十問

The military question states: When the two sides have deployed and encamped, supplies are equally sufficient, forces are evenly matched, and both attacker and defender are wary of each other — if the enemy has formed a circular formation to observe and made it his stronghold, how does one strike it? Answer: To strike this, divide the three armies into four or five groups. Some approach and feign retreat, displaying fear. When the enemy sees our fear, he will divide his forces without caution. Exploit his disorder to destroy his stronghold. Sound the four-horse drums simultaneously and have all five groups advance at once. When all five groups arrive together, the three armies share in the advantage. This is the method for striking the circular formation.

When deployed and encamped, if the enemy is wealthy and we are poor, the enemy numerous and we few, the enemy strong and we weak, and they advance in square formation — how does one strike? Answer: To strike this, [lacuna] their formation and [lacuna], encircle and separate them. Engage and feign retreat; strike their rear guard with lethal force, without letting them know. This is the method for striking the square formation.

When deployed and encamped, if the enemy is numerous, strong, tough, swift, and fierce, with a sharp formation arrayed before you — how does one strike? To strike this, you must divide into three and separate them. One group extends laterally to block. The second [lacuna] causing fear above and confusion below. Once both upper and lower ranks are disordered, the three armies will suffer a great rout. This is the method for striking the sharp formation.

When deployed and encamped, if the enemy is numerous and strong, with an extended lateral formation, and we have deployed and await them but our men are too few — how does one strike? To strike this, you must divide our forces into three. Train our death-defying warriors. Two groups extend their formations and spread their wings. One group of elite warriors and trained troops targets the enemy's center. This is the method for killing the general and striking the lateral formation.

When deployed and encamped, if our infantry is numerous but chariots and cavalry are few, and the enemy has ten times our strength — how does one strike? To strike this, hold defensive terrain and control the narrows. Carefully avoid wide, level ground. Level ground favors chariots; rugged ground favors infantry. This is the method for striking chariots. When deployed and encamped, if our chariots and cavalry are numerous but infantry is few, and the enemy has ten times our strength — how does one strike? To strike this, carefully avoid rugged obstacles. Break through and guide [the enemy], leading them onto level ground. Though the enemy may have ten times our numbers, our chariots and cavalry will have the advantage and the three armies can be struck. This is the method for striking infantry.

When deployed and encamped, if supplies are cut off, troops are insufficient, the base is severed, and the enemy has ten times our strength — how does one strike? Answer: To strike this, when the enemy has [lacuna] and guards the obstacles, we [...] turn and harm his vulnerabilities. This is the method for striking supply disputes. When deployed and encamped, if the enemy general is brave and hard to intimidate, his troops are strong and numerous and self-sufficient, all his soldiers are courageous and without worry, his general has authority, his troops are martial, his logistics are strong and provisions abundant, and none of the other states dares to challenge him — how does one strike? Answer: To strike this, declare that you dare not fight; show that you cannot fight. Sit in apparent incompetence and wait, to inflate his arrogance and slacken his resolve, so the enemy does not perceive your intent. Then strike where he does not [expect], attack where he does not defend, press his weak points, and exploit his uncertainty. Once they have grown proud and martial and the three armies are on the march, front and rear cannot see each other — strike them in the middle as though engaging mere foot soldiers. This is the method for striking a strong and numerous army. When deployed and encamped, if the enemy holds a mountain and controls the obstacles, too far to engage and too close to find ground — how does one strike? To strike this, when they contract their obstacle positions and shift [lacuna], then threaten them. Attack what they must rescue, forcing them to leave their stronghold. Gauge their concerns, set ambushes and prepare relief forces, and strike them as they move. This is the method for striking a fortified position. When deployed and encamped, if both sides have formed up and the enemy has arrayed in a fan shape — calculating the enemy's intent, he wants us to fall into his trap — how does one strike? To strike this: the thirsty do not drink, the hungry do not eat well. Use two-thirds of your force, targeting the center. Once they have [lacuna], send elite troops and trained soldiers to strike their two wings. [Lacuna] the three armies suffer a great rout. This is the method for striking the fan formation.