THE ATTACK BY FIRE
50 questions available
Questions
According to Sun Tzu in Chapter 13, how many ways are there of attacking with fire?
View answer and explanationWhat is the first way of attacking with fire as described by Sun Tzu?
View answer and explanationWhich method is identified as the third way of attacking with fire?
View answer and explanationThe historical example of Ts'ao Ts'ao's destruction of Yuan Shao's wagons and impedimenta in 200 A.D. illustrates which type of fire attack?
View answer and explanationAccording to Tu Yu's interpretation in the T'UNG TIEN, what is the method for hurling dropping fire amongst the enemy, the fifth type of fire attack?
View answer and explanationWhich of the following is suggested by the commentator Tu Mu as material for raising fire?
View answer and explanationWhat condition defines the 'proper season' for making attacks with fire?
View answer and explanationWhich of the following is NOT one of the four stellar mansions mentioned as indicating special days for starting a conflagration?
View answer and explanationIn attacking with fire, how many possible developments should one be prepared to meet?
View answer and explanationAccording to the first of the five possible developments, what should be the immediate response when fire breaks out inside the enemy's camp?
View answer and explanationWhat is the advised course of action if an outbreak of fire occurs, but the enemy's soldiers remain quiet?
View answer and explanationBased on the advice for the second development (when the enemy remains quiet during a fire), what is the prime object of attacking with fire?
View answer and explanationUnder the third development, when should you follow up with an attack after the force of the flames has reached its height?
View answer and explanationAccording to the fourth development, what should a commander do if it is possible to make an assault with fire from without?
View answer and explanationThe commentary mentions which famous general as having once baffled a fire attack from the leader of the Hsiung-nu by preemptively burning all combustible vegetation?
View answer and explanationWhat critical mistake led to the defeat of Po-ts'ai, a general of the Yellow Turban rebels, in 184 A.D.?
View answer and explanationAccording to the fifth development, when you start a fire, where should your forces be positioned?
View answer and explanationWhat is Tu Mu's explanation for why a commander should not attack from the leeward?
View answer and explanationWhat does the text in Chapter 13 state about the duration of a wind that rises in the daytime?
View answer and explanationIn every army, besides knowing the five developments of fire, what else must be done?
View answer and explanationWhat is Chang Yu's interpretation of the need to be knowledgeable about fire attacks, as mentioned in the commentary for point 12?
View answer and explanationHow does Sun Tzu describe those who use fire as an aid to the attack?
View answer and explanationWhat is the primary limitation of using water as an aid to an attack compared to fire, according to the text and commentary?
View answer and explanationThe commentary quotes Wu Tzu comparing fire and water attacks. In what type of terrain does Wu Tzu say an army may be 'exterminated by fire'?
View answer and explanationWhat fate is said to befall one who tries to win battles without cultivating the spirit of enterprise?
View answer and explanationHow do the commentators Ts'ao Kung and Tu Mu interpret the perplexing passage in point 15 about cultivating the spirit of enterprise?
View answer and explanationIn point 16, the text says, 'The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead; the good general cultivates his resources.' What does Tu Mu's quote from the SAN LUEH state will happen if faith decays?
View answer and explanationAccording to the principle laid out by Sun Tzu in point 17, under which of these conditions should a commander NOT fight?
View answer and explanationThe text advises to 'Move not unless you see an advantage'. How does the commentary compare this to the philosophy quoted from the TAO TE CHING?
View answer and explanationAccording to the principles in point 18, for what reason should a ruler NOT put troops into the field?
View answer and explanationThe text states, 'Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeeded by content.' What, in contrast, can never come again into being once it has been destroyed?
View answer and explanationThe commentary for point 21 notes that which state was 'destined to be a melancholy example' of the saying that a destroyed kingdom can never come again into being?
View answer and explanationWhat is the final advice given in Chapter 13 as 'the way to keep a country at peace and an army intact'?
View answer and explanationThe commentary provides a long anecdote about which historical figure using a fire attack against Hsiung-nu envoys while on a diplomatic mission to Shan-shan?
View answer and explanationIn the story of Pan Ch'ao's fire attack on the Hsiung-nu camp, what signal did he arrange for the men with drums to act upon?
View answer and explanationIn the anecdote about Huang-fu Sung's victory at Ch'ang-she, what did he instruct his soldiers to bind together to use as torches?
View answer and explanationHow many developments connected with fire must be known in every army?
View answer and explanationThe text mentions four constellations where the moon's presence indicates days of rising wind. Which constellation is said to correspond roughly to Sagittarius?
View answer and explanationWhat is the second way of attacking with fire listed by Sun Tzu?
View answer and explanationWhat is the fourth method of attacking with fire according to Sun Tzu?
View answer and explanationWhich of the following is the fifth way of attacking with fire described in the chapter?
View answer and explanationWhich historical figure recommended a policy of periodical raids to burn the stores of grain of the rebellious population of Kiangnan, as mentioned in the commentary?
View answer and explanationAccording to the commentary in point 2, what must an army avail itself of to carry out a fire attack, in addition to having the necessary materials?
View answer and explanationWhat is the prescribed response to the first of the five possible developments: 'When fire breaks out inside to enemy's camp'?
View answer and explanationIn the anecdote about the siege of Ch'ang-she, for what purpose did Huang-fu Sung's men start the fire with loud shouts and yells?
View answer and explanationAccording to Ts'ao Kung's note on point 14, what is the key difference in the destructive capability of water versus fire?
View answer and explanationIn the commentary for point 15, what does Tu Mu say is the consequence if a commander fails to advance and reward the deserving?
View answer and explanationFor what reason should a general NOT fight a battle, according to point 18?
View answer and explanationIn the final section of the chapter, what does the text state can never be brought back to life?
View answer and explanationIn the story of Pan Ch'ao's perilous diplomatic mission, he exclaims, 'Never venture, never win!' What does the footnote explain this classic saying translates to?
View answer and explanation