How to Score Fencing Bouts

Fencing is a centuries-old sport that developed from practicing for duels. There are three types of fencing bouts based upon the type of sword used. Each type has its own specific rules and target areas. Modern scoring has been made easier with the use of electrified mesh uniforms that register touches made at blinding speed. In fencing, bouts usually last no longer than three minutes with the first to five points winning that bout. Often there are three bouts, for a total of 15 points.

Things You'll Need

  • Electrically wired lamé
  • Fencing foil, épeé or sabre
  • Scoring light
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Instructions

  1. Foil

    • 1

      Score one point to the fencer with the right-of-way who strikes with the tip of the foil within the target area, which is the torso. Raise your hand to signal the fencer who scored; their light will turn on. Learn about right-of-way in the Resources section.

    • 2

      Reset the fencers. Start the bout and continue until one of the fencers scores five valid touches or three minutes lapses.

    • 3

      Have the fencers fight two more five-touch/three-minute bouts with one minute between bouts. The winner has the highest number of points at the end of three bouts.

    Epee

    • 4

      Score one point to the fencer who strikes his opponent with the tip of the épeé anywhere on the opponent's body. The scoring fencer's light will turn on to indicate a valid touch.

    • 5

      Reset the fencers. Restart the bout following each touch and continue until one fencer has scored five touches or three minutes lapses.

    • 6

      Have the fencers continue for two more bouts, with a one-minute break between bouts. The winner will have the higher score following the third bout.

    Saber

    • 7

      Score a point to the fencer with the right-of-way who strikes her opponent with either the tip or the edge of the saber in the target area, the arms, head or torso above the waist. The light of the fencer which scores will turn on to indicate a valid touch.

    • 8

      Reset the fencers. Continue the bout until one of the fencers has scored five touches or three minutes has elapsed.

    • 9

      Score two more bouts in the same manner with a one-minute break between rounds. Following three bouts, the winner will have the higher point total.