Strategies for Judged Bouts

1. Never underestimate an opponent; encourage him to underestimate you.
2. Make your opponent fence his weakest game:
   Opponents strong in their attacks should be attacked.
   Good defenders should be enticed to attack.
   Opponents who like to keep out of distance should be pressed.
   Keep infighters at a distance.
   Use false attacks to draw out chronic counter-attackers.
   Keep your blade free from opponents who beat or bind.
   Use counter or holding parries against remises; riposte.
3. Use the same attack as long as it continues to work on an opponent. Do not continue using an attack that is not working or that the Director is not awarding.
4. When fencing a technically superior opponent, you must take greater risks. Do not react in a predictable manner: counterattack into his preparation; do not attack into his defense.
5. Against a weaker fencer, take no risks. Stick to basics and conserve your energy. Use mental concentration. Use simple attacks and always take the initiative.
6. Do not allow your opponent to control the tempo of the bout. Use changes in tempo to your advantage.
7. After an attack that fails, defend yourself and move back quickly. Do not remain in distance unless you have the intention of continuing the attack (if your opponent does not riposte) or expect to parry and riposte from the lunge position.
8. In a bout, every attack must hit and every parry must succeed. Concentrate on point control and take time to aim. Make your defense into a solid wall.
9. Do not give up ground needlessly. If your opponent is vulnerable to being driven off the mat, do so and collect an easy point. When you have your opponent near the end of the mat, be prepared for desperate attacks or a fleche.
10. Move lightly and vary your distance. Do not be caught flat footed or rooted to the ground.
11. Do not stop fencing until "Halt" is called. A hit that is not seen by the judges does not exist.