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En Garde! Trivia Quiz

A quiz on the basics of competitive fencing. This sport has a long history and a strict set of rules. The questions that follow are about the sport, not about the use of weapons in martial arts.

A multiple-choice quiz by dcpddc478. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
dcpddc478

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
363,210

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Easy

Avg Score
8 / 10

Plays
2049

Awards
Top 35% Quiz

Last 3 plays: Guest 173 (8/10), woodychandler (6/10), Guest 86 (1/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Which of the following weapons would not be used in fencing? Hint

Epee

Cleaver

Sabre

Foil

NEXT>

Question 2 of 10

2. What color is usually worn by competitors in a fencing tournament? Hint

Red

Green

Black

White

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Question 3 of 10

3. Which of these statements about fencing is true? Hint

The weapons used in modern fencing are made of plastic

Fencing is one of the few combat sports with no weight class

Fencing originated in Australia

It is acceptable to tackle your opponent if you lose your weapon

NEXT>

Question 4 of 10

4. If, during a tournament, a judge gives you a "Black Card", what does this mean? Hint

You are being disqualified and must leave

You have won the tournament

You are moving on to the next level

Your weapon has been broken and you must get a new one

NEXT>

Question 5 of 10

5. In 1936, which major change in fencing went into effect? Hint

Both men and women could compete

Electronic scoring

A mask was first used for protection

The first international competition was held

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Question 6 of 10

6. In the world of fencing what is meant by the term 'The Smirnov Incident'? Hint

This was the last year fencing was seen at the Olympics

Allegations of the use of radioactive equipment

Accidental death of a fencer

The death of the Bhutanese fencing team in a plane crash

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Question 7 of 10

7. In the context of competitive fencing what is a plastron? Hint

The handle of the weapon

A short dagger like weapon

An underarm protector

Special fencing shoes

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Question 8 of 10

8. What is the best definition of the word 'appel' as it is used in the sport of competitive fencing? Hint

It is the sound of the buzzer indicating a score being made

It is the proper name for a protective fencing mask

It is the term for a female fencer

Distracting your opponent by stomping the ground

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Question 9 of 10

9. Competitive fencing became part of the Olympics in 1960.

True

False

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Question 10 of 10

10. The title of this quiz 'En Garde' is an Italian fencing term which means 'prepare to meet death'.

True

False

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Most Recent Scores

Dec 07 2024 : Guest 173: 8/10
Dec 05 2024 : woodychandler: 6/10
Nov 03 2024 : Guest 86: 1/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Which of the following weapons would not be used in fencing?

Answer: Cleaver

The three main categories of fencing as seen in the Olympics are Epee, Foil, and Sabre. Each weapon is slightly different and a different attack is used depending on which instrument is used. The FIE, also known as Federation Internationale d'Escrime is the international governing body for this sport.

2. What color is usually worn by competitors in a fencing tournament?

Answer: White

Fencing suits are white. This is because in the past, touching was recorded by a piece of cotton that had been dipped in ink and then attached to the appropriate area of the weapon.

3. Which of these statements about fencing is true?

Answer: Fencing is one of the few combat sports with no weight class

Fencing is one of the few combats sport with no weight class (e.g. sumo wrestling has no weight class). Remember martial arts are not being included in this quiz. Anyone of any height or weight, may be your opponent. Fencing originated in France not Australia, there is no tackling in fencing, and the weapons are not made of plastic.

4. If, during a tournament, a judge gives you a "Black Card", what does this mean?

Answer: You are being disqualified and must leave

A "Black Card" is given after an act of unsportsmanlike behavior. It indicates that the athlete must leave the competition floor and has been disqualified from any further advancement in the tournament. Examples of behavior that can earn you a "Black Card" are throwing of equipment, the use of profanity against the judges or your opponent or other disruptive behaviors.

The ideals of honor and sportsmanship are very important in this sport and are strictly enforced.

5. In 1936, which major change in fencing went into effect?

Answer: Electronic scoring

In 1936, electronic scoring became available doing away with the job of the side judge. This new apparatus reduced the bias of human judges and was much more accurate. The lights and sounds of electronic scoring machines can be seen and heard at all fencing tournaments today.

6. In the world of fencing what is meant by the term 'The Smirnov Incident'?

Answer: Accidental death of a fencer

During the 1982 World Championships in Rome, Russian fencer Vladimir Smirnov was killed when the blade of his opponents weapon broke. His opponent Matthias Behr of West Germany, had his weapon break during the middle of the action and his blade went through Smirnov's mask, through his eye socket and into the brain. Smirnov, who had won three Olympic medals, died nine days later.

This proved to be the impetus behind the improvement of safety gear in fencing.

7. In the context of competitive fencing what is a plastron?

Answer: An underarm protector

The plastron goes underneath the jacket worn by fencers and provides protection for the underarm and the ribcage. The outfit, worn by fencers today, is all about protecting the athlete. Because of the potential lethality of this sport, every protective measure is taken.

8. What is the best definition of the word 'appel' as it is used in the sport of competitive fencing?

Answer: Distracting your opponent by stomping the ground

'Appel' is the practice of the stomping on the ground, in an attempt to make a distracting sound in an attempt to catch your opponent off guard. It is also used in an attempt to startle your opponent. If you see a participant repeatedly stomping the ground, this is not an 'appel' but is an indication by the participant that the bout must be stopped due to injury or equipment failure.

9. Competitive fencing became part of the Olympics in 1960.

Answer: False

Competitive fencing is one of the five sports that has been seen in every one of the modern Olympic Games. The other four are swimming, cycling, gymnastics and athletics.

10. The title of this quiz 'En Garde' is an Italian fencing term which means 'prepare to meet death'.

Answer: False

The phrase 'En Garde' is a French term not Italian. Further it means 'On Guard'. It is a command to combatants to assume the standard posture of a fencer as the bout is fixing to start.

Source: Author dcpddc478

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor ozzz2002 before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

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