Priority (fencing)
Priority or "right of way" is the method used in foil and sabre fencing to determine which fencer receives the point if both fencers land a valid hit at the same time (if both fencers land a valid hit at the same time in épée fencing, they both receive a point). Whoever is the first to point their sword (with a fully extended arm) at a valid target on the opponent's body prior to attacking has priority[1] or, in other words, the attack of an opponent must be dealt with first before beginning your own attack. [2]
From the attacker's point of view, priority may be lost by: bending your arm, hesitating, by missing the attack, by successfully completing the attack, or abandoning your attack. From the defender's point of view, priority of the attacker may be negated by parrying, beating the blade offline, or a prise de fer.[2]
If the attacker's attack has been parried and the defender makes an immediate simple riposte which is executed in one period of fencing time without withdrawing the arm, the attacker must beat or take the blade (a prise de fer) before they may remise (also known as a redoublement or reprise).[3]
[edit] See Also
[edit] References
- ^ "Fencing 101". En Garde! Detroit. Last accessed 12 Feb 2011.
- ^ a b Fencing Rules (September 2010 Edition): USA Fencing. United States Fencing Association. Sep 2010. Last accessed 12 Feb 2011.
- ^ "Fencing Rules - Validity and Priority of the Hit". Beauclerk Escrime: Fencing Club. 25 Feb 2006. Last accessed 12 Feb 2011.
