Tactics

[kmak_577]

How important is tactics in fencing ? And if they are that important what are yours ? sorry if its abit of a random question !!!

Kmak_577

[rocky]

Tactics are very important. As to my own, well, that's a state secret.

[Gav]

Tactics are very important.

If you are just a beginner I would say that learning tactics takes a while and that there are other things you should be more worried about. If you have read any martial philosophies or have other tactica experience then you can adapt that to your game.

It also depends on what you mean by tactics: how you approach the game of Fencing; how you approach individual bouts; how you train; how you apply certain strokes; how do you deal with the psychology of fencing; how do you develop overarching strategies etc etc.

Basic strategy

If you are a beginner concentrate on picking up the base skills; learn to move (extremely important - practise your footwork until you are sick of it and then do more); in the training environment I would be less concerned with winning individual bouts but more focused on what I can get back from my opponents; sticking to a simple game and developing a good base of fencing actions (good parries for example); I would also chat to those around you and find out what works for them. Inevitably it's a matter of experience, as you appear to be aware of, people normally develop their own way of approaching bouts.

Tactical application:

If you are in a competitive environment (your first tournament for example) then attempt to scope out your opponents. If they have obvious faults try and capitalise on them. For example: a lot of beginners have poor footwork and are static, they also tend to overreach themselves and make things too complicated for themselves; avoid that and keep it simple. Patience is the key as well as setting traps which will allow them to over-reach themselves. So a game plan might be to move in and out of distance. Present openings and see how they react. When they inevitably do something foolish, keeping it simple, hit them. Do not expect a beginner to know anything about your compound parry-bind-flick to back combo - you will just impale yourself - frustrating yourself. The key here is "Keep It Simple Stupid".

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I'm not sure I answered your question very well. If the board where to give you good advice you would need to rephrase your question and specify exactly what you want to know.

[kmak_577]

I know Mr T so you will tell me lol

[jrgunn]

Defining what is meant by tactics is important to answer this question.

Tactics are the building blocks of your game. For example, a simple straight attack is a tactic. A circle 6 disengage is a tactic (foil). Advancing and retreating are tactics. Learn these and every other tactic you can absorb and practice them (with good form) until you are mind-numbed with boredom then do some more. (As a soldier from the ACW put it referring to learning basic tactics; "Life here is pretty routine. We rise at sun-up, then we drill. We break our fast with hardtack and coffee, then we drill. After luncheon we drill. After that we drill some more. Then, just for a change, we drill before supper.")

Strategies involve understanding your opponents and developing ways to attack them using the tactics you've learned. Do this by attacking them using the tactic of your choice and see how they react. Vary your attacks and observe how they parry and riposte. Observe their attacking tactics. Its possible that you'll lose a few points in this process, but the information you gather will allow you to set the other guy up.

Once you've accurately observed your opponents actions/reactions, you can begin to actually play a decent game. You have figured out that if you straight attack to a certain area, he will react most of the time with the same parry maneuvre. Use this knowledge to perform a feint. Another example: he likes to fleche, when he does, retreat and parry appropriately.

Keep in mind that while you are doing this, he's most likely doing the same thing.

But that's what keeps it interesting.

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

Most fencers are brain dead on the strip. If you have the technical and athletical skills, tactics will make you a champion. I'm serious though, its amazing how many fencers do not "think" when they're on the strip. To be an effective tactician though, you have to have the basic movements down.

Tactical fencing has 3 steps.

1. Evaluate (your situation and your opponents, all knowledge of situations)
2. Plan (minimize your weaknesses, maximize his, maximize your strength, minimize his)
3. Act (let your plan unfold)

[Li'l Bebe]

Originally Posted by Mr. Epee

A great fencer will approach the situation with a few general ideas.

The mediocre fencer will approach the situation with a few specific techniques

I started a thread on strategy a while ago, i think you can find it under "tactical clumps" if you search for it.

Generally, have an idea of what your opponent is least comfortable doing, attacking, counter-attacking, or defending, and force them to do that.

[BovineMadness]

Tactics?

Aren't they small mints that freshen your breath for up to two hours in just two calories?


Joking aside, I often find that any plans I do have while observing my opponents disappear when I'm on piste. Although I'll go into a bout with some things on my mind, quite often I find myself relying a lot more on instinct, control, and sheer good luck than pre-planning to any great extent. Generally this is because whatever cunning plan I have, the opponent tends to not do things the way I want them to. Curse them.

There's a reason why the old saying "No plan survives first contact with the enemy" is an old saying- it's as true today as it was X number of years ago.