Quan Tao: Balancing the Forces

King Wu asked Tai Gong:"How many infantrymen can one chariot withstand in battle? How many infantry are needed to counter one chariot? When cavalry confront infantry, how many foot soldiers can one horseman defeat? How many infantry can resist one cavalryman? And when chariots face cavalry, how many horsemen can one chariot overpower? How many cavalry are needed to neutralize one chariot?" Tai Gong replied:"Chariots are the army's wings—their crushing force breaks enemy lines and cuts off retreats. Cavalry are the army's eyes—they scout, pursue fleeing foes, and raid supply lines. Yet if deployed poorly, one cavalryman may not equal a single infantryman. Ratios of Force Effectiveness: On Flat Terrain: Chariot vs. Infantry: 1 chariot = 80 infantry | 80 infantry = 1 chariot. Cavalry vs. Infantry: 1 cavalry = 8 infantry | 8 infantry = 1 cavalry. Chariot vs. Cavalry: 1 chariot = 10 cavalry | 10 cavalry = 1 chariot. In Rugged Terrain: Chariot vs. Infantry: 1 chariot = 40 infantry | 40 infantry = 1 chariot. Cavalry vs. Infantry: 1 cavalry = 4 infantry | 4 infantry = 1......