Classical Text 古典文獻 · Sun Tzu Art of War 孫子兵法
Chapter 10 — Terrain
地形 (Terrain)
地形
Terrain
Chapter 10
Chapter Summary
本章概要
Looks at the three areas of resistance (distance, dangers and barriers) and the six types of ground positions that arise from them. Each of these six field positions offer certain advantages and disadvantages.
Key Quote
重要引語
地形者，兵之助也。料敵制勝，計險阨遠近，上將之道也。
“The natural formation of the country is the soldier's best ally; but a power of estimating the adversary, of controlling the forces of victory, and of shrewdly calculating difficulties, dangers and distances, constitutes the test of a great general.”
Application in the Five Arts
五術應用
In Xuan Kong Da Gua: Terrain is the foundational assessment before time (Stars) is considered. Excellent Stars cannot rescue completely broken Terrain (Sha Qi mountains or water).
Study Translation
導讀譯文
Core teaching. Looks at the three areas of resistance (distance, dangers and barriers) and the six types of ground positions that arise from them. Each of these six field positions offer certain advantages and disadvantages.
Canonical maxim. The natural formation of the country is the soldier's best ally; but a power of estimating the adversary, of controlling the forces of victory, and of shrewdly calculating difficulties, dangers and distances, constitutes the test of a great general. 地形者，兵之助也。料敵制勝，計險阨遠近，上將之道也。
Chapter focus. Chapter 10 (地形) details how terrain shapes strategy, categorizing ground into six types based on accessibility and risk.
Source. Sunzi Bingfa (孫子兵法), public-domain classical editions.
Liuren Fajiao Commentary
六壬法教評注
Five Arts application. In Xuan Kong Da Gua: Terrain is the foundational assessment before time (Stars) is considered. Excellent Stars cannot rescue completely broken Terrain (Sha Qi mountains or water).
Tactical insight. Mastery of terrain types allows commanders to leverage natural advantages and mitigate hazards, a core concept in positional warfare.
Study point. Chapter 10 provides a systematic framework for spatial analysis, essential for any strategic planning involving physical or metaphorical landscapes.
Source Note
來源說明
Source: Sun Tzu Art of War (孫子兵法), Chapter 10