Laying Plans - The Art of War by Sun Tzu

I was reading through some of the texts of the Art of War by Sun Tzu and considered how some of the doctrines he wrote down applied to the current video gamer while playing some of the strategy war games which are now in fashion. I thought I would have a look at some of his texts and see whether they applied to the logic of the computer.



Sun Tzu is believed to have lived from around 544 BC to 496 BC, although there is still a lot of speculation as to these dates. Skilled in warfare matters he wrote The Art of War, the principals of which still hold true many centuries later.

I don't intend to take every one of his ideas and discuss them as that would become a book in its own right, rather I will just pick some of the more meaningful.

"All warfare is based on deception."

This is and always has been true, however if you were playing against a computer I doubt whether you would be able to deceive it. In general the software either reacts to your movements or has a reasonable predetermined plan which it follows, hence the reason why very often mass attacks don't occur until you reach a point within the map. Multiplayer against a human opponent would of course allow all types of deception, drawing another player into a well conceived trap.

"Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near."

Again the computer would be hard to fool in this respect; however it is generally possible into fooling the computer into starting its predetermined plan. Assault his base with all your forces and you will normally be overwhelmed, to be followed by a devastating attack on your base. But if you attack with a smaller scouting force, whilst keep your main force in reserve in more favourable conditions, once his attack starts you should withdraw pulling him into your trap.

"Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him."

This follows on from the previous point, use your faster scouts to draw out his forces and pick them off individually rather than going in for a slogging match. Even better if you can draw them into some of your strong points.

"If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him."

It will be likely that the computer has already got a secure base and defended points. This usually allows the computer to start attacks from early on in the game. So build your base and be prepared to defend before you go and look for trouble. Don't stray too far into the map as you are sure to trigger a fatal attack.

"If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant."

This is just not going to work for a computer opponent, if nothing else they have no emotions and more often than not I think it is us that get irritated by computers.

"If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them."

Computer opponents usually have set attack plans, if you manage to repel the attack and you have enough in reserve then go after him, at this point he is probably weakest. Attack from two sides and try to split his force, if you can draw them into set positions all the better.

"Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected."

The computer is never really unprepared, but again his set plans will mean he defends set points on the map, so rather than going straight in try to get round his position and attack from the side or rear.

"These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand. "

I just assume you won't tell the computer what you are going to do and it is unlikely it would act on it even if you could.

If you enjoyed this little ramble please look out for the follow up articles.