The Foil
Descended from the 18th century smallsword, the foil has a thin, flexible blade with a square cross-section and a small guard. Hits are scored with the point only on the torso of the opponent. With the smallest target area of the three weapons, precision and strong defences are crucial. As with sabre, hits are awarded according to which competitor has the "right of way" when the hit is made.
Foil, epee and sabre are the three weapons used in the sport of Fencing, in which both men and women compete. The target areas, as well as the blade, differ for the three types of weapons.
