军旁有险阻、潢井、蒹葭、小林、□①荟者，必谨覆索之，此伏奸之所处也。

If in the neighborhood of your camp there should be any hilly country, ponds surrounded by aquatic grass, hollow basins filled with reeds, or woods with thick undergrowth, they must be carefully routed out and searched; for these are places where men in ambush or insidious spies are likely to be lurking.

敌近而静者，恃其险也；

When the enemy is close at hand and remains quiet, he is relying on the natural strength of his position.

远而挑战者，欲人之进也；

When he keeps aloof and tries to provoke a battle, he is anxious for the other side to advance.

其所居易者，利也；

If his place of encampment is easy of access, he is tendering a bait.

众树动者，来也；众草多障者，疑也；

Movement amongst the trees of a forest shows that the enemy is advancing. The appearance of a number of screens in the midst of thick grass means that the enemy wants to make us suspicious.

鸟起者，伏也；兽骇者，覆也；

The rising of birds in their flight is the sign of an ambuscade. Startled beasts indicate that a sudden attack is coming.

尘高而锐者，车来也；卑而广者，徒来也；散而条达者，樵采也；少而往来者，营军也；

When there is dust rising in a high column, it is the sign of chariots advancing; when the dust is low, but spread over a wide area, it betokens the approach of infantry. When it branches out in different directions, it shows that parties have been sent to collect firewood. A few clouds of dust moving to and fro signify that the army is encamping.

辞卑而备者，进也；辞强而进驱者，退也；

Humble words and increased preparations are signs that the enemy is about to advance. Violent language and driving forward as if to the attack are signs that he will retreat.

轻车先出居其侧者，陈也；

When the light chariots come out first and take up a position on the wings, it is a sign that the enemy is forming for battle.

无约而请和者，谋也；

Peace proposals unaccompanied by a sworn covenant indicate a plot.

奔走而陈兵者，期也；

When there is much running about and the soldiers fall into rank, it means that the critical moment has come.

半进半退者，诱也；

When some are seen advancing and some retreating, it is a lure.

杖而立者，饥也；

When the soldiers stand leaning on their spears, they are faint from want of food.

汲而先饮者，渴也；

If those who are sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst.