Ground giving advantage to whichever side is in possession, is called ground of contention.
Ground to which either side has access, is called intersecting ground.
Ground between three provinces first possession of which enables the peoples of the earth to be controlled, is called path-ridden ground.
The interior of the enemy’s country with many of his fortified towns in rear, is called deeply-involved ground.
Mountain and forest, precipices, ravines, marsh and swamp, all places where passage is hard, are called difficult ground.
A narrow entrance and winding outlet, where a small number can oppose a large force, is called enclosed ground.
That ground where delay means disaster, is called death ground.
Wherefore, do not fight on distracting ground; do not linger on disturbing ground.
If the enemy be in possession of disputed ground, do not attack.
In intersecting ground, do not interrupt the highways.