As one taking away the ladder from under those mounted upon the roof, so acts the general when his men are assembled to fight.
When far involved in a hostile country, he cuts off his paths of retreat; thus the men have nothing left but to fight. He burns his boats, and breaks his cooking pots, and drives the army hither and thither like a flock of sheep, knowing not whither they go.
Therefore the general should assemble the armies, and place them in a desperate position.
The different natures of the nine grounds; the suiting of the means to the occasion; the hearts of men; these are things which must be studied.
When deep in the interior of a hostile country, there is cohesion; if only on the borders, there is distraction.
Wherefore on distracting ground, concentrate the soldiers thoughts.
On disturbing ground, keep in close order.
In disputed ground, try to take the enemy in rear.
In intersecting ground, use caution as regards de- fences.
In path ridden ground, cultivate intercourse.
In deeply involved, ground, be careful of supplies.
In difficult ground, hurry away.
In enclosed ground, reject an opening offered by the enemy.
On death ground, make it plain that without fighting there is no chance of survival.
Wherefore if the soldiers are surrounded, their
