9.9

Chapter: The Army on the March

9.9

Translation:

In dry, level country, take up an easily accessible position with rising ground to your right and on your rear, so that the danger may be in front, and safety lie behind. So much for campaigning in flat country.

Commentary

The easiest of territories for marching is flat, dry ground, across which an army can travel quickly. Enemies can be seen from a distance and preparations made, for example by moving uphill to a stronger position.

The point about rising ground to the right and not the left seems likely to be relevant to a particular situation. In practice, either may be equally good or one preferred due to other terrain factors.