The Way of War

The principles of forest combat are: by day, set up many banners to create an impression of strength; by night, use many gongs and drums to confuse the enemy; make the most of short weapons; the subtlety lies in setting ambushes; one may attack the enemy’s front or launch a surprise attack from the rear. The principles of combat in dense vegetation are: make use of sword and shield; before acting, first reconnoiter the enemy’s line of march; set up a field position every ten li and a response point every five li; conceal banners and strictly control gongs and drums, leaving the enemy at a loss. The principles of valley combat are: set ambushes skillfully and rely on courageous fighting; have light-footed soldiers occupy the heights and soldiers resolved to die cut off the rear; deploy strong crossbows to strike and follow up with short weapons, so that the enemy can neither advance nor get away. The principles of water combat are: make use of boats; train soldiers to handle them; display many banners to mislead the enemy; use bows and crossbows in strict fashion to......