his
irritation, will launch his men to the

assault like swarming ants, with the
result that one -third of his men are

slain, while the town still remains
untaken.

Such are the disastrous effects of a
siege.

Therefore, the skillful leader subdues
the enemy's troops without any fighting.

He captures their cities without laying
siege to them. He overthrows their

kingdom without lengthy operations in
the field.

With his forces intact, he will dispute
the mastery of the empire, and thus,

without losing a man, his triumph will
be complete.

This is the method of attacking by
stratagem.

It is the rule in war, if our forces are
ten to the enemy's one, to surround

him, if five to one, to attack him, if
twice as numerous, to divide our army

into two.

If equally matched, we can offer battle.

If slightly inferior in numbers, we can
avoid the enemy. If quite unequal in

every way, we can flee from him.

Hence, though an obstinate fight may be
made by a small force, in the end it

must be captured by a larger force.

Now the general is the bulwark of the
state. If the bulwark is complete at all

points, the state will be strong.

If the bulwark is defective, the state
will be weak.

There are three ways in which a ruler
can bring misfortune upon his army.

1. By commanding the army to advance or
to retreat, being ignorant of the fact

that it cannot obey.

This is called hobbling the army.

2. By attempting to govern an army in
the same way as he administers a

being ignorant of the conditions which
obtain in an army. This causes

restlessness in the soldier's mind.

3. by employing the officers of his army
without discrimination, through

ignorance of the military principle of
adaptation to circumstances.

This shakes the confidence of the
soldiers.

But when the army is restless and
distrustful, trouble is sure to come

other feudal princes.

This is simply bringing anarchy into the
army and flinging victory away.

Thus we may know that there are five
essentials for victory.

He will win who knows when to fight and
when not to fight. He will win who knows

how to handle both superior and inferior
forces.

He will win whose army is animated by
the same spirit throughout all its

He will win who, prepared himself, waits
to take the enemy unprepared.

He will win who has military capacity,
and is not interfered with by the

sovereign.

Hence the saying, If you know the enemy,
and know yourself, you need not fear

the result of a hundred battles.

If you know yourself but not the enemy,
for every victory gained you will also

suffer a defeat.

If you know neither the enemy nor
yourself, you will succumb in every

Chapter 4 Tactical Dispositions The good
fighters of old first put themselves

beyond the possibility of defeat, and
then waited for an opportunity of

defeating the enemy.

To secure ourselves against defeat lies
in our own hands, but the opportunity of

defeating the enemy is provided by the
enemy himself.

Thus the good fighter is able to secure
himself against defeat, but cannot make

certain of defeating the enemy.

Hence the saying, One may know how to
conquer without being able to do it.

Security against defeat implies
defensive tactics.

Ability to defeat the enemy means taking
the offensive.

Standing on the defensive indicates
insufficient strength.

Attacking a superabundance of strength.

The general who is skilled in defense
hides in the most secret recesses of the

earth. He who is skilled in attack
flashes forth from the topmost heights

heaven. Thus, on the one hand, we have
ability to protect ourselves.

On the other, a victory that is
complete.

To see victory only when it is within
the ken of the common herd is not the

of excellence.

Neither is it the acme of excellence if
you fight and conquer and the whole

empire says, well done.

To lift an autumn hair is no sign of
great strength.

To see the sun and moon is no sign of
sharp sight. To hear the noise of

is no sign of a quick ear.

What the ancients called a clever
fighter is one who not only wins, but

in winning with ease.

Hence his victories bring him neither
reputation for wisdom nor credit for

courage. He wins his battles by making
no mistakes.

Making no mistakes is what establishes
the certainty of victory, for it means

conquering an enemy that is already
defeated.

Hence the skillful fighter puts himself
into a position which makes defeat

impossible, and does not miss the moment
for defeating the enemy.

Thus it is that in war the victorious
strategist only seeks battle after the

victory has been won, whereas he who is
destined to defeat first fights and

afterwards looks for victory.

The consummate leader cultivates the
moral law, and strictly adheres to

and discipline.

Thus it is in his power to control
success.

In respect of military method, we have,
firstly, measurement, secondly,

estimation of quantity, thirdly,
calculation, fourthly, balancing of

fifthly, victory.

Measurement owes its existence to earth,
estimation of quantity to measurement,

calculation to estimation of quantity,
balancing of chances to calculation.

and victory to balancing of chances.

A victorious army opposed to a routed
one is as a pound's weight placed in the

scale against a single grain.

The onrush of a conquering force is like
the bursting of pent -up waters into a

chasm of a thousand fathoms deep.

Chapter 5 Energy The control of a large
force is the same principle as the

control of a few men.

It is merely a question of dividing up
their numbers.

Fighting with a large army under your
command is no wise different from

with a small one. It is merely a
question of instituting signs and

To ensure that your whole host may
withstand the brunt of the enemy's

remain unshaken, this is effected by
maneuvers, direct and indirect.

That the impact of your army may be like
a grindstone dashed against an egg,

This is affected by the science of weak
points and strong.

In all fighting, the direct method may
be used for joining battle, but indirect

methods will be needed in order to
secure victory.

Indirect tactics, efficiently applied,
are inexhaustible as heaven and earth,

unending as the flow of rivers and
streams.

Like the sun and moon, they end but to
begin anew, like the four seasons.

They pass away to return once more.

There are not more than five musical
notes, yet the combinations of these

give rise to more melodies than can ever
be heard.

There are not more than five primary
colors, blue, yellow, red, white, and

black, yet in combination they produce
more hues than can ever be seen.

There are not more than five cardinal
tastes, sour, acrid, salt, sweet,

Yet combinations of them yield more
flavors than can ever be tasted.

In battle there are not more than two
methods of attack, the direct and the

indirect. Yet these two, in combination,
give rise to an endless series of

maneuvers.

The direct and the indirect lead on to
each other in turn. It is like moving in

a circle. You never come to an end. Who
can exhaust the possibilities of their

combination?

The onset of troops is like the rush of
a torrent, which will even roll stones

along in its course.

The quality of decision is like the well
-timed swoop of a falcon, which enables

it to strike and destroy its victim.

Therefore the good fighter will be
terrible in his onset, and prompt in his

decision.

Energy may be likened to the bending of
a crossbow, decision to the releasing of

a trigger.

Amid the turmoil and tumult of battle,
there may be seeming disorder, and yet

real disorder at all.

Amid confusion and chaos, your array may
be without head or tail, yet it will be

proof against defeat.

Simulated disorder postulates perfect
discipline, simulated fear postulates

courage, simulated weakness postulates
strength.

Hiding order beneath the cloak of
disorder, is simply a question of

Concealing courage under a show of
timidity presupposes a fund of latent

Masking strength with weakness is to be
effected by tactical dispositions.

Thus one who is skillful at keeping the
enemy on the move maintains deceitful

appearances, according to which the
enemy will act. He sacrifices something

the enemy may snatch at it.

By holding out bait he keeps him on the
march, then, with a body of picked men,

he lies in wait for him.

The clever combatant looks to the effect
of combined energy, and does not

require too much from individuals.

Hence his ability to pick out the right
men, and utilize combined energy.

When he utilizes combined energy, his
fighting men become as it were like unto

rolling logs or stones.

For it is the nature of a log or stone
to remain motionless on level ground,

to move on when on a slope, if four
-cornered, to come to a standstill, but

round -shaped, to go rolling down.

Thus the energy developed by good
fighting men is as the momentum of a

stone rolled down a mountain thousands
of feet in height.

So much on the subject of energy.

Chapter 6 weak points and strong.

Whoever is first in the field and awaits
the coming of the enemy will be fresh

for the fight.

Whoever is second in the field and has
to hasten to battle will arrive

exhausted.

Therefore the clever combatant imposes
his will on the enemy, but does not

the enemy's will to be imposed on him.

By holding out advantages to him, he can
cause the enemy to approach of his own

accord, or, by inflicting damage, he can
make it impossible for the enemy to

draw near.

If the enemy is taking his ease, he can
harass him. If well supplied with food,

he can starve him out.

If quietly encamped, he can force him to
move.

Appear at points which the enemy must
hasten to defend.

March swiftly to places where you are
not expected.

An army may march great distances
without distress if it marches through

where the enemy is not.

You can be sure of succeeding in your
attacks if you only attack places which

are undefended. You can assure the
safety of your defense if you only hold

positions that cannot be attacked.

Hence, that general is skillful in
attack whose opponent does not know what

defend, and he is skillful in defense
whose opponent does not know what to

attack.

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.

You may advance and be absolutely
irresistible if you make for the enemy's

points. You may retire and be safe from
pursuit if your movements are more rapid

than those of the enemy.

If we wish to fight, the enemy can be
forced to an engagement even though he

sheltered behind a high rampart and a
deep ditch.

All we need do is attack some other
place, that he will be obliged to

If we do not wish to fight, we can
prevent the enemy from engaging us, even

though the lines of our encampment may
be merely traced out on the ground.

All we need do is to throw something odd
and unaccountable in his way.

By discovering the enemy's dispositions
and remaining invisible ourselves, we

can keep our forces concentrated, while
the enemy's must be divided.

We can form a single united body, while
the enemy must split up into fractions.

Hence there will be a whole pitted
against separate parts of a whole, which

means that we shall be many to the
enemy's few.

If we are able, thus, to attack an
inferior force with a superior one, our

opponents will be in dire straits.

The spot where we intend to fight must
not be made known.

For then the enemy will have to prepare
against a possible attack at several

different points, and his forces being
thus distributed in many directions, the

numbers we shall have to face at any
given point will be proportionately few.

For should the enemy strengthen his van,
he will weaken his rear.

Should he strengthen his rear, he will
weaken his van. Should he strengthen his

left, he will weaken his right. Should
he strengthen his right, he will weaken

his left.

If he sends reinforcements everywhere,
He will everywhere be weak.

Numerical weakness comes from having to
prepare against possible attacks.

Numerical strength from compelling our
adversary to make these preparations

against us.

Knowing the place and the time of the
coming battle, we may concentrate from

greatest distances in order to fight.

But if neither time nor place be known,
then the left wing will be impotent to

succor the right.

the right equally impotent to succor the
left, the van unable to relieve the

rear, or the rear to support the van?

How much more so, if the furthest
portions of the army are anything under

hundred lee apart, and even the nearest
are separated by several lee?

Though, according to my estimate, the
soldiers of Yue exceed our own in

that shall advantage them nothing in the
matter of victory.

I say, then, that victory can be
achieved.

Though the enemy be stronger in numbers,
we may prevent him from fighting,

scheme so as to discover his plans and
the likelihood of their success, rouse

him and learn the principle of his
activity or inactivity, force him to

himself so as to find out his vulnerable
spots.

Carefully compare the opposing army with
your own, so that you may know where

strength is superabundant and where it
is deficient.

In making tactical dispositions, the
highest pitch you can attain is to

them. Conceal your dispositions, and you
will be safe from the prying of the

subtlest spies, from the machinations of
the wisest brains.

How victory may be produced for them out
of the enemy's own tactics, that is

what the multitude cannot comprehend.

All men can see the tactics whereby I
conquer, but what none can see— is the

strategy out of which victory is
evolved.

Do not repeat the tactics which have
gained you one victory, but let your

methods be regulated by the infinite
variety of circumstances.

Military tactics are like unto water,
for water in its natural course runs

from high places and hastens downwards.

So in war the way is to avoid what is
strong and to strike at what is weak.

Water shapes its course according to the
nature of the ground over which it

flows. The soldier works out his victory
in relation to the foe whom he is

facing.

Therefore, just as water retains no
constant shape, so in warfare there are

constant conditions.

He who can modify his tactics in
relation to his opponent, and thereby

in winning, may be called a heaven -born
captain.

The Five Elements Water, fire, wood,
metal, earth, are not always equally

predominant. The four seasons make way
for each other in turn.

There are short days and long.

The moon has its periods of waning and
waxing.

Chapter 7 Maneuvering In war the general
receives his commands from the

sovereign. Having collected an army and
concentrated his forces, He must blend

and harmonize the different elements
thereof before pitching his camp.

After that comes tactical maneuvering,
than which there is nothing more

difficult. The difficulty of tactical
maneuvering consists in turning the

devious into the direct, and the
misfortune into gain.

Thus, to take a long and circuitous
route, after enticing the enemy out of

way, and those starting after him, to
contrive to reach the goal before him,

shows knowledge of the artifice of
deviation.

Maneuvering with an army is
advantageous, with an undisciplined

dangerous. If you set a fully equipped
army in march in order to snatch an

advantage, the chances are that you will
be too late. On the other hand, to

detach a flying column for the purpose
involves the sacrifice of its baggage

stores.

Thus, if you order your men to roll up
their buff coats and make forced marches

without halting day or night, covering
double the usual distance at a stretch,

doing a hundred lee in order to wrest an
advantage, the leaders of all your

three divisions will fall into the hands
of the enemy.

The stronger men will be in front, the
jaded ones will fall behind, and on this

plan only one -tenth of your army will
reach its destination.

If you march fifty li in order to
outmaneuver the enemy, you will lose the

leader of your first division, and only
half your force will reach the goal.

If you march thirty li with the same
object, two -thirds of your army will

arrive.

We may take it, then, that an army
without its baggage train is lost,

provisions it is lost, without basis of
supply it is lost.

We cannot enter into alliances.

until we are acquainted with the designs
of our neighbors.

We are not fit to lead an army on the
march unless we are familiar with the

of the country, its mountains and
forests, its pitfalls and precipices,

marshes and swamps.

We shall be unable to turn natural
advantage to account unless we make use

local guides.

In war, practice dissimulation, and you
will succeed, whether to concentrate or

to divide your troops.

must be decided by circumstances.

Let your rapidity be that of the wind,
your compactness that of the forest.

In raiding and plundering be like fire,
in immovability like a mountain.

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

thunderbolt.

When you plunder a countryside, let the
spoil be divided amongst your men.

When you capture new territory, cut it
up into allotments for the benefit of

soldiery. Ponder and deliberate before
you make a move.

He will conquer who has learnt the
artifice of deviation.

Such is the art of maneuvering.

The Book of Army Management says, On the
field of battle the spoken word does

not carry far enough.

Hence the institution of gongs and
drums.

Nor can ordinary objects be seen clearly
enough, hence the institution of

banners and flags.

Kongs and drums, banners and flags, are
means whereby the ears and eyes of the

host may be focused on one particular
point.

The host thus forming a single united
body, it is impossible either for the

brave to advance alone, or for the
cowardly to retreat alone.

This is the art of handling large masses
of men.

In night -fighting, then, make much use
of signal -fires and drums, and in

fighting by day, of flags and banners,
as a means of influencing the ears and

eyes of your army.

A whole army may be robbed of its
spirit. A commander -in -chief may be

of his presence of mind.

Now, a soldier's spirit is keenest in
the morning. By noonday it has begun to

flag, and in the evening his mind is
bent only on returning to camp.

A clever general, therefore, avoids an
army when its spirit is keen, but

it when it is sluggish and inclined to
return.

This is the art of studying moods.

Disciplined and calm, to await the
appearance of disorder and humbug

enemy, this is the art of retaining self
-possession.

To be near the goal while the enemy is
still far from it, to wait at ease while

the enemy is toiling and struggling, To
be well fed while the enemy is famished,

this is the art of husbanding one's
strength.

To refrain from intercepting an enemy
whose banners are in perfect order, to

refrain from attacking an army drawn up
in calm and confident array, this is the

art of studying circumstances.

It is a military axiom not to advance
uphill against the enemy, nor to oppose

him when he comes downhill.

Do not pursue an enemy who simulates
flight.

Do not attack soldiers whose temper is
keen.

Do not swallow bait offered by the
enemy. Do not interfere with an army

returning home.

When you surround an army, leave an
outlet free. Do not press a desperate

too hard.

Such is the art of warfare.

Chapter 8 Variation in Tactics

In war the general receives his commands
from the sovereign, collects his army,

and concentrates his forces.

When in difficult country do not encamp.
In country where high roads intersect,

join hands with your allies.

Do not linger in dangerously isolated
positions.

In hemmed -in situations you must resort
to stratagem. In desperate position you

must fight.

There are roads which must not be
followed.

armies which must not be attacked, towns
which must not be besieged, positions

which must not be contested, commands of
the sovereign which must not be obeyed.

The general who thoroughly understands
the advantages that accompany variation

of tactics knows how to handle his
troops.

The general who does not understand
these may be well acquainted with the

configuration of the country, yet he
will not be able to turn his knowledge

practical account.

So, the student of war who is unversed
in the art of war, of varying his plans,

even though he be acquainted with the
five advantages, will fail to make the

best use of his men.

Hence, in the wise leader's plans,
considerations of advantage and of

disadvantage will be blended together.

If our expectation of advantage be
tempered in this way, we may succeed in

accomplishing the essential part of our
schemes.

If, on the other hand, In the midst of
difficulties we are always ready to

an advantage. We may extricate ourselves
from misfortune.

Reduce the hostile chiefs by inflicting
damage on them, and make trouble for

them, and keep them constantly engaged.

Hold out specious allurements, and make
them rush to any given point.

The art of war teaches us to rely not on
the likelihood of the enemy's not

coming, but on our own readiness to
receive him.

not on the chance of his not attacking,
but rather on the fact that we have made

our position unassailable.

There are five dangerous faults which
may affect a general.

Recklessness, which leads to
destruction.

Cowardice, which leads to capture.

A hasty temper, which can be provoked by
insults. A delicacy of honour, which is

sensitive to shame.

Oversolicitude for his men, which
exposes him to worry and trouble.

These are the five besetting sins of a
general, ruinous to the conduct of war.

When an army is overthrown and its
leader slain, the cause will surely be

among these five dangerous faults. Let
them be a subject of meditation.

Chapter 9 The Army on the March We come
now to the question of encamping the

army, and observing signs of the enemy.

Pass quickly over mountains, and keep in
the neighborhood of valleys.

Camp in high places, facing the sun. Do
not climb heights in order to fight.

So much for mountain warfare.

After crossing a river, you should get
far away from it.

When an invading force crosses a river
in its onward march, do not advance to

meet it in midstream.

It will be best to let half the army get
across, and then deliver your attack.

If you are anxious to fight, you should
not go to meet the invader near a river

which he has to cross.

Moor your craft higher up than the
enemy, and facing the sun, do not move

upstream to meet the enemy.

So much for river warfare.

In crossing salt marshes, your sole
concern should be to get over them

without any delay.

If forced to fight in a salt marsh, You
should have water and grass near you,

and get your back to a clump of trees.

So much for operations in salt marshes.

In dry, level country, take up an easily
accessible position with rising ground

to your right and on your rear, so that
the danger may be in front, and safety

lie behind.

So much for campaigning in flat country.

These are the four useful branches of
military knowledge which enabled the

Yellow Emperor to vanquish four several
sovereigns.

All armies prefer high ground to low,
and sunny places to dark. If you are

careful of your men and camp on hard
ground, the army will be free from

of every kind, and this will spell
victory.

When you come to a hill or a bank,
occupy the sunny side, with the slope on

right rear.

Thus you will at once— act for the
benefit of your soldiers, and utilize

natural advantages of the ground.

When, in consequence of heavy rains up
-country, a river which you wish to ford

is swollen and flecked with foam, you
must wait until it subsides.

Country in which there are precipitous
cliffs with torrents running between,

deep natural hollows, confined places,
tangled thickets, quagmires, and

crevices, should be left with all
possible speed, and not approached.

While we keep away from such places, we
should get the enemy to approach them.

While we face them, we should let the
enemy have them on his rear.

If in the neighborhood of your camp
there should be any hilly country, ponds

surrounded by aquatic grass, hollow
basins filled with reeds, or woods with

thick undergrowth, they must be
carefully routed out and searched, for

places where men in ambush or insidious
spies are likely to be lurking.

When the enemy is close at hand and
remains quiet, he is relying on the

strength of his position.

When he keeps aloof and tries to provoke
a battle, he is anxious for the other

side to advance.

If his place of encampment is easy of
access, he is tendering a bait.

Movement amongst the trees of a forest
shows that the enemy is advancing.

The appearance of a number of screens in
the midst of thick grass means that the

enemy wants to make us suspicious.

The rising of birds in their flight is
the sign of an ambuscade.

Startled beasts indicate that a sudden
attack is coming.

When there is dust rising in a high
column, it is the sign of chariots

advancing. When the dust is low but
spread over a wide area, it betokens the

approach of infantry.

When it branches out in different
directions, it shows that parties have

sent to collect firewood.

A few clouds of dust moving to and fro.

signify that the army is encamping.

Humble words and increased preparations
are signs that the enemy is about to

advance. Violent language and driving
forward, as if to attack, are signs that

he will retreat.

When the light chariots come out first
and take up a position on the wings, it

is a sign that the enemy is forming for
battle.

Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn
covenant indicate a plot.

When there is much running about and the
soldiers fall into rank, it means that

the critical moment has come.

When some are seen advancing and some
retreating, it is allure.

When the soldiers stand leaning on their
spears, they are faint from want of

food.

If those who are sent to draw water
begin by drinking themselves, the army

suffering from thirst.

If the enemy sees an advantage to be
gained and makes no effort to secure it,

the soldiers are exhausted.

If birds gather on any spot, it is
unoccupied.

Clamor by night betokens nervousness.

If there is disturbance in the camp, the
general's authority is weak.

If the banners and flags are shifted
about, sedition is afoot.

If the officers are angry, it means that
the men are weary.

When an army feeds its horses with grain
and kills its cattle for food, and when

the men do not hang their cooking pots
over the campfires, showing that they

will not return to their tents, you may
know that they are determined to fight

to the death.

The sight of men whispering together in
small knots, or speaking in subdued

tones, points to disaffection amongst
the rank and file.

Too frequent rewards signify that the
enemy is at the end of his resources.

Too many punishments betray a condition
of dire distress.

To begin by bluster, but afterwards to
take fright at the enemy's numbers,

a supreme lack of intelligence.

When envoys are set with compliments in
their mouths, it is a sign that the

enemy wishes for a truce.

If the enemy's troops march up angrily
and remain facing ours for a long time

without either joining battle or taking
themselves off again, the situation is

one that demands great vigilance and
circumspection.

If our troops are no more in number than
the enemy, That is actually sufficient.

It only means that no direct attack can
be made.

What we can do is simply to concentrate
all our available strength, keep a close

watch on the enemy, and obtain
reinforcements.

He who exercises no forethought, but
makes light of his opponents, is sure to

captured by them.

If soldiers are punished before they
have grown attached to you, they will

prove submissive, and unless submissive,
they will be practically useless.

If, when the soldiers have become
attached to you, punishments are not

they will still be useless.

Therefore, soldiers must be treated in
the first instance with humanity, but

kept under control by means of iron
discipline.

This is a certain road to victory.

If, in training soldiers, commands are
habitually enforced, the army will be

well disciplined.

If not, its discipline will be bad.

If a general shows confidence in his
men, but always insists on his orders

obeyed, the gain will be mutual.

Chapter 10 Terrain We may distinguish
six kinds of

terrain—to wit, accessible ground,
entangling ground, temporizing ground,

passes, precipitous heights, positions
at a great distance from the enemy.

Ground which can be freely traversed by
both sides is called accessible.

With regard to ground of this nature, be
before the enemy in occupying the

raised and sunny spots, and carefully
guard your line of supplies.

Then you will be able to fight with
advantage.

Ground which can be abandoned but is
hard to reoccupy is called entangling.

From a position of this sort, if the
enemy is unprepared, you may sally forth

and defeat him.

But if the enemy is prepared for your
coming, and you fail to defeat him,

return being impossible, disaster will
ensue.

When the position is such that neither
side will gain by making the first move,

it is called temporizing ground.

In a position of this sort, even though
the enemy should offer us an attractive

bait, it will be advisable not to stir
forth, but rather to retreat, thus

enticing the enemy in his turn.

Then, when part of his army has come
out, we may deliver our attack with

advantage.

With regard to narrow passes, if you can
occupy them first, let them be strongly

garrisoned and await the advent of the
enemy.

Should the army forestall you in
occupying a pass, do not go after him if

pass is fully garrisoned, but only if it
is weakly garrisoned.

With regard to precipitous height, if
you are beforehand with your adversary,

You should occupy the raised and sunny
spot, and there wait for him to come up.

If the enemy has occupied them before
you, do not follow him, but retreat and

try to entice him away.

If you are situated at a great distance
from the enemy, and the strength of the

two armies is equal, it is not easy to
provoke a battle, and fighting will be

your disadvantage.

These six are the principles connected
with earth.

The general who has attained a
responsible post must be careful to

Now, the army is exposed to six several
calamities, not arising from natural

causes, but from faults for which the
general is responsible.

These are flight, insubordination,
collapse, ruin, disorganization, rout.

Other conditions being equal, if one
force is hurled against another ten

its size, The result will be the flight
of the former.

When the common soldiers are too strong
and their officers too weak, the result

is insubordination.

When the officers are too strong and the
common soldiers too weak, the result is

collapse.

When the higher officers are angry and
insubordinate, and on meeting the enemy

give battle on their own account from a
feeling of resentment, before the

commander -in -chief can tell whether or
not he is in a position to fight, the

result is ruin.

When the general is weak and without
authority, when his orders are not clear

and distinct, when there are no fixed
duties assigned to officers and men, and

the ranks are formed in a slovenly,
haphazard manner, the result is utter

disorganization. When a general, unable
to estimate the enemy's strength, allows

an inferior force to engage a larger
one, or hurls a weak detachment against

powerful one, and neglects to place
picked soldiers in the front rank, The

result must be rout.

These are six ways of courting defeat,
which must be carefully noted by the

general who has attained a responsible
post.

The natural formation of the country is
the soldier's best ally, but a power of

estimating the adversary, of controlling
the forces of victory, and of shrewdly

calculating difficulties, dangers, and
distances constitutes the test of a

general.

He who knows these things, and in
fighting puts his knowledge into

will win his battles. He who knows them
not, nor practices them, will surely be

defeated.

If fighting is sure to result in
victory, then you must fight, even

ruler forbid it.

If fighting will not result in victory,
then you must not fight, even at the

ruler's bidding.

The general who advances without
coveting fame, and retreats without

disgrace, whose only thought is to
protect his country and do good service

his sovereign, is the jewel of the
kingdom.

Regard your soldiers as your children,
and they will follow you into the

valleys. Look upon them as your own
beloved sons, and they will stand by

even unto death.

If, however, you are indulgent, but
unable to make your authority felt, kind

-hearted, but unable to enforce your
commands, and incapable, moreover, of

quelling disorder, then your soldiers
must be likened to spoilt children. They

are useless for any practical purpose.

If we know that our own men are in a
condition to attack, but are unaware

the enemy is not open to attack, we have
gone only half -way towards victory.

If we know that the enemy is open to
attack, but are unaware that our own men

are not in a condition to attack, we
have gone only halfway towards victory.

If we know that the enemy is open to
attack, and also know that our men are

condition to attack, but are unaware
that the nature of the ground makes

fighting impracticable, we have still
gone only halfway towards victory.

Hence the experienced soldier, once in
motion, is never bewildered. Once he has

broken camp, he is never at a loss.

Hence the saying, If you know the enemy
and know yourself, the victory will not

stand in doubt.

If you know heaven and know earth, you
may make your victory complete.

Chapter 9 The Nine Situations The art of
war recognizes nine varieties

of ground.

Dispersive ground, facile ground,
contentious ground, open ground, ground

intersecting highways, serious ground,
difficult ground, Hemmed in ground,

desperate ground.

When a chieftain is fighting in his own
territory, it is dispersive ground.

When he has penetrated into hostile
territory, but to no great distance, it

facile ground.

Ground, the possession of which imports
great advantage to either side, is

contentious ground.

Ground on which each side has liberty of
movement is open ground.

Ground which forms the key to three
contiguous states, so that he who

it first has most of the empire at his
command, is a ground of intersecting

highways.

When an army has penetrated into the
heart of a hostile country, leaving a

number of fortified cities in its rear,
it is serious ground.

Mountain forests, rugged steeps, marshes
and fens, all country that is hard to

traverse, this is difficult ground.

Ground which is reached through narrow
gorges, and from which we can only

by tortuous paths, so that a small
number of the enemy would suffice to

large body of our men, this is hemmed
-in ground.

Ground on which we can only be saved
from destruction by fighting without

is desperate ground.

On dispersive ground, therefore, fight
not. On facile ground, halt not. On

contentious ground, attack not.

On open ground do not try to block the
enemy's way. On the ground of

intersecting highways join hands with
your allies.

On serious ground gather and plunder. In
difficult ground keep steadily on the

march. On hemmed -in ground resort to
stratagem.

On desperate ground fight.

Those who were called skillful leaders
of old knew how to drive a wedge between

the enemy's front and rear.

to prevent cooperation between his large
and small divisions, to hinder the good

troops from rescuing the bad, the
officers from rallying their men.

When the enemy's men were united, they
managed to keep them in disorder.

When it was to their advantage, they
made a forward move, when otherwise they

stopped still.

If asked how to cope with a great host
of the enemy in orderly array, and on

point of marching to the attack, I
should say, Begin by seizing something

your opponent holds dear.

Then he will be amenable to your will.

Rapidity is the essence of war.

Take advantage of the enemy's
unreadiness. Make your way by unexpected

and attack unguarded spots.

The following are the principles to be
observed by an invading force. The

further you penetrate into a country,
the greater will be the solidarity of

troops. and thus the defenders will not
prevail against you.

Make forays into fertile country in
order to supply your army with food.

Carefully study the well -being of your
men, and do not overtax them.

Concentrate your energy and hoard your
strength. Keep your army continually on

the move, and devise unfathomable plans.

Throw your soldiers into positions
whence there is no escape, and they will

prefer death to flight.

If they will face death, there is
nothing they may not achieve.

Officers and men alike will put forth
their uttermost strength.

Soldiers, when in desperate straits,
lose the sense of fear.

If there is no place of refuge, they
will stand firm.

If they are in hostile country, they
will show a stubborn front.

If there is no help for it, they will
fight hard.

Thus, without waiting to be marshaled,
the soldiers will be constantly on the

qui vive.

Without waiting to be asked, they will
do your will.

Without restrictions, they will be
faithful. Without giving orders, they

trusted.

Prohibit the taking of omens, and do
away with superstitious doubts.

Then, until death itself comes, no
calamity need be feared.

If our soldiers are not overburdened
with money, it is not because they have

distaste for riches.

If their lives are not unduly long, it
is not because they are disinclined to

longevity.

On the day they are ordered out to
battle, your soldiers may weep, those

up bedewing their garments, and those
lying down letting the tears run down

their cheeks.

But let them once be brought to bay, and
they will display the courage of a Chu

or a Kui.

The skillful technician may be likened
to the Shui John.

Now this way, John, is a snake that is
found in the Chong mountains.

Strike at its head, and you will be
attacked by its tail.

Strike at its tail, and you will be
attacked by its head.

Strike at its middle, and you will be
attacked by head and tail both.

Asked if an army can be made to imitate
the Shuai John, I should answer yes.

For the men of Wu and the men of Yue are
enemies.

Yet if they are crossing a river in the
same boats, and are caught by a storm,

They will come to each other's
assistance, just as the left hand helps

right.

Hence it is not enough to put one's
trust in the tethering of horses and the

burying of chariot wheels in the ground.

The principle on which to manage an army
is to set up one standard of courage,

which all must reach.

How to make the best of both strong and
weak?

That is a question involving the proper
use of ground.

Thus— The skillful general conducts his
army just as though he were leading a

single man willy -nilly by the hand.

It is the business of a general to be
quiet, and thus ensure secrecy, upright

and just, and thus maintain order.

He must be able to mystify his officers
and men by false reports and

appearances, and thus keep them in total
ignorance.

By altering his arrangements and
changing his plans, he keeps the enemy

definite knowledge.

By shifting his camp and taking
circuitous routes, he prevents the enemy

anticipating his purpose.

At the critical moment, the leader of an
army acts like one who has climbed up a

height and then kicks away the ladder
behind him. He carries his men deep into

hostile territory before he shows his
hand.

He burns his boats and breaks his
cooking pot.

Like a shepherd driving a flock of
sheep, he drives his men this way and

and nothing knows whither he is going.

To muster his host and bring it into
danger, this may be termed the business

the general.

The different measures suited to the
nine varieties of ground, the expediency

aggressive or defensive tactics, and the
fundamental laws of human nature, these

are things that must most certainly be
studied.

When invading hostile territory, the
general principle is, that penetrating

deeply brings cohesion.

Penetrating but a short way means
dispersion.

When you leave your own country behind
and take your army across the

neighborhood territory, you find
yourself on critical ground.

When there are means of communication on
all four sides, the ground is one of

interesting highways.

When you penetrate deeply into a
country, it is serious ground.

When you penetrate but a little way, it
is facile ground.

When you have the enemy's strongholds on
your rear and narrow passes in front,

it is hemmed -in ground.

When there is no place of refuge at all,
it is desperate ground.

Therefore, on dispersive ground, I would
inspire my men with unity of purpose.

On facile ground, I would see that there
is close connection between all parts

of my army.

On contentious ground, I would hurry up
my rear.

On open ground, I would keep a vigilant
eye on my defenses.

On ground of interesting highways, I
would consolidate my alliances.

On serious ground, I would try to ensure
a continuous stream of supplies.

On difficult ground, I would keep
pushing on along the road.

On hemmed -in ground, I would block any
way of retreat.

On desperate ground, I would proclaim to
my soldiers the hopelessness of saving

their lives, for it is the soldier's
disposition to offer an obstinate

resistance when surrounded.

to fight hard when he cannot help
himself, and to obey promptly when he

fallen into danger.

We cannot enter into alliance with
neighboring princes until we are

with their designs.

We are not fit to lead an army on the
march unless we are familiar with the

of the country, its mountains and
forests, its pitfalls and precipices,

marshes and swamps.

We shall be unable to turn natural
advantages to account.

unless we make use of local guides.

To be ignored of any one of the
following four or five principles does

a warlike prince.

When a warlike prince attacks a powerful
state, his generalship shows itself in

preventing the concentration of the
enemy's forces. He over -ars his

and their allies are prevented from
joining against him.

Hence he does not strive to ally himself
with all and sundry.

nor does he foster the power of other
states. He carries out his own secret

designs, keeping his antagonists in awe.

Thus he is able to capture their cities
and overthrow their kingdoms.

Bestow rewards without regard to rule,
issue orders without regard to previous

arrangements, and you will be able to
handle a whole army as though you had to

do with but a single man.

Confront your soldiers with the deed
itself.

Never let them know your design.

When the outlook is bright, bring it
before their eyes, but tell them nothing

when the situation is gloomy.

Place your army in deadly peril, and it
will survive.

Plunge it into desperate straits, and it
will come off in safety.

For it is precisely when a force has
fallen into harm's way that it is

of striking a blow for victory.

Success in warfare is gained by
carefully accommodating ourselves to the

purpose. By persistently hanging on the
enemy's flank, we shall succeed in the

long run in killing the commander -in
-chief.

This is called ability to accomplish a
thing by sheer cunning.

On the day that you take up your
command, block the frontier passes,

official tallies, and stop the passage
of all emissaries.

Be stern in the council chamber, so that
you may control the situation.

If the enemy leaves a door open, you
must rush in.

Forestall your opponent by seizing what
he holds dear, and subtly contrive to

time his arrival on the ground.

Walk in the path defined by rule, and
accommodate yourself to the enemy until

you can fight a decisive battle.

At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a
maiden, until the enemy gives you an

opening. Afterwards— Emulate the
rapidity of a running hare, and it will

late for the enemy to oppose you.

Chapter 12 The Attack by Fire There are
five ways of attacking with

fire. The first is to burn soldiers in
their camp. The second is to burn

The third is to burn baggage trains.

The fourth is to burn arsenals and
magazines.

The fifth is to hurl dropping fire
amongst the enemy.

In order to carry out an attack, we must
have means available.

The material for raising fire should
always be kept in readiness.

There is a proper season for making
attacks with fire, and special days for

starting a conflagration. The proper
season is when the weather is very dry.

The special days are those when the moon
is in the constellations of the sieve,

the wall, the ring, or the crossbar, for
these four are all days of rising wind.

In attacking with fire, one should be
prepared to meet five possible

developments. When fire breaks out
inside the enemy's camp, respond at once

an attack from without.

If there is an outbreak of fire, but the
enemy's soldiers remain quiet, bide

your time and do not attack.

When the force of the flames has reached
its height, follow it up with an

attack, if that is practicable.

If not, stay where you are.

If it is possible to make an assault
with fire from without, Do not wait for

to break out within, but deliver your
attack at a favorable moment.

When you start a fire, be to windward of
it. Do not attack from the leeward.

A wind that rises in the daytime lasts
long, but a night breeze soon falls.

In every army, the five developments
connected with fire must be known, the

movements of the stars calculated, and a
watch kept for the proper days.

Hence, those who use fire as an aid to
the attack show intelligence.

Those who use water as an aid to the
attack gain an accession of strength.

By means of water, an enemy may be
intercepted, but not robbed of all his

belongings.

Unhappy is the fate of one who tries to
win his battles and succeed in his

attacks without cultivating the spirit
of enterprise, for the result is waste

time and general stagnation.

Hence the saying, The enlightened ruler
lays his plans well ahead.

The good general cultivates his
resources.

Move not unless you see an advantage.

Use not your troops unless there is
something to be gained.

Fight not unless the position is
critical.

No ruler should put troops into the
field merely to gratify his own spleen.

general should fight a battle simply out
of pique.

If it is to your advantage, make a
forward move.

If not, Stay where you are.

Anger may in time change to gladness.

Vexation may be succeeded by content.

But a kingdom that has once been
destroyed can never come again into

can the dead ever be brought back to
life.

Hence the enlightened ruler is heedful,
and the good general full of caution.

This is the way to keep a country at
peace, and an army intact.

Chapter 13

The Use of Spies Raising a host of a
hundred thousand men and marching them

great distances entails heavy loss on
the people and a drain on the resources

the state.

The daily expenditure will amount to a
thousand ounces of silver.

There will be commotion at home and
abroad, and men will drop down exhausted

the highways.

As many as seven hundred thousand
families will be impeded in their labor.

Hostile armies may face each other for
years, striving for the victory which is

decided in a single day.

This being so, to remain in ignorance of
the enemy's condition, simply because

one grudges the outlay of a hundred
ounces of silver in honors and

is the height of inhumanity.

One who acts thus is no leader of men,
no present help to his sovereign, no

master of victory.

Thus, what enables the wise sovereign
and the good general to strike and

conquer, and achieve things beyond the
reach of ordinary men, is foreknowledge.

Now this foreknowledge cannot be
elicited from spirits. It cannot be

inductively from experience, nor by any
deductive calculation.

Knowledge of the enemy's dispositions
can only be obtained from other men.

Hence the use of spies, of whom there
are five classes.

Local spies, inward spies, converted
spies, doomed spies, surviving spies.

When these five kinds of spy are all at
work, none can discover the secret

system. This is called divine
manipulation of the threads.

It is the sovereign's most precious
faculty.

Having local spies means employing the
services of the inhabitants of a

district, having inward spies, making
use of officials of the enemy, having

converted spies, getting hold of the
enemy's spies and using them for your

purposes. having doomed spies, doing
certain things openly for purposes of

deception, and allowing our spies to
know of them and report them to the

Surviving spies, finally, are those who
bring back news from the enemy's camp.

Hence it is that with none in the whole
army are more intimate relations to be

maintained than with spies.

None should be more liberally rewarded.

In no other business should greater
secrecy be preserved.

Spies cannot be usefully employed
without a certain intuitive sagacity.

cannot be properly managed without
benevolence and straightforwardness.

Without subtle ingenuity of mind, one
cannot make certain of the truth of

reports. Be subtle, and use your spies
for every kind of business.

If a secret piece of news is divulged by
a spy before the time is ripe, he must

be put to death.

together with the man to whom the secret
was told.

Whether the object be to crush an army,
to storm a city, or to assassinate an

individual, it is always necessary to
begin by finding out the names of the

attendants, the aides -de -camp, and
doorkeepers and sentries of the general

command.

Our spies must be commissioned to
ascertain these.

The enemy's spies who have come to spy
on us must be sought out, tempted with

bribes, led away.

and comfortably housed.

Thus they will become converted spies,
and available for our service.

It is through the information brought by
the converted spy that we are able to

acquire and employ local and inward
spies.

It is owing to his information again
that we can cause the doomed spy to

false tidings to the enemy.

Lastly, it is by his information that
the surviving spy can be used on

occasions.

The end and aim of spying in all its
five varieties is knowledge of the

and this knowledge can only be derived,
in the first instance, from the

converted spy.

Hence it is essential that the converted
spy be treated with the utmost

liberality.

Of old, the rise of the Yin dynasty was
due to Yi Qi, who had served under He

Ziya. Likewise, the rise of the Chao
dynasty was due to Lu Ya, who had served

under the Yin.

Hence, it is only the enlightened ruler
and the wise general who will use the

highest intelligence of the army for
purposes of spying, and thereby they

achieve great results.

Spies are a most important element in
water, because on them depends an army's

ability to move.