The foil is a lightweight weapon with a rectangular blade, no longer than 90 centimetres long. The maximum length of the entire weapon, including the hilt, cannot be longer than 110 centimetres. Additionally, the total maximum weight for the foil is set at 500 grams, but most fencers use lighter foils weighing around 350 grams.
The foil, also known as a thrusting or point weapon, is the most common out of three weapons used for fencing and the blades are specially designed to bend upon impact so that the risk of injuries to the opponent is lowered significantly. Fencers can only score using the tip of the blade and are required to hit specific target areas.
The target areas for foil fencing differ from epee and saber fencing, and include the torso (defined from the shoulder to groin), as well as the back of the opponent’s waist. Off-target areas include the hands, feet, head and neck. If the fencer touches an off-target area, no points will be awarded, but play will be halted.
Foil is also governed by the right-of-way rule, meaning that points are not always awarded to the fencer who hits first. Instead, the point will be awarded to the fencer who hits with priority, meaning to carry out a properly executed attack.