Alber / Fool's Guard
Alber
One of the four basic guards of historical German fencing, in which the sword points downward toward the ground.
Quick Facts
Definition
Alber (the Fool) is a guard from historical German fencing in which the fencer holds the sword low with the point aimed at the ground, deliberately leaving the upper body uncovered. This seemingly passive and foolish stance gives the guard its name, as Liechtenauer's teaching describes it as tempting the opponent to attack the exposed upper targets. In reality, however, it allows for quick rising cuts (Unterhau) or a parry combined with an immediate counterattack. Alber is one of the four basic guards (vier Leger) alongside Ochs, Pflug, and Vom Tag, which form the foundation of the Liechtenauer tradition. Fencers are warned not to linger in this guard for long, since passive waiting in it is considered a tactical mistake.
Related Terms
One of the four basic defensive guards (leger) in historical German longsword fencing.
Pflug / PlowPflugOne of the four basic guards (Vier Leger) in historical German longsword fencing, resembling the position of holding a plow.
Vom Tag / From the RoofVom TagOne of the four basic guards of historical German fencing, in which the sword is raised high above the head or shoulder.
Vor / Nach / Indes (Before, After, Instantly)Vor / Nach / IndesA trio of key timing principles in historical German fencing describing initiative, reaction, and simultaneity of action.