Chapter ten of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War", titled "Terrain", explains how to strategize based on the terrain of the battlefield. Specifically, it discusses the following six types of terrain:
1. Accessible Terrain: A place where both allies and enemies can easily arrive. Here, if you position your troops on a sunny hilltop before the enemy arrives and secure your supply lines, you can gain an advantage.
2. Entangling Terrain: It's easy to go, but difficult to return. Here, you can win if the enemy is unprepared, but if they are prepared, you can't win and it's also difficult to retreat, which is disadvantageous.
3. Indecisive Terrain: A place that is disadvantageous for both allies and enemies. Here, you should not advance in response to enemy provocation. It is advantageous to retreat your troops and attack when half of the enemy has passed the branching point and advanced.
4. Narrow Passes: The entrance is narrow and the path widens as you go further. If your allies occupy it first, concentrate your forces and wait for the enemy. If the enemy occupies it first and their forces are densely packed on the narrow path, you should not attack.
5. Precipitous Heights: If your allies occupy it first, you must always take a position on the southern side of the high ground and wait for the enemy. If the enemy occupies it first, you should retreat your troops and leave the place, and you should not attack.
6. Distant Terrain: When the forces are evenly matched, it is difficult to challenge the battle. If you fight forcibly, you will be at a disadvantage.
These six matters are the principles of terrain, and because they are the most important duties of a general, Sun Tzu argues that they must be carefully considered. Thus, terrain is an important element in strategizing. Generals are required to understand these terrains and formulate the best strategies for each terrain. With this knowledge, generals can influence the outcome of battles. Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" is still referred to in various fields such as business and sports today. This is because "The Art of War" deeply insights into human behavioral principles and competitive principles. This "Terrain" chapter can be said to be part of it.
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