u/darumasan

Although it can be match-up dependent, I've noticed some passive or defensive-minded fencers have a habit of frequently retreating to the end of the strip as an opponent marches on them. I'm fascinated by this pattern, as it would seem that the option space for the defender shrinks significantly once at the back of the strip. Yet I have seen this play out many times in the favor of the defensive fencer, even against opponents who like to march. Is this something you can only do selectively for fencers with limited finishing skills? Just wondering what's going on in the mind of the defender here, and if any people who have this habit actually prefer engagement with nowhere to retreat to.