Four Types of Opponent

Meyer describes four main types of opponent in his Rappier section who exist on a spectrum of completely aggressive to completely defensive.

Type 1 - Offensive: "Cultivators of Frenzy" Type 2 - Balanced Offensive: "Artful and Sharp" Type 3 - Balanced Defensive: "Judicious and Deceitful" Type 4 - Defensive: "The Fool"

While people have a certain preference a specific style, Meyer reminds us that we should assume all four of them as we fence so we can adapt to changing circumstances, and so we can deceive the opponent with our intent.

"So you must assume and adopt all four of them, so that you can deceive the opponent sometimes with violence, sometimes with cunning, sometimes with judicious observation, or else use foolish comportment to incite him, deceive him, and thus not only betray him concerning his intended device, but also make yourself room and space for the opening so that you can hit him that much more surely."

Cultivators of Frenzy

The purely Offensive fencer will set on aggressively with cuts and thrusts, often with significant focus on speed and strength, and with little thought to defence.

Meyer's recommendation in this case is to use a strong and tight defence in longpoint/straight parrying. As they attack parry off with the strong and don't let the blade go more than a hand's breadth from you centreline, and let them become overconfident, tired, or careless, then extend measure and void their attack. They'll probably expect to meet your parry, so over commit, and so cut back in with Nachreissen.

Generally we don't see many of these kinds of fencers in HEMA, though occasionally someone will take on this role as they attack you to try and overwhelm your defences.

Artful and Sharp

The balanced offensive fencer will not attack crudely, but will only attack when the opponent has extended with a cut, fallen low with his weapon, or otherwise left an opening in their guard. These fencers will set on with Nachreissen or Ansetzen to the nearest opening.

Against this fencer Meyer recommends we move between guards cautiously before him, always keeping the point before him so he can't rush in easily. As soon as he does see an opening, though, set it aside with [Dempffen] or [Absetzen], effectively using counterattacks and on-point parry-riposte fencing.

Anecdotally we see this type of fencer very often in HEMA, and so this type of tactic should be very familiar to you.

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