Target Area

The foil is a thrusting weapon.  The target area is the torso
front and back.  The limited target area on the body and the
limited scoring part of the blade adds a new dimention to the
game as the opponents try to get each other to expose an area
to attack.
Foil
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What is Fencing?
                     Right of Way

In foil and saber, there is a rule called 'right of way'. In basic
terms, 'right of way' says that the opponent who attacks first
gets the point.  This means that if both fencers touch each
other's target area at the same time, the opponent who was
attacking gets the touch.
To understand the need for  'right of way' you can look at it
from two different  angles.  Most sports have offense and
defense.  When you are playing defense you can't score points,
but offense and defense changes rapidly in the game.  The same
is true with fencing.  If my opponent is attacking, as soon as I
defend myself,   I am back on offense again.
For purists, who like the idea of real sword combat, 'right of
way' also makes sense.  Common battle field tactics would say
that if someone is attacking me I should defend myself first
before I attack them. Otherwise, I will most likely get hit.
For a more specific information on rules
go to:  
http://usfencing.org