What is the standard duration of individual fencing bouts in competitions?

Individual fencing bouts in competitions are generally structured to last for three minutes. This time frame is designed to enable fencers to engage in a dynamic and tactical display while also maintaining a competitive pace. The three-minute limit encourages both athletes to utilize their skills efficiently within the time constraint, focusing on strategy, speed, and precision.

If the bout remains tied at the end of the three minutes, additional measures such as priority or extra time may come into play to resolve the match. The selected duration helps to standardize competition formats across various events and levels, promoting consistency in how bouts are conducted worldwide.