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REACTION PAPER
ON CHAPTER 4 OF
ART OF WAR BY SUN TZU

Submitted by: Columna, Jayson D. Submitted to: Ariel T. Vivar

1. “Sun Tzu said: The art of war recognizes nine varieties of ground: (1) Dispersive ground; (2)
facile ground; (3) contentious ground; (4) open ground; (5) ground of intersecting highways; (6)
serious ground; (7) difficult ground; (8) hemmed-in ground; (9) desperate ground.”

Sun Tzu was a Chinese military strategist and philosopher who wrote The Art of War, a
classic treatise on warfare and strategy. In chapter 11 of his book, he described nine varieties of
ground, or situations, that armies may encounter in battle, and how to deal with them effectively.
Here is a brief explanation of each type of ground:

Dispersive ground: This is when a chieftain is fighting in his own territory, near his home and
family. His soldiers may lack motivation and discipline, and may scatter easily. Sun Tzu advised
to avoid fighting on this ground, or to use rewards and punishments to keep the troops in order.
Facile ground: This is when an army has entered the enemy’s territory, but not very deeply. It is
easy to retreat, but also easy to be attacked. Sun Tzu advised to not linger on this ground, but to
push forward quickly and decisively. Contentious ground: This is when a piece of land is of great
strategic importance to both sides, and whoever occupies it first will have an advantage. Sun Tzu
advised to seize this ground as soon as possible, and to defend it firmly. Open ground: This is
when both sides have plenty of room to maneuver and engage in battle. Sun Tzu advised to
observe the enemy carefully, and to use deception and surprise to gain an edge. Ground of
intersecting highways: This is when an army is in a position where it can threaten the enemy’s
communication and supply lines, or where it can ally with other friendly forces. Sun Tzu advised
to make alliances and form coalitions, and to use diplomacy and intelligence to divide and
weaken the enemy. Serious ground: This is when an army has penetrated deep into the enemy’s
territory, and there is no way back. The only option is to fight for survival. Sun Tzu advised to
make the troops feel that they have no choice but to win, and to use the most desperate and
ruthless measures to ensure victory. Difficult ground: This is when an army is in a terrain that is
hard to traverse, such as mountains, forests, swamps, or deserts. It is easy to get lost, ambushed,
or exhausted. Sun Tzu advised to keep moving and avoid delays, and to use guides and scouts to
find the best routes. Hemmed-in ground: This is when an army is in a narrow and confined
space, such as a valley, a pass, or a bridge. It is easy to be surrounded and trapped by the enemy.
Sun Tzu advised to use deception and diversion to create an opening, and to break through with
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speed and force. Desperate ground: This is when an army is in a situation where there is no hope
of escape or survival, and the only chance is to fight to the death. Sun Tzu advised to discard all
thoughts of retreat or surrender, and to inspire the troops with courage and loyalty.

2. “When a chieftain is fighting in his own territory, it is dispersive ground.”

The meaning of the sentence “When a chieftain is fighting in his own territory, it is dispersive
ground” is that when a leader is engaged in a war on his own land, he is at a disadvantage. This
is because his soldiers are more likely to be distracted by their homes and families, and less
willing to fight with full commitment. This is one of the nine situations or types of ground that
Sun Tzu, a famous Chinese military strategist, described in his book The Art of War12. He
advised not to fight on dispersive ground, but to move the war to the enemy’s territory instead.

3. “When he has penetrated into hostile territory, but to no great distance, it is facile ground.”

The meaning of the sentence “When he has penetrated into hostile territory, but to no great
distance, it is facile ground” is that when a leader has entered the enemy’s land, but not very far,
he is on easy ground. This is because he can retreat quickly and safely if needed, and he does not
face much resistance from the enemy. This is one of the nine situations or types of ground that
Sun Tzu, a famous Chinese military strategist, described in his book The Art of War12. He
advised not to halt on facile ground, but to push forward and gain more advantages.

4. “Ground the possession of which imports great advantage to either side, is contentious
ground.”

The quote means that some ground is so valuable or strategic that both sides will fight hard to
gain or keep it, because it can give them a great advantage over their enemy. For example, a
narrow pass, a bridge, a hill, or a city that controls a key route or resource may be considered
contentious ground. Sun Tzu advises that a general should be careful when fighting on such
ground, and try to secure it before the enemy does, or avoid it if the enemy is stronger. He also
suggests that a general should use deception, surprise, and speed to overcome the enemy on
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contentious ground.

5. “Ground on which each side has liberty of movement is open ground.”

Type of terrain that allows both sides to move freely. In other words, open ground refers to an
area that is not constricted or hindered by natural or man-made obstacles, and therefore allows
for greater mobility and flexibility in military operations 23rd Sun Tzu advises that on open
ground, one should not try to block the enemy’s way, but rather use speed and surprise to attack
their weak points. He also suggests that on open ground, one should join hands with allies who
share the same strategic interests.

6. “Ground which forms the key to three contiguous states.”

Ground of intersecting highways is one of these types, and it refers to a strategic location that
connects three neighboring states2. Whoever controls this ground has a great advantage over the
others, because he can easily access their territories and resources, and also prevent them from
forming alliances3. Sun Tzu advises to occupy this ground first and hold it firmly, or else the
enemy will do the same and gain the upper hand.
7. “When an army has penetrated into the heart of a hostile country, leaving a number of fortified
cities in its rear, it is serious ground.”

The quote means that when an army has advanced deep into enemy territory, leaving a
number of fortified cities behind them, they are in a serious and potentially vulnerable position.
They have to deal with the constant threat of being attacked from the rear by the enemy forces in
those cities, as well as the difficulty of maintaining supply lines and communication. They also
have to be careful not to overextend themselves or lose their cohesion. This type of ground
requires careful planning and strategy, as well as courage and determination, to overcome the
challenges and achieve victory.

8. “Mountain forests, Or simply "forests." rugged steeps, marshes and fens all country that is
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hard to traverse: this is difficult ground.”

The quote means that this type of terrain is difficult to traverse or maneuver in. It poses many
challenges and obstacles for the army, such as harsh weather, limited visibility, hidden dangers,
and slow movement. It also makes it hard to retreat or escape if the enemy attacks. This type of
ground requires careful planning and strategy, as well as courage and determination, to
overcome.

9. “Ground which is reached through narrow gorges, and from which we can only retire by
tortuous paths, so that a small number of the enemy would suffice to crush a large body of our
men: this is hemmed in ground.”

The quote means that this type of terrain is hemmed in or surrounded by natural obstacles,
such as narrow gorges, mountains, or rivers. It makes it very difficult for the army to retreat or
escape if the enemy attacks. It also gives the enemy an advantage in numbers, as they can easily
block the exit or ambush the army from different directions. This type of ground requires careful
planning and strategy, as well as resorting to stratagem or deception, to overcome the dangers
and achieve victory.

10. “Ground on which we can only be saved from destruction by fighting without delay, is
desperate ground.”

The quote means that this type of terrain is hemmed in or surrounded by natural obstacles,
such as narrow gorges, mountains, or rivers. It makes it very difficult for the army to retreat or
escape if the enemy attacks. It also gives the enemy an advantage in numbers, as they can easily
block the exit or ambush the army from different directions. This type of ground requires careful
planning and strategy, as well as resorting to stratagem or deception, to overcome the dangers
and achieve victory This quote can also be applied to other situations where one is faced with a
desperate or hopeless situation, and the only way out is to fight with courage and determination.
For example, one might say that a person who is diagnosed with a terminal illness is on desperate
ground, and they have to fight for their life without delay. Or one might say that a company that
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is facing bankruptcy is on desperate ground, and they have to fight for their survival without
delay. In these cases, the quote implies that there is no room for hesitation or fear, and that one
has to use all their resources and abilities to overcome the challenge.

11. “On dispersive ground, therefore, fight not. On facile ground, halt not. On contentious
ground, attack not.”

The quote gives instructions on how to deal with each type of terrain according to its
advantages and disadvantages On dispersive ground, where your forces are spread across your
home country and not focused at any point, do not fight. Instead, focus on consolidating your
forces and establishing a strong position34 On facile ground, where you have penetrated into
hostile territory, but to no great distance, do not halt. Instead, keep advancing and exploiting the
enemy’s weakness On contentious ground, where the possession of which imports great
advantage to either side, do not attack. Instead, wait for the enemy to make a mistake or lure
them into a trap The quote implies that a military commander should be aware of the terrain on
which a battle is being fought, and should adjust their tactics accordingly. The quote also
suggests that a commander should avoid unnecessary or risky fights, and instead seek to gain the
upper hand by using strategy and deception.

12. “On open ground, do not try to block the enemy's way.”

Because the attempt would be futile, and would expose the blocking force itself to serious
risks. There are two interpretations available here. I follow that of Chang Yu. The other is
indicated in Ts`ao Kung's brief note: "Draw closer together" i.e., see that a portion of your own
army is not cut off. On the ground of intersecting highways, join hands with your allies. Or
perhaps, "form alliances with neighboring states."

13. “On serious ground, gather in plunder.”

On this, Li Ch`uan has the following delicious note: "When an army penetrates far into the
enemy's country, care must be taken not to alienate the people by unjust treatment. Follow the
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example of the Han Emperor Kao Tsu, whose march into Ch`in territory was marked by no
violation of women or looting of valuables. [Nota bene: this was in 207 B.C., and may well
cause us to blush for the Christian armies that entered Peking in 1900 A.D.] Thus he won the
hearts of all. In the present passage, then, I think that the true reading must be, not 'plunder,' but
'do not plunder.'" Alas, I fear that in this instance the worthy commentator's feelings outran his
judgment. Tu Mu, at least, has no such illusions. He says: "When encamped on 'serious ground,'
there being no inducement as yet to advance further, and no possibility of retreat, one ought to
take measures for a protracted resistance by bringing in provisions from all sides, and keep a
close watch on the enemy." In difficult ground, keep steadily on the march. Or, in the words of
VIII. ss. 2, "do not encamp.

14. “On hemmed-in ground, resort to stratagem.”

Ts`au Kung says: "Try the effect of some unusual artifice;" and Tu Yu amplifies this by
saying: "In such a position, some scheme must be devised which will suit the circumstances, and
if we can succeed in deluding the enemy, the peril may be escaped." This is exactly what
happened on the famous occasion when Hannibal was hemmed in among the mountains on the
road to Casilinum, and to all appearances entrapped by the dictator Fabius. The stratagem which
Hannibal devised to baffle his foes was remarkably like that which T`ien Tan had also employed
with success exactly 62 years before. [See IX. ss. 24, note.] When night came on, bundles of
twigs were fastened to the horns of some 2000 oxen and set on fire, the terrified animals being
then quickly driven along the mountain side towards the passes which were beset by the enemy.
The strange spectacle of these rapidly moving lights so alarmed and discomfited.

15. “Those who were called skillful leaders of old knew how to drive a wedge between the

enemy's front and rear; to prevent co-operation between his large and small divisions; to hinder
the good troops from rescuing the bad, the officers from rallying their men.”

The quote means that skillful leaders of old knew how to use tactics of division and disruption
to weaken their enemies and gain an advantage in battle. They knew how to create a gap or
wedge between the enemy’s front and rear forces, which can disrupt the enemy’s ability to
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coordinate and work together. They also knew how to prevent the enemy’s large and small
divisions from collaborating and to block the good troops from coming to the aid of the bad ones,
or the officers from rallying their men. Essentially, the quote suggests that skillful leaders can
use tactics of division and disruption to create confusion, chaos, and isolation among their
enemies.

16. “When the enemy's men were united, they managed to keep them in disorder.”

The meaning of the quote is that a good general should be able to disrupt the enemy’s unity
and cohesion, and take advantage of any opportunity to attack or retreat. The quote implies that
the enemy’s men are not loyal or disciplined, and can be easily confused and demoralized by the
general’s tactics. The quote also suggests that the general should be flexible and adaptable, and
not stick to a fixed plan.

17. “When it was to their advantage, they made a forward move; when otherwise, they stopped
still.”

Mei Yao-ch`en connects this with the foregoing: "Having succeeded in thus dislocating the
enemy, they would push forward in order to secure any advantage to be gained; if there was no
advantage to be gained, they would remain where they were."

18. “If asked how to cope with a great host of the enemy in orderly array and on the point of
marching to the attack, I should say: "Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds
dear; then he will be amenable to your will.”

Opinions differ as to what Sun Tzu had in mind. Ts`ao Kung thinks it is "some strategical
advantage on which the enemy is depending." Tu Mu says: "The three things which an enemy is
anxious to do, and on the accomplishment of which his success depends, are: (1) to capture our
favorable positions; (2) to ravage our cultivated land; (3) to guard his own communications." Our
object then must be to thwart his plans in these three directions and thus render him helpless. [Cf.
III. ss. 3.] By boldly seizing the initiative in this way, you at once throw the other side on the
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defensive.

19. “Rapidity is the essence of war.”

This is a quote from the ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu, who wrote the famous
book The Art of War. The quote is from Chapter 11, which deals with the nine situations or types
of terrain that a general may encounter in war. The quote is part of Sun Tzu’s answer to the
question of how to deal with a large and well-organized enemy army that is about to attack. Sun
Tzu’s advice is to seize something that the enemy values highly, such as a strategic position, a
vital resource, or a key ally. By doing so, the general can force the enemy to change their plans,
disrupt their morale, and make them more willing to negotiate or surrender. Sun Tzu believed
that the best way to win a war was to avoid direct confrontation and use deception, surprise, and
intelligence to outsmart the enemy. The meaning of the quote is that speed and surprise are key
elements of successful warfare. The idea is to take advantage of the enemy’s lack of
preparedness by using unexpected tactics and attacking vulnerable areas. This can allow you to
gain an advantage over the enemy and achieve victory in battle12

20. “The following are the principles to be observed by an invading force: The further you
penetrate into a country, the greater will be the solidarity of your troops, and thus the defenders
will not prevail against you”

The meaning of the quote is that when an army invades a foreign country, it should go as deep
as possible into the enemy’s territory, because this will make the soldiers more united and loyal
to their cause, and less likely to desert or defect. The quote also implies that the defenders will be
less motivated and effective, because they will have to deal with the invaders on their own soil,
and may lose confidence and morale. The quote suggests that the best way to conquer a country
is to strike at its heart and core, rather than its borders and peripheries12 You can read more
about the nine situations and other aspects of Sun Tzu’s military philosophy in the following
links: The Nine Situations, Sun Tzu on the Art of War.
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21. “Make forays in fertile country in order to supply your army with food.”

The meaning of the quote is that it is important for an army to have a reliable source of food
in order to sustain itself during military campaigns. To achieve this, Sun Tzu advises making
forays (raids or incursions) into fertile areas where there is an abundance of food, in order to
secure a supply for the army. This strategy is intended to help ensure that the army has the
resources it needs to continue fighting, rather than being forced to rely on the limited resources
of a barren or inhospitable region123.

22. “Carefully study the well-being of your men. And do not overtax them. Concentrate your
energy and hoard your strength.”

Ch`en recalls the line of action adopted in 224 B.C. by the famous general Wang Chien,
whose military genius largely contributed to the success of the First Emperor. He had invaded
the Ch`u State, where a universal levy was made to oppose him. But, being doubtful of the
temper of his troops, he declined all invitations to fight and remained strictly on the defensive. In
vain did the Ch`u general try to force a battle: day after day Wang Chien kept inside his walls
and would not come out, but devoted his whole time and energy to winning the affection and
confidence of his men. He took care that they should be well fed, sharing his own meals with
them, provided facilities for bathing, and employed every method of judicious indulgence to
weld them into a loyal and homogenous body. After some time had elapsed, he told off certain
persons to find out how the men were amusing themselves. The answer was, that they were
contending with one another in putting the weight and long-jumping. When Wang Chien heard
that they were engaged in these athletic pursuits, he knew that their spirits had been strung up to
the required pitch and that they were now ready for fighting. By this time the Ch`u army, after
repeating their challenge again and again, had marched away eastwards in disgust. The Ch`in
general immediately broke up his camp and followed them, and in the battle that ensued they
were routed with great slaughter. Shortly afterwards, the whole of Ch`u was conquered by Ch`in,
and the king Fu-ch`u led into captivity.

23. “Throw your soldiers into positions whence there is no escape, and they will prefer death to
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flight. If they will face death, there is nothing they may not achieve.”

Chang Yu quotes his favorite Wei Liao Tzu (ch. 3): "If one man were to run amok with a
sword in the market-place, and everybody else tried to get our of his way, I should not allow that
this man alone had courage and that all the rest were contemptible cowards. The truth is, that a
desperado and a man who sets some value on his life do not meet on even terms." Officers and
men alike will put forth their uttermost strength. # Chang Yu says: "If they are in an awkward
place together, they will surely exert their united strength to get out of it."