Last updated: 3 October 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Morley, FA Level 2 Football Coach
Right-of-way, or priority, is the convention in foil and sabre that resolves who scores when both fencers hit at nearly the same time. The fencer who correctly initiated the attack (by extending toward a valid target) has priority; their opponent must defend (parry) to take priority before they can score. This turns the bout into a tactical ‘conversation’ of attack, parry and riposte, rewarding correct decision-making rather than just speed. Épée has no right-of-way — whoever lands first simply scores, and simultaneous hits award a point to both. Understanding right-of-way is essential to following foil and sabre.
- Decides scoring on simultaneous hits
- Applies in foil and sabre, not épée
- Attacker has priority; parry takes it back
- Creates the tactical attack-parry-riposte 'conversation'
Try the tool
Put this into practice with our free calculator.
Open the Fencing Weapons Guide: Foil, Épée & Sabre →In practice
Right-of-way (priority) rules in foil and sabre fencing determine who scores when both fencers land a hit in the same fraction of a second — the fencer who initiated a clear, continuous attacking action typically has priority, which is why these two weapons reward not just hitting first but hitting with clear tactical intent and proper technique, unlike épée where simultaneous hits simply both score (or neither does, depending on timing).
FAQ
What does right-of-way mean in fencing?
A set of rules (used in foil and sabre, but not épée) determining which fencer's hit counts as scoring when both land within the same close timeframe, based on who had priority through a clear, continuous attacking action.
Why doesn't épée use right-of-way rules?
Épée targets the entire body with no priority rules — both fencers can score simultaneously if they land hits within a very short window of each other, rewarding pure speed and precision over tactical priority.