Priority

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Priority ("right of way") rules

The fencer on the right is lunging in an attempt to deliver an attack to his opponent's flank. (Click on the image to see the full size version for greater clarity.)Foil and sabre are governed by right of way rules, according to which the fencer who is the first to initiate an attack (by straightening the arm). Commonly but incorrectly it is said that the person who parries receives right of way. Instead, the person who parries must initiate an attack to gain right of way; parrying just eliminates the opponents right of way and grants the defender the right to make a riposte. In the event of a double touch (both fencers landing a hit at the same time), only the fencer who had right of way receives a point. These rules were adopted in the 18th century as part of teaching practice. Their main aim was to discourage careless tactics, which result in simultaneous hits and, in a real duel, would leave both participants dead (the least desirable outcome). In both sabre and foil, there are rules regarding what can be considered a properly executed attack or parry.

see fencing