Fencing is a measurement of strength. It begins with a game of one-on-one, where only the rules of the game apply. If there are more than two fencers competing then contest rules also apply. Match rules help make the showdowns as smooth and fair as possible. As competitions get larger, the rules become more stringent and complicated. The contest roadmap below is designed to give you, as a contest fencer, some guidance on the rules. It will help you figure out which competitions you like and how and when to enter them.