Wide Play
Translation
These techniques form an interconnected system of plays, including remedies and counters that work from both the right and left sides. They address every type of thrust and cut, including opponent's guard breaks, defensive covers, strikes, and locks. All of these techniques are readily understandable and applicable.
Fiore's Words
From right and left, I counter thrust and blade, With breaks and covers, locks and strikes well-made. These teachings flow together, clear and bright, all easily grasped by those who train to fight.
Combat Context
This is not a combat technique but a structural conclusion marking the transition from Wide Play to the next section of the treatise. It serves to orient the reader within Fiore's framework.
Training Notes
- ✦ This verse functions as a meta-commentary rather than a drillable technique
- ✦ Use this as a checklist to ensure training covers all aspects: right and left sides, thrusts, cuts, breaks, covers, strikes, and locks
- ✦ The emphasis on interconnection suggests techniques should be practised in flowing combinations rather than isolation
- ✦ Consider this a syllabus statement: each element mentioned should be present in your Wide Play training curriculum
This is card FL47 from the Fiore dei Liberi Sword In Two Hands deck.
Get the full deck of 78 physical training cards.
Get the deck →Next deck: Fiore Dagger - ~35 cards, in development.
[27v-c] ¶ Qui finisse zogho largo dela spada a doii mani, che sono zoghi uniti gli quali ano zoghi, zoe rimedii e'contrarii da parte dritta, e de parte riversa. e contra punte e contra tagli de zaschuna rasone cum roture coverte, ferire e ligadure, che tutte queste chose liçerissima mente se pono intendere.
Here ends the Wide Play of the sword in two hands, made up of plays that are all connected to each other, including remedies and counters from both the right and left sides, and counter-thrusts and counter-cuts to each situation, with breaks, covers, strikes and locks, all things that can be easily understood.