How is scoring different between foil and sabre in fencing?

In foil fencing, scoring incorporates the concept of right of way, meaning that the fencer who initiates an attack has priority in scoring. If both fencers land hits simultaneously, the fencer who has the right of way will score a point. Therefore, successful attacks in foil must be made with consideration of this priority rule.

In contrast, sabre fencing has a different approach. Scoring in sabre is based on the principle that every hit counts as long as it occurs during an attack or the fencer is in a valid offensive posture, regardless of right of way considerations. This enables fencers to score points more freely during exchanges, as any valid hit made will result in a score.

This distinction is crucial in understanding the tactical differences between the two weapons, as fencers adapt their strategies based on whether they are competing in foil, which emphasizes timing and priority, or in sabre, which emphasizes speed and aggression.