Passage 8-4
故將通於九變之利者, 知用兵矣. 將不通于九變之利, 雖知地形, 不能得地之利矣.
The general who masters the advantages of the nine variations understands warfare. One who does not—though he knows the terrain—cannot gain its advantages.
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These passages from other chapters connect to the themes in Passage 8-4:
Do Not Press a Cornered Enemy
Passage 7-15
故用兵之法, 高陵勿向, 背丘勿逆, 佯北勿從, 銳卒勿攻,...
Deep Penetration
Passage 11-27
聚三軍之衆, 投之於險, 此將軍之事也. 九地之變, 屈伸之...
Quiet, Inscrutable, Upright
Passage 11-23
故善用兵者, 攜手若使一人, 不得已也.
Leading Without Destination
Passage 11-26
帥與之期, 如登高而去其梯, 帥與之深, 入諸侯之地而發其機...
Control the Troops
Passage 11-33
犯之以事, 勿告以言. 犯之以利, 勿告以害. 投之亡地然後...
The Skillful Strategist
Passage 3-6
將不勝其忿, 而蟻附之, 殺士三分之一, 而城不拔者, 此攻...