Narrow Play - Verse 53

This technique follows from the previous narrow play (verse 51). After completing that action, you have thrown your opponent to the ground and now place the edge of your sword against their neck. From this position, check whether they are wearing a gorget or neck armour. If they have no collar protection, you can cut their throat.

From the play before me, just as my Scholar said, I've put my sword edge to your neck, you're nearly dead. I feel you have no collar there to save your skin, so now I'll cut your throat and let the ending begin.

This is a concluding action in an armoured sword combat sequence. After successfully executing a throw from close quarters (narrow play), you have a momentary advantage with your opponent on the ground or heavily compromised. The technique involves a quick tactical assessment of whether your opponent's armour has vulnerabilities at the neck, a common weak point even in full harness. If unprotected, the throat cut is a fight-ending action. This represents the transition from controlling technique to lethal finish.

• ✦ This is a finishing technique following a successful throw from verse 51. Practice the transition smoothly
• ✦ After throwing your opponent, maintain control of your sword and quickly position the edge against their neck
• ✦ The 'feeling' for armour can be done visually or through light contact, practice, and assessing armour in the moment
• ✦ Your right foot position (inside/behind opponent's right foot per editorial notes) helps control their body and prevents escape
• ✦ In training, use only controlled pressure. The throat is extremely vulnerable
• ✦ The technique assumes your opponent is on their back or significantly disadvantaged after the throw