The Art of War Summary BY Chapter

“Sun Tzu’s Art of War“, also known as “Sun Wu’s Art of War” and “Wu Sun Tzu’s Art of War”, was written around the turn of the Spring and Autumn Period , more than 2,500 years ago.It is the oldest military book in existence in China and the world, and it is also the earliest monographs on the history of military theory to form a system of strategy and tactics.

This masterpiece is no longer a war book in the simple sense. Sun Tzu’s ideas have been widely used not only in the modern military field, but also in various fields such as politics, economics, diplomacy, and sports.

“Sun Tzu’s Art of War” is divided into 13 chapters, about 6,000 words. The first 6 articles mainly discuss strategic issues, and the last 7 articles focus on specific tactics. Below is a summary of each chapter of Sun Tzu’s Art of War.

Summary of The Art of War Chapter 1 – LAYING PLANS

The first chapter of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is about “temple calculations”, i.e. comparing the conditions of the enemy and us in the “temple”, estimating the possibility of winning or losing a battle, and formulating a battle plan before going into battle.

It compares and analyses the political, military, monarchial and general conditions that determine the victory or defeat of a war from a macroscopic point of view, and predicts the course of the war and its final outcome, with particular emphasis on the decisive role of thorough planning before the use of troops in determining the victory or defeat of a war.

In this chapter, Sun Tzu puts forward his basic propositions for guiding war, the basic elements for predicting the victory or defeat of a war, as well as the essentials and stratagems for the use of military force.

All in all, “The Book of Strategies” emphasises the importance of “temple calculations” before the battle. Only through in-depth analyses and adequate pre-war preparations can victory in war be ensured. War is not only about military affairs, but also a highly complex game of strategy and wisdom.

Extended reading：The Art of War Chapter 1 – LAYING PLANS (Chinese-English)

Summary of The Art of War Chapter 2 – WAGING WAR

The second chapter of Sun Tzu’s Art of War, “WAGING WAR”, still belongs to the preparation and planning before war. In this chapter, Sun Tzu analyses the relationship between war and economy.

War is a feast that costs money, from mobilising troops to equipping weapons, every step of the way costs a huge amount of money. Sun Tzu emphasised that prolonged combat would weaken the fighting strength of the army, deplete the country’s financial resources and even lead to civil strife. Therefore, in war, what we should pursue is “兵贵胜，不贵久“(which means In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns) and we should strive for a quick victory and a quick decision. This is the true meaning of war and the core idea of Sun Tzu’s Art of War.

In a word, the second chapter “WAGING WAR” emphasises the importance of the principle of “In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaigns.“. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of war, and being good at applying the way of war, one can be invincible on the battlefield.

Extended reading：The Art of War Chapter 2 – WAGING WAR (Chinese-English)

Summary of The Art of War Chapter 3 – ATTACK BY STRATAGEM

In the third chapter of The Art of War, “ATTACK BY STRATAGEM”, Sun Tzu refers to his understanding of the purpose of war, war strategies and generalship.

The fundamental purpose of war is profit, so the best way to avoid the costs and risks of war is not to fight directly, but to use stratagems or make allies.

War is not about sacrificing oneself, but about defeating the enemy. Generals should try to preserve their armies and minimize the costs to gain benefits.

According to Sun Tzu, the highest state of war is to “subdue the enemy without fighting“.

In conclusion, Chapter 3″ATTACK BY STRATAGEM” emphasizes the importance of wisdom, moderation and optimal strategy in warfare. Do not start a war until you have no other choice.

Extended reading：The Art of War Chapter 3 – ATTACK BY STRATAGEM (Chinese-English)

Summary of The Art of War Chapter 4 – TACTICAL DISPOSITIONS

In the fourth chapter of Sun Tzu’s Art of War, “TACTICAL DISPOSITIONS,” an important element of war strategy that cannot be ignored is emphasized, namely, the analysis of situation and strength. The key to victory lies in ensuring that one’s situation is solid before waiting for the enemy to make a breakthrough in order to achieve victory.

Winning or losing a war depends on the situation and strength, not on assumptions. Understanding the contrasting strengths of the two sides, the terrain, the resources, etc., is the basis for formulating a strategy.

In war, the first thing to do is to make sure that you are invincible, even if there is no obvious chance of victory, but also to maintain the defense, so as not to allow the enemy to take advantage of the opportunity. Then wait patiently for the opportunity to win.

This chapter of Sun Tzu’s Art of War emphasizes the comprehensive analysis of the battle situation and strength, and the formulation of strategy by reasonably judging the advantages and disadvantages of the situation and strength, so as to realize that undefeatability is the first thing to do, in order to wait for the enemy’s winnability, and to lay the foundation of victory in war.

Extended reading：The Art of War Chapter 4 – TACTICAL DISPOSITIONS (Chinese-English)

Summary of The Art of War Chapter 5 – Energy

War is not only about the number of fighters and the level of equipment (hardware level), but also about “Energy” – strategy and tactics (software level).

According to Sun Tzu, the “Energy” includes the following aspects:

Improving the management and command level of the army and boosting morale.

In battle, both peculiar and positive strategies have their roles to play. Generals who are good at utilizing peculiar strategies are able to constantly create new opportunities for battle.

In battle, be adept at changing the real and the imaginary so that the enemy will find it difficult to grasp your true intentions.

Understand the enemy’s movement, so as to adjust your own strategy, will use the enemy’s action to achieve their own goals.

Be adept at using strategy to control the enemy’s actions.

Overall, the chapter emphasizes the importance of flexibility, creativity and tactical skill in war and how to make good use of different strategies to gain an advantage. The core idea of Sun Tzu’s Art of War is to win with less, to win with wisdom, and to achieve maximum victory at minimum cost.

Extended reading：The Art of War Chapter 5 – Energy (Chinese-English)

Summary of The Art of War Chapter 6 – WEAK POINTS AND STRONG

The chapter of “WEAK POINTS AND STRONG” focuses on the strategic idea of “avoiding the strong point and striking the weak point”, aiming at obtaining the initiative in war. Sun Tzu emphasizes that a good warrior should be able to bring the enemy into an unknown situation, grasp the first opportunity without letting the enemy know his own intention, and realize the strategic goal of “bringing the enemy into a situation without bringing ourself into a situation”. The situation of war is ever-changing, and the key to victory is to be good at responding flexibly to such changes and seizing the initiative.

Extended reading：Summary of The Art of War Chapter 6 – WEAK POINTS AND STRONG

Summary of The Art of War Chapter 7 – MANEUVERING

This chapter discusses how to contend for victory in a stalemate situation between the enemy and us, and in order to contend for victory, it is necessary to grasp the favorable conditions for winning.

The core idea of contending with the enemy for favorable conditions is to use a detour as a straight path, and a problem as a benefit. In the confrontation between the enemy and us, the ability to quickly change the strategy, the unfavorable situation into favorable conditions, is the key to victory or defeat.

In short, in war, “fast” and “change” are the keys to victory. In the confrontation between the enemy and us, we should skillfully utilize the enemy’s weaknesses, and be good at quickly changing strategies to seize the first opportunity.

Extended reading：The Art of War Chapter 7 – MANEUVERING (Chinese-English)

Summary of The Art of War Chapter 8 – VARIATION IN TACTICS

In this chapter, Sun Tzu provides a wise discussion of the strategies that generals should adopt in ten different war situations and describes five dangerous behaviors of generals who use troops on the battlefield.

He emphasizes that generals should remain flexible and resourceful in the unpredictable battlefield situation. Only by taking into account both the benefits and the harms can a general be able to maneuver freely on the battlefield, take advantage of the situation, and achieve victory.

Extended reading：The Art of War Chapter 8 – VARIATION IN TACTICS

Summary of The Art of War Chapter 9 – THE ARMY ON THE MARCH

This chapter is about the methods and strategies of how to place the army, analyze the enemy situation, and how to deal with various complicated terrains during marching and fighting.

In this one, Sun Tzu proposed as many as 31 methods of observing and judging the enemy situation, which were very specific and provided the basis for generals to accurately judge and flexibly deal with the enemy situation.

Sun Tzu also emphasized the principle of organizing an army with both morality and discipline. A combination of beneficence and benevolence and punishment were utilized to gain the love and obedience of soldiers.

Extended reading：The Art of War Chapter 9 – THE ARMY ON THE MARCH (Chinese-English)

Summary of The Art of War Chapter 10 – Terrain

In the ancient age of weaponry, close quarter engagements, a good grasp of the terrain was crucial, much like in today’s sports competitions, where there is all the talk of home field advantage, which is the importance of mastering the terrain and making sure that you are familiar with every part of the battlefield.

In this piece, Sun Tzu analyzes in detail the battle strategies under six different types of terrain, emphasizing the need for generals to be familiar with the terrain and to make good use of the wisdom of the terrain. At the same time, Sun Tzu also puts forward the famous idea of “If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you know Heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete.”.

In short, the chapter on terrain emphasizes the decisive role of terrain in war and the importance of generals’ wisdom to make flexible use of the terrain in order to achieve victory.

Extended reading：The Art of War Chapter 10 – Terrain (Chinese-English)

Summary of The Art of War Chapter 11 – THE NINE SITUATIONS

Sun Tzu’s The Art of War “The Nine Situations” profoundly discusses the effects of different terrains on the battlefield and the ways to cope with them, forming the principles of fighting in nine types of terrains and the methods of utilizing troops.

In addition, Sun Tzu also emphasized the flexible use of strategy according to the battlefield situation, seizing the enemy’s weaknesses and choosing the most advantageous way of fighting. In addition, we have to be good at concealing our intentions, so as to prevent the enemy from knowing our true intentions.

In short, the chapter of “The Nine Situations” emphasizes the important influence of terrain on the battlefield and the strategic principle of wisdom to win. In war, only by utilizing wisdom, going beyond the norm, and adapting flexibly, can we win.

Extended reading：The Art of War Chapter 11 – THE NINE SITUATIONS (Chinese-English)

Summary of The Art of War Chapter 13 – THE USE OF SPIES

Sun Tzu summarized five fire attack strategies as well as the principles of implementing a fire attack, which provided valuable experience in the use of wisdom on the battlefield. Sun Tzu says that fire attacks are effective, but they need to be supplemented by water attacks in order to strengthen the offensive, which in this case is to cut off the enemy’s water supply.

Sun Tzu emphasized strategic prudence and deliberation; unfavorable battles should not be fought rashly, but actions should be launched at favorable times. War should be based on national interests and strategic needs; battles unfavorable to the country and its people should be avoided, and personal grievances should not lead to the destruction of the country.

These principles are not only applicable to ancient wars, but also provide important insights into modern strategy-making and military operations. Fire attack, as a strategic tool, still plays an important role in modern wars and helps to develop more targeted strategies.

Extended reading：The Art of War Chapter 12 – THE ATTACK BY FIRE (Chinese-English)

Summary of The Art of War Chapter 13 – THE ATTACK BY FIRE

In this passage, Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of knowing yourself and knowing your enemies. Instead of relying on gods or superstition, we use spies to obtain real-time enemy information and lay the foundation for formulating strategies. Wise kings and capable generals can make full use of spies to achieve victory.

Sun Tzu suggests five ways to use spies. Through different ways of spying, one can obtain enemy information, interfere with enemy plans, and play a role in outsmarting the enemy to win.

Sun Tzu emphasized the importance of spies, pointing out that the use and utilization of spies is the key to victory. Not only should one know how to use spies, but one should also focus on rewarding, trusting and treating spies well, which is the key to military victory.

Extended reading：The Art of War Chapter 12 – THE ATTACK BY FIRE (Chinese-English)

The above is the summary of Chapter 13 of Sun Tzu’s Art of War. In general, this work emphasizes the overall concept, careful planning, and focuses on full preparation and strategic planning before war. It teaches people to use their forces flexibly, to be good at controlling enemies according to their needs, to avoid unnecessary conflicts, to seize opportunities, to choose the right battlefield, to use psychological tactics to disintegrate enemy morale, and to emphasize the use of intelligence and espionage to make wise decisions. In addition, “Sun Tzu’s Art of War” also emphasizes the rational use of weapons and technology, and uses the concept of virtuality and reality to create illusions to confuse the enemy in order to gain an advantageous position in war.

This ancient military classic not only provides valuable insights into war strategies, but also embodies wisdom in all areas of life. In concise and profound words, it teaches principles of dealing with things, leadership wisdom and methods of staying calm in adversity.

When was the art of war written?

The Art of War, also known as Sun Zi, Sun Wu’s Art of War, and Wu Sun Zi’s Art of War, is an ancient Chinese book of war written by Sun Wu (孙武), at the end of the Spring and Autumn Period.

It is generally believed that “The Art of War” was written between 515 BC and 512 BC（about 2500 years ago）. The book has thirteen chapters. It was a gift given by Sun Wu to the King of Wu when they first met. It took Sun Tzu three years to write The Art of War. He was about 33 years old at this time.

Who is Sun Tzu(Sun Wu)?

Sun Wu, respectfully known as Sun Tzu, was a Chinese military general, strategist, and philosopher during the Spring and Autumn Period of China. Sun Tzu is traditionally considered the author of The Art of War, an influential work on military strategy that influenced Western and East Asian philosophy and military thought.

If you are interested in the life history of the author Sun Tzu, welcome to read this article——Who is Sun Tzu? A brief introduction to Sun Tzu’s life.

Sun Tzu The Art of War quotes

“Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak.”
— Sun Tzu

“Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting. “
— Sun Tzu

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. “
— Sun Tzu

Extended reading：The meaning of Sun Tzu’s quote Know the enemy and know yourself

Additionally, I have summarized 32 Sun Tzu’s The Art of War quotes that often appear in political figures or TV series.

The Art of War book

If you want to have a deeper understanding of Sun Tzu’s Art of War, you can read the full text of The Art of War (in Chinese and English). If you concentrate on reading this book, it will only take you 2-3 hours to finish. Of course, you can also download the PDF version of Sun Tzu’s Art of War book (English only) and read it at your leisure.