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Targets are restricted from the hips up, including arms and head, but with legs being a non-scoring target.
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Strikes to a non-scoring target will not score.
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Repeated, deliberate strikes to an off-target will be judged as strikes to an illegal target and dealt with accordingly.
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Simultaneous hits - When both fencers hit simultaneously, the score does not change.
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Hits through blade contact - Hits landed with blade contact (through a parry or over the cross/guard) are only valid if the strength of the hit is not meaningfully decreased.
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Point-in-line exception - If the defender holds their point outstretched and the opponent runs into the point, the distance traversed ceases to play a role in judging validity.
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Dominance actions - Note that the general dominance rule (see General Rules) applies only to weapon locks and constraining actions, not grappling, as grappling is forbidden in sabre.
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Grappling or close quarter combat is forbidden.
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Engaging in grappling, close quarters combat, or corps-a-corps will immediately be stopped by the referee.
Sabre uses the standard right-of-way system. See Right of Way and Priority Rules for detailed priority conventions.