Foil Fencing Crash Course [Session 5] | Rock, Paper, Scissors: Basic Decision-making in Foil Fencing

Fencing Tutorial: Rock, Paper, and Scissors
In this session we cover the basic trio of fencing actions: simple attack [Rock], parry-riposte [paper], and compound-attack [scissors], showing how each one can beat the other, much like the Rock, Paper, Scissors (RPS) playground game.
In fencing, unlike traditional RPS, the player who initialtes the action generally has the advantage. If a person were to do Rock (lunge) from Striking Distance (as taught in our last video), they should be able to beat someone who REACTS with Paper (parry). However assuming both fencers have entered striking distance at the same time, then simply the correct action will win.
One should also note that of these three, we argue that Rock (lunge) is the most important because if the opponent doesn't fear your lunge, they may never use paper (parry), which means you'll also never get to use scissors. Thus rock helps set up everything else.
That being said, there is nothing wrong with being a defensive fencer, and focussing mostly on parries and counter-attacks, or using primarily compound acitons. This video simply illustrates how the simple hit sets up the rest of one's actions. We also think that to fence and win any given tournament, a fencer needs at least one good move from each catagory.
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[@Druid_Ignacy]

Do you sometimes do ,,arm pump" instead of disengage in foil fencing (I'm asking since I suspect that ROW may discourage you to do that)? You can see channel ,,BigBearFencing" analysis of this tactics in one video. If you do, how do you differentiate wether to do ,,arm pump" or disengage?

[@s-class8871]

Yes, but as you suggested, there are risks. Pumps can be hit in preparation, since they temporarily give up right of way. They should be used as compound hits when you know the opponent will defend with their arm but you can't quite get around their blade.

[@rahulsaharan3346]

Can we continue beat during attack. Is it right
Please answer anyone

[@s-class8871]

Rahul Saharan you can certainly beat stratum if you want. We’re gonna make a desperate video on when we think bears are the correct option.

[@vkj5827]

Does it apply for epic too?

[@Druid_Ignacy]

If you meant epee it sure does! It applies to any weapon longer than dagger, from historical messer, longsword or even poleaxe, up to modern olympic weapons. Although cutting weapons have important feints and counterattacks much different from disengage or simple thrust; that needs to be considered.