Eleven: Nine Grounds [Archive] - Sonshi Forum: Largest Message Board for Sun Tzu's Art of War

11.001 The principles of warfare are: There are dispersive...
11.002 Where the rulers do battle in their own ground...
11.003 Where ground is surrounded by others...
11.004 Where the entrance is narrow, the exit circuitous...
11.005 Therefore, on dispersive ground...
11.006 On marginal ground, do not stop.
11.007 On contentious ground, do not attack.
11.008 On open ground, do not become separated.
11.009 On intersecting ground, form alliances.
11.010 On critical ground, plunder.
11.011 On difficult ground, press on.
11.012 On surrounded ground, be prepared.
11.013 On deadly ground, do battle.
11.014 In ancient times, those skilled in warfare were able to...
11.015 Have the enemy be separated and unable to assemble...
11.016 Move when advantageous...
11.017 Ask: If the enemy is large in number and advances...
11.018 The essential factor in warfare is speed.
11.019 To take advantage of the enemy's lack of preparation...
11.020 Generally, the Way of invading is when one has penetrated...
11.021 If you plunder the fertile fields, the army will...
11.022 If you take care of your health, avoid fatigue, you will be united...
11.023 When moving troops...
11.024 Throw your troops into situations where there is no...
11.025 When the troops are in desperate situations, they fear...
11.026 When there are no other alternatives...
11.027 Therefore, though not disciplined, they are alert...
11.028 Prohibit omens, and get rid of doubts, and they will die...
11.029 The soldiers do not have wealth, but not because they dislike...
11.030 On the day the men are issued orders to do battle...
11.031 However, if you throw them into...
11.032 Therefore, those skilled in warfare are like the shuaijan...
11.033 If you strike its head, its tail attacks...
11.034 Ask: Can forces be made like the shuaijan? I say...
11.035 Therefore, hobbling horses and burying chariot wheels...
11.036 Therefore, one who is skilled in warfare leads them by the hand...
11.037 It is important for a general to be calm and remote...
11.038 He changes his methods and plans, keeping them...
11.039 The day the general leads his troops into battle...
11.040 He leads his troops deep into enemy ground, and releases...
11.041 He commands his troops like herding sheep; being herded to...
11.042 Assembling the masses of the army, and throwing them...
11.043 Adaptations to the nine grounds, the advantages...
11.044 Generally, the Way of invading is: When troops are deep...
11.045 Where you leave your country, and lead the troops across...
11.046 Therefore, on isolated ground...
11.047 On marginal ground...
11.048 On contentious ground, I hurry my back.
11.049 On open ground, I pay attention to our defenses.
11.050 On intersecting ground, I strengthen our alliances.
11.051 On critical ground, I maintain...
11.052 On difficult ground, I press on quickly.
11.053 On surrounded ground, I block off openings.
11.054 On deadly ground, I show the troops...
11.055 Therefore, the nature of the army is: To defend when...
11.056 Therefore, one who does not know the intentions of the rulers...
11.057 One who does not know the mountains and forests, gorges...
11.058 One who does not know any one of these matters cannot...
11.059 When the army of a ruler attacks a great nation...
11.060 Therefore, one does not contend for alliances...
11.061 Give out rewards transcending law, give out commands...
11.062 Command the masses like commanding...
11.063 Give your troops tasks, but do not reveal them...
11.064 Get them to face danger, but do not reveal...
11.065 The concern of warfare is that operations are in accord with...
11.066 If one then concentrates his strength on the enemy...
11.067 Therefore, on the day war is declared, close off all borders...
11.068 Go through your plans in the temple...
11.069 If the enemy presents an opportunity...
11.070 Attack what he values most.
11.071 Do not advance on any fixed day or time; calculate...
11.072 Therefore, be like a maiden; once the enemy opens the door...