Learning Fiore De Liberi

Frontale threatens the fast cut, while Dente de Zenchiaro Mazana threatens a quick thrust to the hands. This keeps the two from immediately attacking. If the middle boars tooth takes the point off line, Frontale will deliver a quick fendente to the head, followed by a thrust, in classic Fiore. On the other hand if Frontale extends to far, or otherwise exposes the hands, they'll receive a point through them quickly.

We mentioned in the beginning of the sword section that knowing the posta was the key to winning without coming to the cross. This section analyzes the various posta for strengths and weaknesses.

The key to understanding this pairing is in the description for Coda Longa and Bicorno. Fiore says that Coda Longa is good at coming to the close play, while Bicorno is good at preventing the close play. These two oppose each other quite nicely, just by their very nature. However with Bicorno sitting at a 45 degree angle up, dangling the torso and legs in front of Coda Longa, it also shows the nature of long tempo vs short tempo wards as well.

Two aggressive wards, that cancel each other out. Breve must move, while keeping it's point on the line, while Dente di Cenghiaro waits coiled, ready to launch a devastating thrust. Breves movement is what keeps Dente di Cenghiaro from attacking, if Dente di Cenghiaro can shift his blade over to come from the low right, he moves Breves sword out of the war in what is essentially Exchange of the points. If Dente di Cenghiaro makes a straight thrust then Breve can exchange points.

Some wards are naturally contrary, and by this we mean that neither ward has an advantage to the other. All wards are contrary to themselves (di Dona vs di Dona offers no tactical advantages), except wards where the point is forward. Posta where the point is forward, the more extended blade has the advantage.

Start in Posta di Donna Destraza, begin making a Fendente, only pull the blow short moving directly into Posta di Bicorno. Since your tip is at a 45 degree angle, raise the pommel (which will drop the sword point), and either accressere or pass into your opponent.