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Sun Tsu Trivia Quizzes

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The name Sun Tsu (also written as Sun Tzu or Sunzi) translates into English as Master Sun. This ancient Chinese general and philosopher is credited with writing one of the most influential books about military and political strategy, 'The Art of War', in the fifth century BCE.
3 Sun Tsu quizzes and 55 Sun Tsu trivia questions.
1.
  The Art of War Part 1   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 25 Qns
This is the classic work by Sun Tsu. It is amazing how much impact this little book has had. There are a few questions about Sun Tzu himself.
Average, 25 Qns, tralfaz, Aug 25 18
Average
tralfaz
428 plays
2.
  The Art Of War    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
Sun Tzu's masterpiece of strategy is still classified as the definitive piece of war literature. How much do you know of this "artful" work?
Tough, 15 Qns, Rage_of_Twitch, Nov 28 12
Tough
Rage_of_Twitch
397 plays
3.
  "The Art of War": The Classic Book of Life    
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
Sun-Tzu's, "The Art of War" is fundamental in understanding the enemy. How much do you know about the strategy of life and war? All questions and answers come from "The Art of War" translated by John Minford, 2002.
Tough, 15 Qns, erin76, Feb 17 22
Tough
erin76
Feb 17 22
207 plays
trivia question Quick Question
Chapter XII: "Attack By Fire" - All fire attacks depend on what?

From Quiz "The Art Of War"




Related Topics
  Non-Fiction [Literature] (87 quizzes)

  War Literature [Literature] (9 quizzes)


Sun Tsu Trivia Questions
1. The Author: Sun Tsu was a general in what kingdom?

From Quiz The Art of War Part 1

Answer: Wu

Sun Tsu lived around 500BC. He was undefeated for two decades, but after he died the army moved away from his ideas. In 453BC, the Kingdom of Wu was conquered and ceased to exist.

2. When was "The Art Of War" written?

From Quiz The Art Of War

Answer: c. 500 B.C.

Although an exact date is cloudy, Sun Tzu's work is generally accepted to have been written around 500 B.C. and is still considered the definitive work on strategy, even in modern times.

3. According to Sun-Tzu, what is the best way to be victorious?

From Quiz "The Art of War": The Classic Book of Life

Answer: No battle at all

Sun-Tzu says these things: "Always take an army intact rather than destroy it. The lowest form of war is siege warfare. Ultimate excellence lies in defeating the enemy without ever fighting."

4. The Author: There is a famous story where Sun Tsu executed which members of the King's household?

From Quiz The Art of War Part 1

Answer: Concubines

The King wanted to test Sun Tsu's theories, so he put 180 ladies of the household into two companies with his two favorite concubines in charge of the companies. When Sun Tsu gave his first command, the ladies started laughing. He explained that if the orders are not carried out because they are unclear, it is the general's fault. He gave the order again and the ladies laughed. He explained that if the orders are not carried out but they are clear, it is the officers' fault. The two concubines were executed and replaced. The ladies did the rest of the drill flawlessly.

5. In war, what is the best way to fight if you outnumber the enemy ten to one, in the opinion of Sun-Tzu?

From Quiz "The Art of War": The Classic Book of Life

Answer: Surround the enemy

When both sides are evenly matched, surround him on all four sides. This way the enemy cannot escape or receive reinforcements.

6. Chapter II: "Waging War" - Why do troops slay the enemy?

From Quiz The Art Of War

Answer: They are enraged

The lowest common denominator seems to be the reason behind brutal attacks on an enemy. When T'ien Tan's troops butchered their prisoners, he knew they were ready for battle, and devastated Yen, his enemy.

7. The Author: What was the first foreign kingdom that Sun Tsu defeated?

From Quiz The Art of War Part 1

Answer: Chu

Sun Tsu defeated the Chu army and captured its capital Ying. This conquest continued into the Kingdom of Yueh. It was during this war that Sun Tsu died.

8. Chapter III: "Offensive Strategy" - What is of supreme importance in war?

From Quiz The Art Of War

Answer: Attack the enemy's strategy

To be able to win a war without fighting is the pinnacle of skill. By resolving difficulties before they occur and attacking plans at their inception, you are able to limit or even completely eliminate your enemy's options, ensuring a victory.

9. According to Sun-Tzu, simulated weakness is based on what?

From Quiz "The Art of War": The Classic Book of Life

Answer: Strength

Acting weak in order to make the enemy over confident requires that you have tremendous strength.

10. The Book: When was "The Art of War" first translated into English?

From Quiz The Art of War Part 1

Answer: 1905

This seminal work was unknown in Europe for 2000 years. It was translated into French by Father Amiot in 1782. It then took over 100 years before P. F. Calthrop would translate this book into English.

11. According to Sun-Tzu, war is founded on deception. What is movement determined by?

From Quiz "The Art of War": The Classic Book of Life

Answer: Advantage

Only move when there is an advantage. It is better to stay in one place than make a futile attack.

12. The Book: How many chapters does this book have?

From Quiz The Art of War Part 1

Answer: 13

Even with large print, small pages, and translator's notes, this book is only 73 pages. Compare this with the Occidental version - Carl von Clausewitz's "On War" written in 1832 at 464 pages.

13. Chapter V: "Energy" - What type of force should be used in engaging, and what type in winning?

From Quiz The Art Of War

Answer: Normal to engage, extraordinary to win

While engaging the enemy, strategy and regular power is needed, but to ensure victory, extraordinary power is required to vanquish and conquer.

14. The Book: During the Cold War, what country made "The Art of War" mandatory reading at its military academy?

From Quiz The Art of War Part 1

Answer: The Soviet Union

It is very clear from reading "The Art of War" that the United States' military was unfamiliar with the principles in this book during the Vietnam War.

15. Chapter VI: "Weaknesses and Strengths" - Those skilled in war do what to the enemy on the field of battle?

From Quiz The Art Of War

Answer: They bring the enemy to the field of battle

It is always advantageous to bring the enemy to the field of battle. When you do, you have begun to already dictate his movements, which allows for your strategy to take shape.

16. The concept of confronting chaos with discipline, and treating tumult with calm is called what?

From Quiz "The Art of War": The Classic Book of Life

Answer: Mastery of Mind

The "Mastery of Mind" allows one to remain calm in the midst of chaotic events. Remaining calm in the face of adversity allows the mind to concentrate more on the strategy of winning.

17. The Book: Sun Tsu often uses the unit of length called a "li". How many modern li are in a mile?

From Quiz The Art of War Part 1

Answer: 2.78

The modern li is thought to be close to the measurement of the ancient one. Incidently, 1 li = 0.58 Km.

18. Chapter VII: "Manoevre" - War is based on what?

From Quiz The Art Of War

Answer: Deception

By use of misinformation, spies, and rapid changes in the situation, the main goal is to make your opponent believe the opposite of what you intend.

19. Chapter VIII: "The Nine Variables" - What is NOT a dangerous quality in a general?

From Quiz The Art Of War

Answer: Fear

Fear is always present, but to persevere in the face of fear is courage; to allow it to make you hesitate is cowardice. The five dangerous qualities of a general are: Recklessness, Cowardice, Quick-temperment, a delicate sense of honor, and Compassion.

20. What does Sun-Tzu say you should do in a deadlock, where no side finds it advantageous to move?

From Quiz "The Art of War": The Classic Book of Life

Answer: Lure the enemy out by retreating

If the enemy refuses to move, pretend to retreat and lure him out. When half of his troops are out, that is the moment to strike.

21. Chapter 1, "Laying Plans": All warfare is based on ________ .

From Quiz The Art of War Part 1

Answer: Deception

Sun Tsu was a firm believer in giving his enemy false intelligence. He recognized that his famous quote "Know your enemy and yourself . . ." also works in reverse.

22. What does Sun-Tzu say will be the result when common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak?

From Quiz "The Art of War": The Classic Book of Life

Answer: Insubordination

If the commanding officers are weak, soldiers will not respect them and will readily disobey orders.

23. Chapter 1, "Laying Plans": How many applications of the five constant factors does Sun Tsu say to examine?

From Quiz The Art of War Part 1

Answer: 7

What ruler has the Moral Law? Which general has the most ability? Which side gains the advantage of Heaven and Earth? Which side is better disciplined? Which army is stronger? Which side has the better system of rewards/punishments?

24. Chapter X: "Terrain" - When the officers are valiant and the troops ineffective, the army is...

From Quiz The Art Of War

Answer: In distress

If the troops are weak, the efforts of the officers will be in vain. Any orders given may be strategically beneficial, but without an effective army to carry them out, they will fall into chaos.

25. Chapter XI: "The Nine Varieties Of Ground" - The troops of those adept at war are used like the "Spontaneously Responding" what type of animal?

From Quiz The Art Of War

Answer: Snake

Constant attacks even while being attacked are the basis for this analogy. Although a scorpion would seem to make more sense, the snake is used so that when the tail is attacked, the head strikes; when struck on the head, the tail attacks; and when struck in the middle, both head and tail attack.

26. What does Sun-Tzu say is the best way to confront a large enemy?

From Quiz "The Art of War": The Classic Book of Life

Answer: Seize something he cherishes

This can refer to seizing a strategic advantage which the enemy depends on. Or it can refer to any person or thing of importance to the enemy. One should begin by debilitating the enemy rather than by accepting a direct engagement.

27. Chapter XII: "Attack By Fire" - All fire attacks depend on what?

From Quiz The Art Of War

Answer: Weather conditions

Hot, scorching days are the best times to attack by fire. Also, wind conditions, snow, rain, and a myriad of other weather conditions can affect fire attacks. Sun Tzu says you should only attack with fire on suitable times to ensure an effective attack.

28. Chapter 2, "On Waging War": Why does Sun Tsu believe in foraging off the enemy?

From Quiz The Art of War Part 1

Answer: It costs the enemy food

Sun Tsu believed in making life hard on the enemy. He recognized that war was also a battle of economies and that to win, one had to make war costly for the enemy.

29. Chapter 2, "On Waging War": When spoils are captured, who should get them?

From Quiz The Art of War Part 1

Answer: The soldiers

It is the prospect of getting the spoils of war that provides an incentive for the common soldier to fight. He also believed that captured prisoners should be used as an addition to one's own forces.

30. What is the one aspect of war that Sun Tzu does NOT refer to in "The Art Of War"?

From Quiz The Art Of War

Answer: Cavalry

Cavalry was not a branch of any Chinese army until around 320 BC when King Wu Ling of Chao State introduced it. Therefore, it does not merit even a passing mention in Sun Tzu's work.

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