There are four principal hits: (1) a cut at your opponent’s left cheek; (2) a cut at his right cheek; (3) a cut at his left ribs; (4) a cut at his right ribs. 5 and 6 are mere repetitions of 3 and 4 on a lower level, guarded in the same way, and aimed at the inside and outside of the right leg instead of at the ribs.
In the accompanying cuts numbered 28, 29, 30, 31, the four principal attacks and the stops for them have been illustrated, and with their help and a long looking-glass in front of him the young player ought to be able to put himself into fairly good position.
Fig. 28.—Cut 1 and guard.
Fig. 29.—Cut 2 and guard.
In addition to the cuts there is the point, which, as our forefathers discovered, is far more deadly than the edge. Of this more later on.
Almost every cut is executed upon the lunge. As you and your adversary engage, you are practically out of each other’s range unless you lunge.