If a pass is already occupied by the enemy, under what specific condition is it permissible to attack?
Explanation
This question assesses the understanding of the nuances in the tactical advice for 'narrow passes'. While generally advising against attacking an occupied pass, it provides a key exception based on the garrison's strength.
Other questions
How many kinds of terrain are distinguished at the beginning of Chapter 11?
What type of ground is described as being traversable by both sides?
On 'entangling ground', under what condition is it advised to 'sally forth and defeat' the enemy?
What is the recommended action when facing an enemy on 'temporizing ground' who offers an attractive bait?
If an enemy has already occupied 'precipitous heights' before you, what is the advised course of action?
What is identified as one of the six calamities of an army, resulting from the common soldiers being too strong and their officers too weak?
According to the text, which calamity occurs when a general, unable to estimate the enemy's strength, allows an inferior force to engage a larger one?
What is the calamity that results when higher officers are angry and insubordinate, and give battle on their own account?
What is the described outcome when officers are too strong and common soldiers are too weak?
The text states that a general who 'advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace' is considered what?
What does the text advise a general to do to ensure his soldiers will follow him into the deepest valleys and stand by him even unto death?
Under what circumstance does the text warn that soldiers must be likened to 'spoilt children' and are 'useless for any practical purpose'?
According to the text, a general is only 'halfway towards victory' if he knows his own men can attack and that the enemy is open to attack, but is unaware of what?
To make victory 'complete', what two additional factors must a general know, besides knowing the enemy and knowing himself?
What is the primary characteristic of 'disorganization' as one of the six calamities?
In the anecdote of P'ei Hsing-chien, why did he order his army to move camp from a fortified position to a nearby hill?
In the anecdote about P'ei Hsing-chien and the flood, what was the depth of the water that flooded the army's former encampment?
According to the text, what is defined as 'the soldier's best ally'?
What does the text describe as 'the test of a great general'?
In the anecdote concerning the general Wu Ch'i, what action did he take that caused a soldier's mother to wail and lament?
What is the primary reason given for why fighting is to your disadvantage if you are situated at a great distance from an enemy of equal strength?
The calamity of 'flight' is described as the result of what specific action?
In the anecdote about Lu Meng in 219 A.D., why did he order the summary execution of a fellow-townsman?
What is the recommended tactic on 'accessible ground'?
Which of the six calamities is caused by a general's weakness, unclear orders, and no fixed duties for officers and men?
What is the key feature of 'temporizing ground'?
The text advises a general to fight if victory is sure, even if the ruler forbids it. What is the corresponding advice if fighting will NOT result in victory?
What year is cited for the anecdote about T'ien Pu and his insubordinate soldiers who rode donkeys around the camp?
If a general knows the enemy is open to attack, but is unaware that his own men are not in a condition to attack, what is the result?
What must an experienced soldier do to ensure that once he is in motion he is never bewildered, and once he has broken camp he is never at a loss?
Which historical figure's seizure of the heights of Wu-lao is cited as a turning point in his campaign in 621 A.D.?
Which of these is NOT listed as one of the six calamities arising from a general's faults?
What action is specifically blamed for the calamity of 'rout', besides allowing an inferior force to engage a larger one?
Which of the six terrain types is described as ground that 'can be abandoned but is hard to re-occupy'?
The general who has attained a responsible post must be careful to study the six calamities because they arise from what?
What is the consequence if a general knows his men are ready to attack, but is unaware that the enemy is not open to attack?
According to the commentary by Wang Hsi, what does the calamity 'ruin' imply about the general?
What is the main reason a general should treat his soldiers with indulgence, but also be able to enforce commands and quell disorder?
Which are the three principles that, when known and practiced in fighting, will lead to winning battles?
What is the recommended approach to an army situated on 'entangling ground' if the enemy is prepared and you fail to defeat them on your first sally?
What does Tu Mu's commentary say is the reason to retreat on 'temporizing ground'?
The six calamities of an army are attributed to faults for which who is responsible?
What is the recommended action regarding 'narrow passes' if you can occupy them first?
In the commentary for section 17 on 'Ruin', Wang Hsi's note suggests the calamity is caused by a general who is angry without cause and what other failing?
How is an army described if a general is indulgent and kind-hearted but unable to enforce commands or quell disorder?
What is the crucial difference between the calamities of 'collapse' and 'insubordination'?
According to the final saying in the chapter, knowing which two things allows a general to make his victory 'complete'?
What is the key danger associated with being situated at a 'great distance from the enemy' when the two armies are of equal strength?
The anecdote of Wu Ch'i sucking a soldier's abscess illustrates the principle that if you look upon your soldiers as your own beloved sons, they will do what?