Fencing Terminology
1 / 15En garde! Test your knowledge of fencing vocabulary!
15 quick questionsNo sign-upFree to playTap an answer below to begin ↓
In fencing, what does 'en garde' mean?
About Fencing Terminology
Fencing Terminology is a free word games quiz with 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 6 easy, 5 medium, 4 hard questions. En garde! Test your knowledge of fencing vocabulary! A typical run takes about 7 minutes, hints are always one tap away, and your streak ticks up the first time you finish a game on a given day.
A few sample questions
1. In fencing, what does 'en garde' mean?
Answer: The ready position before fencing begins
En garde (French for 'on guard') is the command telling fencers to assume the ready position, with knees bent, weapon raised, and body sideways to present a smaller target.
2. What is a 'riposte' in fencing?
Answer: A counterattack made immediately after successfully parrying an opponent's attack
A riposte is an offensive action made immediately after a successful parry (defensive block), taking advantage of the attacker's momentary vulnerability.
3. In fencing, what is a 'parry'?
Answer: A defensive action using the blade to deflect an incoming attack
A parry is a defensive blade movement used to deflect or block an opponent's attacking blade, redirecting it away from the target area.
4. What is a 'touché' in fencing?
Answer: An acknowledgment that a valid hit has been scored
Touché (French for 'touched') is called to acknowledge that a valid hit has been scored. In everyday language, it has come to mean acknowledging a good point in an argument.
5. In fencing, what is a 'lunge'?
Answer: An attacking movement where the front leg extends forward while the back leg remains stationary
The lunge is the most common attacking footwork in fencing, where the fencer extends the front leg forward while the rear leg stays planted, propelling the body toward the opponent.
Things you'll learn along the way
- The three weapons in competitive fencing are the foil (light thrusting weapon), the épée (heavier thrusting weapon), and the sabre (cutting and thrusting weapon).
- Right of way (priority) is a rule in foil and sabre that determines which fencer receives the point when both land touches simultaneously, favoring the fencer who initiated the attack.
- A flèche (French for 'arrow') is an aggressive attacking action where the fencer pushes off the back foot and runs toward the opponent, used primarily in foil and épée.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in Fencing Terminology?
Fencing Terminology has 15 multiple-choice questions. Each one has four answer options and an explanation that appears after you answer, so you learn something even when you miss.
Is Fencing Terminology free to play?
Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Fencing Terminology — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.
How long does Fencing Terminology take?
Most players finish Fencing Terminology in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.
What's a good follow-up after Fencing Terminology?
If you enjoyed this word games quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.
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