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Weapons:

There are three weapons used in fencing today: foil, epee, and sabre.

 Foil:    The foil, the modern version of the court sword,  has a flexible rectangular blade, about 35 inches long, and weights less than a pound. Points are scored with the tip of the blade. The valid target area is 

the torso, from the shoulders to the groin, front and back. It does not include the arms, neck, head or legs. If the point lands anywhere else, it's "off target" and is not valid. The foil was designed as a practice weapon so duelists could safely train. Noble women learned foil for form and grace from fencing masters instead of modern day practice of ballet.

Scoring: The fencer's valid target is covered with a metallic cloth vest, called a "lame" (pronounced lam-eh). When an opponent's tip hits this vest, the tip depresses and completes an electrical circuit, that sets off a light and a buzzer on the scoring machine. A colored lights, each of two sides has its own color, signifies that the valid target was hit; a white light signifies that the hit landed "off target." When a light comes on, the Referee halts the bout. No points awarded if hit lands "off target". If colored lights go on for both fencers, the Referee must decide who gets the point based on "right of way." Attacker has the "right of way" until the other fencer blocks (parries) the attack. The defender then gains the right of way by making a return thrust (riposte).

Epee:  The epee more closely resembles real dueling than any other weapon. The epee is as long as the foil but heavier, about 27 ounces, with a stiffer blade. It has a larger guard to protect the hand from a valid hit.

Points are scored only with the point of the blade. Valid target area is the entire body.

Scoring: Unlike foil and sabre, there is no need for a special metallic vest or jacket as the entire body is a valid target. Touches are registered electrically- the tip of the blade depresses and completes an electrical circuit, triggering a colored light and a buzzer on the machine. There is no "right of way" in epee, if both hit at the same time both score a point.

Sabre:  The sabre is oriental in origin and is modern version of the slashing and thrusting cavalry sword. The sabre is similar in length and weight to the foil, it's a thrusting and cutting weapon that can use the blade. 

Valid target area is from the bend of the hips (front and back) to the top of the head, simulating a cavalry rider on a horse.

Scoring: Sabre was the last weapon to be electrified. As in foil, the fencer's valid target area is covered with a metallic cloth jacket. The fencer's mask is also electrically conductive and is connected to the metallic jacket. When an opponent's blade hits the jacket or mask, a sensor in the guard completes the electrical circuit that sets off a light and buzzer on the scoring machine. If the colored light goes on both fencers, the Referee must decide who gets the point based on "right of way." the actions of sabre differ from those in foil and epee because of the cutting motions. The game appears much faster.

Short history of fencing

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