(Terrain) highlights not only six types of terrain that General must be aware of, but also six aspects of how a General’s mistake would spell defeat for one’s entire army. 〈故兵有走者、有馳者、有陷者、有崩者、有亂者、有北者。凡此六者,非天之災,將之過也。〉
〈夫勢均,以一擊十,曰走〉---- While at war with one’s enemy, and being on par against them in terms of capabilities but is unable to concentrate one’s military strength.
〈卒強吏弱,曰馳〉---- A strong army, but weak command and leadership from the commanders.
〈吏強卒弱,曰陷〉---- Strong command and leadership from the commanders, but a weak army.
〈大吏怒而不服,遇敵懟而自戰,將不知其能,曰崩〉---- Refers to hot-tempered commanders, who refused to adhere to the General’s command, and act without permission.
〈將弱不嚴,教道不明,吏卒無常,陳兵縱橫,曰亂〉---- Yielding General and commanders, and disorderly soldiers.
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Where there is free entry and exit for one and one’s enemy, we call it “Open”.
Where there is free entry but hard exit, we call it ‘Harsh’.
Where one and one’s enemy attack is not advantageous, we call it “Deadlock”.
One should occupy and wait to ambush one’s enemy. If it is taken by one’s enemy, do not pursue. We call this “Narrow Passes”.
One should occupy and await the enemy’s attack. If one’s enemy occupies it first, lead one’s troops away. We call this “Highground”.
Due to lands that are too wide and far apart, both parties are unable to plan and carry out battle arrangements. We call this “Wide”.