Tactical Advice for Fencing Sabre

This is a list of quotes, gathering the collected advice from the three LongEdge Fencing source texts. We're trying to figure out what the authors think the fight should look like.

pp.100-101 (the sabre section, which then points back to the advice in the épée section)

In application, endeavour to give the strikes of the sabre by movements close to the body, in a manner to disturb as little as possible the wrist off the line and to make strikes with lightness.

After having touched, retire the sabre quickly backwards, impressing on it an oblique direction, in the direction of the edge, in the manner of a saw.

pp.72-74 (épée section)

Sparring does not preclude lessons. On the contrary, one must continue at the *plastron*, not only to progress but also in order to maintain and preserve that which one has learned.

Advance with little steps and always ready to parry in order to put oneself into distance and attack more easily.

Attack rather with simple direct strikes or proceed with a beat or pressing, and, as much as possible, on preparations such as: engagements, step, retake guard after the attack, absences of the sword whether in attack or whether in parrying. Attack with compound strikes only when the simple strikes or well executed feints have been parried and, by this fact, any thought of a stop-strike will be destroyed.

Brunet says the opposite (see below). He says that while épée proceeds with simple strikes, sabre is most successful with compound attacks. Rondelle would seem to agree in that he says that strikes will not be successful without first deceiving the opponent's blade.

Parry in variety often. Only employ the simple and most useful but make the hand move easily from side to side.

Riposte always after the single parry and not in executing it. The simple riposte is best. It happens the quickest and prevents the remise and reprise.

Do not strike without having first crossed swords.

It has been demonstrated that one cannot score a hit frequently without deceiving the adverse blade. (III.3)

Point Thrusts and Arm Cuts, as simple attacks, are much more effectual when executed upon preparatory attacks or as ripostes. (III.11)

The riposte can also be easily made by merely turning the hand over in its extended position after a parry, without quitting the adverse blade. (III.15)

The sabre Time Thrust is especially directed against the part of the enemy's body which is nearest, the forearm, and is executed by an Arm Cut or a Point Thrust. When an enemy attempts a Head Cut, the Time Thrust cam be executed directly against his forearm, making an escape to the rear or a retreat. Or he can be attacked with an Arm Cut on the left and under side of the forearm by turning the hand in Quarte with nails up. Avoid his Head Cut by an escape or retreat. When he attempts a Left-Cheek Cut, the Time Thrust can be applied in the same manner as a Head Cut. Likewise when he attempts a Right-Cheek Cut the Time Thrust by the Point is similarly executed; but the Arm Cut is directed to the right and under side of the forearm, the hand being turned with nails downwards. (III.22-23)

The attack on preparations – is executed on any movements of the adversary having as their end the preparation of an attack. To a Press or a Beat it is applied by a Point Thrust by disengaging. To an Advance or a Menace it is applied by an Arm Cut. (III.24)

Each time he enters within [measure] it is necessary to be prepared to a parry a Point Thrust. (III.25)

In every attack he should take the greatest pains to preserve Opposition, and thus, guarantee himself against a Point Thrust upon the body, which the adversary might make. This precept is absolute. (III.25)

Every movement of the sabre either in attack or parry should be made very contractedly. The sabre is a heavy weapon, and always has the tendency to beat the hand too far in the lateral movements. (III.25)

The Riposte by the Point Thrust is the most terrible for the adversary and the most advantageous for the one who employs it, for it is the most rapid attack and it maintains the adverse blade in Opposition. (III.25-36)

It is incontestably true that in the case of sabre a good parrier always wins. Strong in parries, he never fears the adverse attack. He waits for it and even provokes it, that he may have the advantage of a Time Thrust of good Riposte. (III.27)

The assailant after every attack, whether successful or not, should retreat slightly out of distance and at the same time hold the adverse blade outside the line of his body. (III.27)

Note: The text is not translated into English at this stage.

Généralement, pour avoir au sabre un résultat certain, deux ou trois feintes suffisent pour désorienter l'adversaire et permettre d'avoir une ligne ouverte. A l'épée, les coups les plus simples sont souvent les meilleurs. Au sabre, les coups composés réussissent mieux. (p.99) Generally, to have a sure result in sabre, two or three feints suffice to disorient the opponent and permit having an open line. With épée, the most simple strikes are often the best. In sabre, compound strikes succeed better.

Souvenons-nous aussi qu'il est plus sûr de toucher en ripostant qu'en attaquant, et, pour cela, parons en temps voulu, avec calme, sang-froid, et sûrs de notre force. (p.100) Remember also that it is more sure to touch in riposting than in attacking, and, because of that, we parry in good time, coolly, and sure of our strength.

Les coups de sabre, entre bons tireurs, n'ont de résultats, généralement, qu'après une série de feintes, pour trouver la ligne de l'adversaire ouverte. (p.84) Sabre strikes, between good fencers, only result, generally, after a series of feints in order to find the opponent's open line.