On the ground the seconds draw lots for where their men are to stand, it being of advantage to have sun and wind at one’s back, or left rear.
The distance is twenty-five metres, marked by canes stuck in the ground, and the shooters stand facing each other.
When all is in readiness, the seconds break the seal of the pistol case, then the director of the duel takes the weapons out, holding them by the barrels, one pistol in each hand, and presents the butt ends to the duellist to whom the lot has fallen to have first choice. The other pistol is handed to his adversary.
If shots are exchanged without result, the duellists exchange places for the next shot.
It is not permissible to try the trigger-pull by cocking and lowering the hammer, but about how light or heavy the pull is can be ascertained to some extent when cocking. A light click indicates a light pull, and a loud click a heavier one.
It is usual, especially if the duellists are good shots, and if they happen to be very angry with each other, to give them a very heavy trigger-pull in order to make it more difficult for them to hit each other. For the same reason the words of command in such cases are given very quickly. This prevents getting aim. It is well always to give a good strong pull back when firing, so as to avoid pulling off to the side if you have been given a very heavy trigger-pull.
Finally the duellists cock their pistols, the seconds stand clear, and the director of the fight stands midway between the duellists and about six metres back of the line between them.
The duellists stand with their right elbows touching their right hips, butt of pistol to thigh, and their pistols pointing at the ground.
The director calls: “Attention—Feu! Un—deux—trois!”
If either is not ready at the word “attention,” he says so, but otherwise after the word “feu” he raises his pistol and must fire before the word “trois” is spoken.