The foil used by fencers today is the modern version of the original practice weapon used by nobility to train for duels.  It all evolved as fencing for exercise – based on speed and skill – (as opposed to the ability to cut someone in combat), began to emerge.

To score points with the foil, the fencer must land the tip of the blade on a valid target which is roughly the trunk of the body. The arms, neck, head and legs are considered off-target. There is a rule called right of way that dictates who is able to score points within a fencing action.

Historical Context

The foil used by fencers today is the modern version of the original practice weapon used by nobility to train for duels. It all evolved as fencing for exercise – based on speed and skill – (as opposed to the ability to cut someone in combat), began to emerge.

As this practice became more popular, a longer, lighter weapon was developed. The weapon’s extended length forced opponents to fight at a distance with quick but controlled lunges, attacking the enemy with the point of the sword, replacing rudimentary hacking techniques.

Under Louis XIV in France, a change in fashion led to a new kind of sword, a shorter sword. (Apparently the long sword clashed with the brocaded jackets, breeches and silk stockings).  The court sword, as it was known, turned out to be an excellent weapon for fencing because it was both lighter and stronger, so it could be used for defence as well as offence.  As a result, the modern one-handed fencing technique developed where the left hand and arm are used primarily for balance.

The foil is designed for thrusting. The blade is very thin, with a blunted (or foiled) tip. Foil blades are flexible enough to bend upon striking an opponent, in order to prevent injuries.

To score points with the foil, the fencer must land the tip of the blade on a valid target: along the torso from shoulders to groin in the front and to the waist in the back. The arms, neck, head and legs are considered off-target.

The concept of on-target and off-target evolved from the theory of 18th-century fencing masters, who taught their pupils to only attack the vital areas of the body (i.e. the torso). While the head is also a vital area of the body, attacks to the face were considered rude and therefore discouraged.

Because the foil was a training sword, it was important for the rules of foil to reflect the logic of combat.  For newcomers to foil fencing, one of the most challenging concepts to grasp is the rule of Priority. Basically, priority rule states that the fencer who started to attack first will receive the point if they hit a valid target, and that their opponent is obligated to defend themselves.  Subtle changes in foot and arm position can make the difference and are often hard to pick up for the spectator with an untrained eye.

However, if a fencer hesitates for too long while advancing on their opponent, they give up priority to their opponent. A touch scored against an opponent who hesitated too long is called an attack in preparation or a stop-hit, depending on the circumstances.

Although some foil fencers still employ the classical technique of parries and thrusts, the flexible nature of the foil blade permits the modern foil fencer to attack an opponent from seemingly impossible angles.  Because parrying (blocking) attacks can be very difficult, the modern game of foil has evolved into a complicated and exciting game of multiple feints, ducking and sudden, explosive attacks, making it a lot of fun to watch.