a sunny height, and await the enemy. If the enemy should be before you, withdraw and do not attack him.
If distant, and separated from the enemy, and the forces are equal, to take the initiative is disadvantageous.
Now, these are the six kinds of ground. Generals in responsible positions must study them in their various relations.
Again, there are six calamities; arising, not from defect of ground, or lack of opportunity ; but from the general’s incapacity.
These are: repulse; relaxation; distress; disorganisation; confusion; and rout.
If troops are sent to attack an enemy of equal quality, but ten times their number, they retire discomfited.
Strong soldiers with weak under officers, cause relaxation.
Able officers with feeble soldiers cause distress.
Enraged senior officers, who take the law into their own hands because the general cannot appreciate their ability, produce disorganisation.
Weak and amiable generals, whose directions and leadership are vague; whose officer’s and men’s duties are not fixed; and whose disposition of troops are contradictory; produce confusion.
Generals, ignorant of the enemy, who oppose small numbers to large; weakness to strength; and who do not put picked men in the van of the army; cause it to be routed.
