The Art of War · Chapter
XI: The Nine Situations explained
Sun Tzǔ classifies nine varieties of ground and prescribes specific tactical responses for each, emphasizing the psychological impact of desperate circumstances on soldiers, the importance of secrecy, rapid movement, and the strategic use o
What happens
Sun Tzǔ classifies nine varieties of ground and prescribes specific tactical responses for each, emphasizing the psychological impact of desperate circumstances on soldiers, the importance of secrecy, rapid movement, and the strategic use of terrain to achieve victory.
Themes in this chapter
Strategic Use of Terrain and Environment
The entire chapter is devoted to classifying nine types of ground and prescribing specific actions for each, emphasizing how terrain dictates tactics.
Psychology and Morale
Sun Tzǔ discusses how desperate circumstances transform soldiers' behavior, making them fight harder and obey promptly, and advises on managing morale through secrecy and unity.
Deception and Stratagem
The chapter advocates for secrecy, false reports, altering plans, and surprising the enemy, such as 'exhibit the coyness of a maiden' and 'emulate the rapidity of a running hare.'
Adaptability and Flexibility
The nine situations require different responses, and the general must adapt his tactics to the ground, enemy actions, and the state of his own troops.
Characters to notice
- Sun Tzǔ
Author of the chapter, detailing the nine situations and principles for commanding an army.
- Ho Lu
Referenced as the King of Wu, associated with the historical context of Sun Tzǔ's teachings.
- Tsʽao Kung
Commentator whose interpretations are cited in the chapter's annotations.
- Chang Yü
Commentator providing insights on the nine situations and military tactics.
- Mei Yao-chʽên
Commentator offering explanations on the principles of ground and troop behavior.
- Wang Hsi
Commentator elaborating on the strategic handling of different terrains.
- Tu Mu
Commentator providing historical examples and clarifications on the nine situations.
- Li Chʽüan
Commentator contributing to the interpretation of desperate ground and troop morale.
Key passages
“Place your army in deadly peril, and it will survive; plunge it into desperate straits, and it will come off in safety.”
Putting troops in a life-threatening situation forces them to fight desperately and thus survive.
Sun Tzǔ emphasizes the paradoxical benefit of extreme danger to galvanize soldiers.
“Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy’s unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.”
Speed is crucial in warfare; exploit the enemy's lack of preparation, use surprising paths, and strike where they are not defended.
This underscores the importance of speed and surprise in military operations.
“At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a maiden, until the enemy gives you an opening; afterwards emulate the rapidity of a running hare, and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you.”
Initially appear weak and hesitant to lure the enemy into a false sense of security, then strike with lightning speed before they can react.
A classic stratagem of deception and swift action.
“Throw your soldiers into positions whence there is no escape, and they will prefer death to flight.”
When troops are placed in a situation with no retreat, they will choose to fight to the death rather than flee.
Highlights the psychological effect of desperate ground on soldier morale.
