Step 1 of 4Saxony, 15th c.
Two fencers approaching one another in Vom Tag.
Talhoffer, Alte Armatur und Ringkunst, 1459 — Ms.Thott.290.2º, fol. 6r. Wikimedia Commons ↗
Folio 1rGerman (Liechtenauer)

Zwerchhau gegen Vom Tag

— thwart-cut against the day guard

The named counter to Vom Tag. A horizontal short-edge cut delivered above the head as you step offline.

Stand in Vom Tag and step offline as their Oberhau begins to fall. The sword rises with the crossguard high to shield the head; the short edge cuts horizontally across into the face or neck. If the bind holds, wind up into Ochs on the new side and thrust.

The play, step by step

1 / 4

Ⅰ

Sie aus dem Tag

— they stand in Vom Tag

The opponent waits in Vom Tag, sword on the shoulder. An Oberhau is one tempo away.

Next → Step offline as they cut · step 2: Zwerchhau

Or deviate from the script

Cuts you may throw

Guards you may transition to

Plays you may enter

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