The parry-riposte is the fundamental defensive-offensive sequence in fencing. A parry deflects the opponent’s incoming blade away from the target; the riposte is the immediate counter-attack that follows. In foil and sabre, a successful parry takes right-of-way, giving the defender priority to score with the riposte. Mastering a range of parries (covering different lines of attack) and fast, accurate ripostes is central to fencing defence. The parry-riposte exchange, set against the constant management of distance, is what makes fencing ‘physical chess’.
Key points
- Parry deflects the attack
- Riposte is the immediate counter
- A successful parry takes right-of-way
- Central to fencing defence
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