Terrain supports warfare. Top generals judge foes, calculate land risks and distances to win. They may defy royal orders for sure victory or avoid doomed fights, prioritizing people and state over personal fame or blame.
Sun Tzu lists six military failures all arising from flawed generalship, including flight, laxity, rout, etc. Uneven troop-officer morale, mutinous officers, loose discipline and poor enemy evaluation all lead to defeat, which commanders must guard against.
Sun Tzu divides battlefields into six terrain types and lays out targeted tactics for each. Generals must seize high ground, guard supply lines and avoid reckless assaults, as mastering terrain rules is their most vital military duty.
This passage talks about army management: earn soldiers’ trust before punishment, yet enforce rules after gaining loyalty. Balance benevolent guidance and strict discipline. Consistent daily execution of orders builds harmony and obedient troops for guaranteed victory.
This passage stresses army quality beats quantity. Troops should avoid blind charges, focus unified power and analyze foes thoroughly to win. Generals without careful planning who belittle enemies will inevitably be captured.
This passage sets camping standards: pick high, sunny, fertile ground to keep troops healthy. It warns against six deadly terrains, lure enemies near them, and thoroughly search nearby woods and wetlands to guard against hidden ambushes and spies.
This passage lays out camping and combat rules for four terrains: mountains, rivers, marshes and plains. It details optimal positions and tactics like striking foes halfway across water. Mastery of such geographic edges enabled the Yellow Emperor to defeat rival tribal lords.
This chapter outlines five fatal character flaws that ruin generals: reckless bravery, excessive cowardice, hot temper, over obsession with honor, and overly tender compassion. All these weaknesses trigger military catastrophes, so commanders must guard against such extreme dispositions.