As a rule, the soldiers prefer high ground to low. They prefer sunny places to those the sun does not reach.
If the health of the troops be considered, and they are encamped on high and sunny ground, diseases will be avoided, and victory made certain.
If there be rising ground, encamp on its sunny side and in front of it; for thereby the soldiers are benefited, and the ground used to our advantage.
If, owing to rains in the upper reaches, the river becomes turbulent, do not cross until the waters have quieted.
Steep and impassable valleys; well-like places; confined places; tangled impenetrable ground; swamps and bogs; narrow passages with pitfalls;—quickly pass from these, and approach them not. Cause the enemy to approach near to them, but keep yourself from these places; face them, so that the enemy has them in his rear.
If there are near to the army, precipices; ponds; meres; reeds and rushes; or thick forests and trees; search them thoroughly.
These are places where the enemy is likely to be in ambush.
When the enemy is close, but quiet, he is strong in reliance on natural defences.
If the enemy challenges to fight from afar, he wishes you to advance.
If the enemy be encamped in open country, it is with some special object in view.
