The epee (pronounced “EPP‐pay”), the descendant of the dueling sword, is similar in length to the foil, but is heavier, weighing approximately 27 ounces, with a larger guard (to protect the hand from a valid hit) and a much stiffer blade. Touches are scored only with the point of the blade, and the entire body, head‐to‐toe, is the valid target area, imitating an actual duel. A full‐body target makes epee a competition of careful strategy and patience — wild, rash attacks are quickly punished with solid counter‐attacks.
