Epeeist using the French grip who also post

[gesk]

Due to the enthusiastic dialog in the other tread I decided not to disrupt that and to post my question here.

French grip posting users generally(might) have a weaker hold on the blade as compared to the pistol grip users.

1. So the general tactic with french grip users is to wait for the opponent to attack followed by some derobement and hopefully score on the opponents's open target. Right ? Wrong ?

2. Alternatively french grip users will use double intention to try to bait the opponent to attack and then derobe ... look/wait for the opening and try to hit. (besides the standard light beat and attack)

By this isn't the attack option severely limited ?

[damianip]

Or, as an example, when the converted foilst presents a slightly elevated blade, beat in four, attack to the arm. It doesn't matter what grip the opponent uses if the timing is right, the extra reach should get you the touch with ease.

This works particularly well after getting a touch on the top of the arm in a previous action.

I commonly use a take in eight to the body or, lately, a straight contre-sixte to the arm of, if the opening presents itself.

Just because one posts doesn't mean one can't fence with blades in contact. I usually try to soften the opponent up with pecking attacks to the hand and feints to the foot. The extra preparation usually allows me to surprise the opponent when I execute the take or beat.

Distance and timing become more critical to execute these things, but, if your opponent thinks you won't try a blade action because you're posting, so much the better. On my better days, my fleche works just fine with a posted French.

Of course, none of this will work well if your opponent is significantly better than you, although you might be able to pull off a surprise occasionally.


Paolo