Fencing is contested with three weapons. Foil: a light thrusting weapon with a torso-only target and right-of-way rules — the most technical and tactical. Épée: a heavier thrusting weapon with a whole-body target and no right-of-way (first to hit scores, simultaneous hits count for both) — the most duel-like. Sabre: a cutting-and-thrusting weapon with a target above the waist and right-of-way — the fastest and most aggressive. Each weapon has its own technique, tactics and culture, and most competitive fencers specialise in one.
Key points
- Foil: torso, point, right-of-way
- Épée: whole body, point, no right-of-way
- Sabre: above waist, cut & thrust, right-of-way
- Most fencers specialise in one
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Open the Fencing Weapons Guide: Foil, Épée & Sabre →