Chapter 12 · Attack by Fire · 火攻

Passage 12-3

凡火攻, 必因五火之變而應之. 火發于內, 則早應之于外. 火發而其兵靜者, 待而勿攻.

In fire attacks, respond according to the five variations. If fire breaks out inside the enemy camp, respond quickly from outside. If fire breaks out but the enemy remains calm—wait, do not attack.

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These passages from other chapters connect to the themes in Passage 12-3:

Swiftness of Decision Passage 11-35 是故政舉之日, 夷關折符, 無通其使, 厲於廊廟之上, 以誅... Sealing Enemy's Plans Passage 11-36 先其所愛, 微與之期, 賤墨隨敵, 以決戰事. 是故始如處女... Win First, Then Fight Passage 4-9 故善戰者, 立於不敗之地, 而不失敵之敗也. 是故勝兵先勝,... Turning the Indirect into Direct Passage 7-2 軍爭之難者, 以迂爲直, 以患爲利. 故迂其途, 而誘之以利... Knowing Terrain Alone Is Not Enough Passage 10-13 夫地形者兵之助也. 料敵制勝, 計險阨遠近, 上將之道也.... Command Without Numbers Passage 9-19 兵非益多也, 惟無武進, 足以倂力料敵, 取人而已. 夫惟無...

More from Chapter 12: Attack by Fire (火攻)

Passage 12-1: Sun Tzu said: There are five types of fire attack: 1. Burning personnel 2. Burni... Passage 12-2: Fire attacks require conditions and materials prepared in advance. There are pro... Passage 12-4: When the fire reaches full intensity, follow up if possible; if not, halt. Fire ... Passage 12-5: Set fire upwind; do not attack downwind. Daytime winds last; nighttime winds cea... Passage 12-6: Using fire to support attack shows brilliance. Using water to support attack sho... Passage 12-7: Winning battles and seizing objectives but failing to consolidate gains is disas... Passage 12-8: Do not move unless advantageous. Do not deploy unless there is gain. Do not figh... Passage 12-9: Anger can turn to joy; resentment can turn to delight. But a destroyed state can...