Quan Tao: War Chariot

King Wu asked Grand Duke Jiang: "What are the methods of chariot warfare?"

Grand Duke replied: "Infantry warfare values adaptability to changing circumstances, chariot warfare values mastery of terrain, and cavalry warfare values knowledge of hidden paths. Chariots, infantry, and cavalry are all military forces, but their applications differ. For chariot warfare, there are ten deadly terrains and eight advantageous opportunities."

King Wu asked: "What are the ten deadly terrains?"

Grand Duke replied:

1. Death Ground (死地): Terrain where chariots can advance but cannot retreat.

2. Exhaustion Ground (竭地): Crossing treacherous terrain to pursue enemies over long distances.

3. Trapped Ground (困地): Flat terrain ahead but impassable obstacles behind.

4. Perilous Ground (绝地): Terrain where chariots become trapped and cannot escape.

5. Laborious Ground (劳地): Collapsed, waterlogged muddy terrain.

6. Adverse Ground (逆地): Left side blocked by cliffs, right side flat, forcing an uphill climb.

7. Contrary Ground (拂地): Thick grasslands requiring crossing deep waters.

8. Defeated Ground (败地): Few chariots on flat terrain, poorly coordinated with infantry.

9. Ruined Ground (坏地): Ditches behind, deep water to the left, high slopes to the right.

10. Mired Ground (陷地): Torrential rains destroying roads, halting all movement.

"These ten terrains spell doom for chariots. Foolish generals, ignorant of these perils, are captured or defeated. Wise generals avoid these grounds and triumph."

King Wu asked: "What are the eight advantageous opportunities?"

Grand Duke replied: Strike with chariots when:

1. The enemy’s formation is not yet settled.

2. Their banners are disordered, and troops shift chaotically.

3. Their soldiers advance, retreat, or wander aimlessly.

4. Their ranks waver, with soldiers glancing about uncertainly.

5. They hesitate to advance or retreat in fear.

6. Their army panics and clusters in disarray.

7. Prolonged battle on flat terrain exhausts them by dusk.

8. They march long distances and camp at nightfall, demoralized.

"These eight scenarios favor chariot warfare. A commander who masters these ten deadly terrains and eight opportunities will prevail even if surrounded by thousands of chariots and cavalry attacking from all sides."

King Wu exclaimed: "Excellent!"