Remise (fencing)

In fencing, a remise is an offensive action executed immediately after an attack that has been parried or has missed. It is essentially a continuation of the attack, performed without any withdrawal of the arm. The remise is a simple, direct thrust made to exploit an opening created by the opponent's parry or the attacker's own missed lunge. It prioritizes speed and directness over preparation or change of line.

A remise differs from a riposte, which is a counter-attack made after a parry, and typically involves a withdrawal and preparation before execution. A remise, in contrast, is performed instantly and without any break in the forward motion of the initial attack.

The effectiveness of a remise depends on the speed of execution and the opponent's reaction to the initial attack. If the opponent anticipates a remise, they may be able to parry or counter-attack. Therefore, a remise is often most effective when unexpected.

The remise is a fundamental tactic in all three fencing disciplines (foil, épée, and sabre), although its application and strategic value may vary slightly depending on the specific rules and target areas of each weapon.