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Step 1
A simple attack. In this attack you simply thrust or lunge toward your opponent's target area. If the attack "lands" (that is, if the tip is depressed enough for the score box to register it, and no illegal actions have occurred in the process), then you score a point.
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Step 2
A counter-attack. This move requires you to react to your opponent's attack. Once your opponent begins his attack, you cut his action short by initiating your own attack, by lunging or thrusting toward him as well. If timed properly, this can be a particularly effective tactic in epee fencing. If it is not timed properly, it can result in a double-touch, in which both fencers land a touch simultaneously, and thus both receive one point.
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Step 3
A parry-riposte. This action also requires your opponent's initiation. When your opponent thrusts or lunges toward you, you parry (block with your blade) her attack. In one action, you move from a defensive posture of parrying an attack into an offensive one in which you riposte, or attack your opponent in return. Caution should be taken to execute the parries properly, as improper parrying can open up more target area for your opponent.
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Step 4
A flick to the wrist. This is a difficult move that is distinctive to epee fencing. Epees are pliable weapons, but "flicking" with them requires more arm-strength and accuracy than you might assume. A flick is best executed against an opponent's extended arm or wrist at a point in the bout where there is a relatively small risk of being counter-attacked.
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Step 5
A fleche. Because of epee fencing's large target area, the fleche is considered by some schools of thought to be the "path of least resistance" in getting a touch. A fleche is a very fast move that consists of extending an arm toward the opponent and springing toward him off of your front leg. The back leg then catches you (ostensibly after the touch lands) in order to keep you from falling. Continue forward, running past your opponent, both to slow yourself down and to keep from being touched by any defensive action by your opponent.
