The Art of War · Chapter
VII: Manoeuvring explained
Sun Tzǔ discusses the complexities of tactical manoeuvring, emphasizing the difficulty of turning the devious into the direct and misfortune into gain.
What happens
Sun Tzǔ discusses the complexities of tactical manoeuvring, emphasizing the difficulty of turning the devious into the direct and misfortune into gain. He warns against forced marches for advantage, which can lead to loss of troops and supplies, and stresses the importance of local guides, dissimulation, and adapting to circumstances. The chapter also covers the use of gongs, drums, banners, and flags to unify the army, and the art of studying moods, self-possession, and circumstances to avoid engaging the enemy at a disadvantage.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Stratagem
Sun Tzǔ emphasizes the 'artifice of deviation' and dissimulation as key to successful manoeuvring, turning the devious into the direct.
Adaptability and Flexibility
The chapter stresses deciding concentration or division of troops by circumstances, and adapting tactics based on the enemy's spirit and terrain.
Psychology and Morale
Sun Tzǔ discusses the art of studying moods, avoiding a keen-spirited enemy, and attacking when the enemy is sluggish, as well as retaining self-possession.
Strategic Use of Terrain and Environment
The chapter highlights the need to be familiar with mountains, forests, pitfalls, marshes, and to use local guides to turn natural advantages to account.
Characters to notice
- Sun Tzǔ
Author of the chapter, providing principles on manoeuvring and tactical deception.
- Tsʽao Kung
Commentator referenced in the chapter's notes, offering historical examples and interpretations.
- Chang Yü
Commentator cited for explanations on the use of gongs, drums, and banners.
- Mei Yao-chʽên
Commentator providing insights on the spirit of troops and the art of studying moods.
- Li Chʽüan
Commentator referenced for interpretations on the 'art of deviation' and tactical manoeuvring.
- Wang Hsi
Commentator cited for explanations on the use of local guides and terrain.
- Tu Mu
Commentator providing historical examples of manoeuvring and the dangers of forced marches.
- Ho Shih
Commentator offering interpretations on the principles of concentration and division of troops.
Key passages
“The difficulty of tactical manoeuvring consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain.”
The challenge of manoeuvring is to make a roundabout path seem straight and to turn bad situations into advantages.
Core principle of the chapter on the 'art of deviation'.
“Let your rapidity be that of the wind, your compactness that of the forest. In raiding and plundering be like fire, in immovability like a mountain.”
Move swiftly like the wind, be dense and orderly like a forest; when attacking, be fierce like fire; when holding position, be steadfast like a mountain.
Classic metaphor for different tactical postures in manoeuvring.
“A whole army may be robbed of its spirit; a commander-in-chief may be robbed of his presence of mind.”
An entire army can lose its morale, and a general can lose his composure.
Introduction to the psychological aspects of warfare discussed in the chapter.
“Disciplined and calm, to await the appearance of disorder and hubbub amongst the enemy:—this is the art of retaining self-possession.”
Stay disciplined and calm, waiting for the enemy to become chaotic and noisy—this is how you maintain your composure.
Key tactic for exploiting enemy disorder.
