In fencing, an attack is the initial offensive action made by a fencer, executed with the intent to hit the opponent by extending the arm and continuously threatening the valid target.
Initiation: The attack starts with the extension of the arm (or the blade) toward the opponent.
Threat: The action must threaten the opponent’s valid target (torso in foil, whole body in epee, upper body in sabre).
Continuity: The movement must be continuous and uninterrupted—a stop in the movement can lose right-of-way (in foil and sabre).
Right-of-Way (foil and sabre only): If both fencers land touches, priority goes to the fencer who properly initiated the attack first.
Type
Description
Direct Attack
A straight thrust or cut directly to the target.
Indirect Attack
Goes around the opponent's blade with a disengage or coupe.
Compound Attack
Includes one or more feints before the final action.
Attack with Preparation
Movement before extending the arm, usually loses right-of-way.
Remise
A second attempt to hit after the first attack fails (no right-of-way).
If Fencer A extends their arm directly at Fencer B's target area before Fencer B begins any threatening action, and both land touches at the same time (in foil or sabre), Fencer A is awarded the point—they had the "attack."
A counter-attack is an offensive action made against an opponent’s attack, but without first gaining right-of-way in foil and sabre. In épée, where there is no right-of-way, counter-attacks are treated the same as any other attack if they land first.
You're not trying to defend (e.g. by parrying) — instead, you launch your own attack while your opponent is attacking, hoping to hit them before or as they hit you.
Weapon
What Happens in a Counter-Attack
Foil
Touch only scores if opponent misses or fails to land a valid hit.
Sabre
Same as foil — opponent must miss, or your hit must clearly land before theirs.
Épée
No right-of-way, so whichever fencer lands first scores — both may score in a double touch.
Surprise your opponent.
Punish a poorly executed or over-committed attack.
Defend space by attacking into it.
When you're confident in timing and distance.
Timing is critical: Other Reddit discussions highlight the need to strike when the opponent’s point is off-target and their movement is predictable:
“You need to look for an opening when your opponent is taking a step and has their point off target.” en.wikipedia.org+15reddit.com+15youtube.com+15en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2
Learning to sense and exploit spacing can elevate this tactic from risky to effective.
In foil and sabre, if your opponent lands a valid attack, your counter-attack won’t count.
If you don't land cleanly or early in épée, you might still get hit.
An attack in preparation occurs in foil or sabre when:
Fencer B uses their opponent’s early movement—typically during the opponent’s non-threatening or preparatory phase—as an opportunity to launch a clean, direct attack.
Even if Fencer A appears to be initiating or moving, if B launches the first actual attack (arm extension and threat of target), B earns right-of-way.
FIE referee Chris Lennon analyzes multiple real-bout examples where the attacking fencer seizes right-of-way during the opponent’s preparation phase. He breaks down body language, tempo, and arm extension timing to clarify ambiguous scenarios.en.wikipedia.org+14youtube.com+14reddit.com+14reddit.com
Discussions from the fencing community clarify that attacking during your opponent’s preparation isn’t a violation—it shifts priority when done before their actual threatening move.reddit.comreddit.com
Scenario
Right-of-Way Awarded to
Fencer A prepares (e.g., advances, feints) without threatening target
✅ Fencer B, if B attacks correctly
Fencer B attacks first with valid extension
✅ Fencer B (Attack in Preparation)
Fencer A completes a proper attack (arm extending) before B
✅ Fencer A (Counterattack or priority)
Instead of relying on jargon, instruct students to observe who begins their real attack first, defined by arm extension aiming at a target. Using clear language like:
"You attacked while they were preparing," or
"You initiated first, so you have priority."
This helps beginners better understand the concept and decision-making process.
In fencing, point in line refers to a defensive posture where the fencer holds their weapon arm fully extended, with the blade’s point aimed directly at the opponent’s valid target area. If established before your opponent begins an attack, it grants right-of-way in foil and sabre.
The arm must be straight and fully extended before the opponent initiates any attacking movement.
The blade must threaten the valid target area — usually the torso in foil.
The fencer must not advance forward or bend the arm after establishing the position.
If your opponent attacks into your properly maintained point in line and fails to deflect or beat your blade, the touch is awarded to you.
From Reddit discussions:
"The weapon arm must be fully extended…and the point continuously threatens the opponent's target."
"Generally, PiL is used as bait to force your opponent to beat or displace your blade… If they attack without removing it, you score." youtube.com+14reddit.com+14en.wikipedia.org+14reddit.com
Effectively disrupts or delays opponent attacks (especially marching actions).
Forces opponents to take action (e.g., beat or disengage), giving you tactical advantage.
Offers a low-risk way to control timing and distance in the bout.
Aspect
Details
What it is
Extended arm and blade threatening target
When it's valid
Before the opponent makes a real attack
What it grants
Right-of-way priority
How opponent counters
By parrying or beating your blade