第 8 章 九变篇

Sunzi said: When using troops in warfare, the general receives the command of the ruler, gathers people and horses to form an army.

In places that are difficult to pass through, do not set up camp.

In places that are well-connected in all directions, maintain good relations with neighboring states.

In places that are difficult to survive in, do not linger, but leave quickly.

In places that are easily surrounded, plan carefully.

If trapped in a deadly situation, one must fight resolutely.

Some roads should not be taken, some enemies should not be fought, some cities should not be occupied, some places should not be contended for.

Some commands of the ruler can also be refused.

Therefore, if a general masters these nine changes, he truly understands the use of troops.

If a general does not master these nine changes, even if he is familiar with the terrain, he cannot gain the advantages of the land.

If one does not understand these changes when commanding operations, even if one knows the five advantages, one cannot fully utilize the army's combat effectiveness.

A wise general, when considering issues, will definitely think of both advantages and disadvantages at the same time.

When considering unfavorable conditions, also think of favorable conditions, then the matter can succeed.

When seeing favorable conditions, also think of unfavorable conditions, then disasters can be avoided.

Therefore, use the enemy's most troublesome matters to deal with him, use complex situations to keep him busy and confused, and use benefits to lure him to run around.

The principle of using troops is: do not expect the enemy not to come, but rely on oneself being well prepared; do not expect the enemy not to attack, but rely on oneself having solid defenses and not being defeated.

Generals have five fatal weaknesses: only knowing how to fight recklessly and stubbornly, which may lead to death; being afraid in battle, greedy for life and afraid of death, which may lead to capture; having a bad temper, easily getting angry, which may lead to being provoked by the enemy and losing reason; excessively cherishing reputation, which may lead to impulsive actions due to humiliation; because of caring for the people, unable to bear the enemy harassing the people, and thus unable to take action.

These five situations are all mistakes that generals are prone to make, and they are disasters in using troops.

Army failures and general sacrifices often occur because of these five harms.

Therefore, it is essential to recognize the severity of these five harms.