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.
Key points
- 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 →