Now that we have covered all the basic technique behind foil, we can learn how to use it in bouts.
First things first:
There two main kinds of actions: defensive and offensive. Knowing (generally) which position you are in, and which actions to use is an important aspect of the sport.
The tactical wheel:
The tactical wheel basically shows us (in theory) what action beats what actions. It’s like a more expansive version of rock, paper and scissors. Rock beats scissors, paper beats rock, scissors beat paper. The basic tactical wheel is as follows: Simple attack > is countered by parry and riposte > parry and riposte is beaten by compound attack > compound attack is beaten by counter attack (counter attack beats simple attack). A simple attack is just usually a straight lunge (direct attack) or a indirect attack (starting in one line and finishing in another, a line is an area of target: 4, 6, 8 or 7) and is a offensive action. A parry riposte is a defensive action meant to intercept the attack (parry) and then launch a immediate new attack (riposte). A compound attack is a action executed in several actions (such as a feint disengage) and is a offensive action. A counter attack is a defensive action made when you do not have ROW. Your goal with a counter attack is not to get hit, at all. This is done usually by diving out of the way, contorting the body, locking (parrying to close the line) out a line, collapsing the distance, or running away. The tactical wheel is a good benchmark and basis for determining what to do when and is a generally useful tool to have.
General thoughts of basic defense:
For beginners the bread and butter of your defense is the parry riposte (most likely parry 4). So your defense consists of you trying to get your opponent to attack you, if they hesitate or stop, on the march, hit them! But otherwise, make check retreats or double check retreats in constantly to try to get your opponent to finish the attack, once they do: parry and riposte. If the blade is out in front of them: parry it and finish the attack.
General thoughts on basic offense:
Once you get the attack you begin what is called a march, this is a attack in preparation (AIP). Meaning they are going to have their blade out of the way (in absence) or at the more basic level in front of them, and are looking for a good moment to attack. The attack is maintained by a continuous string of advances, and perhaps a few check forwards, or double check forwards to mix up the footwork and steal distance.
A lesson from beginner bouts:
Most beginner bouts I have seen come down to one sheer speed of the parry riposte, if one can parry or counter parry faster and land the riposte they will win. What you will often see with beginners is a flurry of parries and attempted ripostes, usually ending with either a off target, or someone getting parried into the floor. To avoid this: simply feint disengage, feint into 4 and disengage into 6. Or another common thing in beginner bouts is fear of attacking off the line. When the referee says fence, advance quickly towards the opponent and if they hesitate: lunge. If they run away: begin to march, if they come off stronger wait for the attack and parry and riposte. Always take at least 3 steps forward off the line, because if you instantly back up, you forfeit ROW immediately, make them fight for it.
I hope you now have a somewhat clearer understanding of basic tactics and how to apply them, and what technique to use when.
Until next time,
-Fuzzy