The rules of fencing can seem complex to the unititiated. The simplified versions given below give the essentials to have some idea what is going on when watching a fencing bout.

Fencing takes place on a 14 metre long by 1.5 - 2 metre wide piste.
Hits are judged by the electric scoring equipment but the referee makes the decisions on who, if either, scores. Bouts are first to 5 hits in the early part of individual competitions and to 15 hits in the later knockout stages. Team matches are now normally run on a relay system with each bout picking up the score where the last on left off. For teams of 3 the winner is the first to reach 45 hits.

Foil

Foil derives from the dueling weapon, the rapier or more specifically the short sword. It started in the XVIth century specifically as a sporting weapon - not to practise for its more deadly cousin. The lack of masks in the early days accounts for some of the foil rules mentioned below. These were intended to slow the actions for safety.

Target area :

Trunk of the body (including the back, which has increasing become a realistic target with modern techniques. This is covered with a lamé (electrically conductive) jacket.

Method :

Hit with the point only.

Rules :

Attacker has 'Right of Way' - i.e. the attacker can continue to attack until the defender avoids or clears the point with a parry or beat and scores if the opponent fails to parry before counter-attacking. Hits off the target area e.g. arm/mask serve only to prevent what follows from counting.

Epée

Epée, too, derives from the dueling weapon, the rapier or more specifically the short sword. It was only introduced as a sporting weapon in the XIXth century, as an attempt to return to the traditions of the duel with the real weapons. Thus, It is a heavier weapon than the foil.

Target area :

All of the body (no electric jackets used).

Method :

Hit with the point only.

Rules :

Closest to dueling, simply first to hit scores. In the case of double hits - both score.

Sabre

Sabre derives from the Cavalry weapon - in particular the Hungarian version. It is mainly a cutting weapon, although the point can be, and is, used to score. The reason for the upper body target is unclear, perhaps being the whim of an influential Italian professor at the turn of the last century.

Target area :

All of the body above the waist, which is covered with a lamé jacket, except hands (recent change for technical reasons) but including the head, the mask also being conductive.

Method :

A cutting weapon - i.e. hit with any part of the blade (Cut or point hits - but mainly cuts).

Rules :

Attacker has 'Right of Way' - i.e. the attacker can continue to attack until the defender clears the attack with a parry or beat or by getting out of the way. However, counter-attacks are more likely to be "in time" than at foil because the attacker might need an extra step to hit to body whilst himself being hit on the arm. Hits off target (hands/legs) do not register and therefore count as missing altogether.

So, if you fancy being the next D'Artagnan/Zorro or joining the increasing band of successful British fencers, like Richard Kruse and Louise Bond-Williams who had Britain's best performances for many years in the 2004 Olympics (Last 8 Last 16, respectively), and Alex O'Connell who won the 2005 World Cadet Sabre Championship, or the British Veterans who won 7 medals at the recent World Championships, for more detailed information about the sport - including how to start go to my Peter Baron Fencing pages or the club's beginner's page. If you are not lucky enough to be near to SFC, they contain information of finding a club, including links to other information sources such as the national body, BRITISH FENCING. That site also has more details of the history and rules of the sport.

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