What constitutes a point-in-line?
According to Article 233 section 6 of the FIE Rules of Competition, a point-in-line is a position “with the arm straight and the point threatening the valid target”. Properly done, the arm should be extended as far as possible, and form a more or less continuous line with the blade, with the point aimed directly at the high lines of the target. Excessive angulation at the wrist or fingers negates the point-in-line. Superfluous movement of the point also risks negating the line, especially in sabre. Derobements/trompements, however, are permitted. In foil and sabre, the point-in-line has priority over attacks that are made without first taking the blade. With these weapons (but not with epee) it is forbidden to assume the point- in-line position before the command to fence has been given. In sabre, a point-in-line that hits with the edge may be considered to have missed, with the cut being considered a counter-attack (assuming it even registers). Note that although the rules do not comm
According to Article t.10 of the FIE Rules of Competition, the in-line position is that “in which [the fencer’s] sword arm is straight and the point of his weapon threatens his opponent’s valid target.” Properly done, the arm should be extended as straight as possible, and form a more or less continuous line with the blade, with the point aimed directly at the high lines of the target. Excessive angulation at the wrist or fingers negates the point-in-line. Superfluous movement of the point also risks negating the line, especially in sabre. Derobements/trompements, however, are permitted. In foil and sabre, the point-in-line has priority over attacks that are made without first taking the blade. With these weapons (but not with epee) it is forbidden to assume the point-in-line position before the command to fence has been given. In sabre, a point-in-line that hits with the edge is passe’; if a touch is registered with the edge, it is properly analyzed as a remise or counter-attack, exce
