The Chu army had the numerical advantage but with the exception of the King's personal guard, it was in poor condition.

Following Luan Shu's advice, the Jin army took a defensive posture instead of going on the offensive.

By dawn the Jin armies were deployed behind a marsh and ditch, which impeded Chu troops.

Fen Huang, a Jin officer, pointed out that the best Chu troops in the center were bogged down by the marsh, leaving the flanks to be held only by badly disciplined 'wild tribes of the south'.

Although the Chu King's life was endangered a couple of times, Jin officers let him escape as a sign of respect.