Attacks
An attack is a choreographed movement toward a numbered target line.
In SaberCraft Notation, a plain target number means that the Saberist is performing an attack toward that line.
Important
An attack in the SaberCraft Standard is not permission to strike your partner. It is a controlled movement in a shared choreography.
Basic attack notation
A plain number is an attack.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
1 |
Attack target 1 |
11 |
Attack target 11 |
3 |
Attack target 3 |
9 |
Attack target 9 |
5 |
Attack target 5 |
7 |
Attack target 7 |
The number tells the reader which target line the movement is directed toward.
For the full twelve-line attack reference, use the Notation Legend.
Attack versus target
The target is the line.
The attack is the action moving toward that line.
| Concept | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Target | The numbered line being used |
| Attack | The choreographed movement toward that line |
Example:
3 means the Saberist attacks target line 3.
Attack and parry relationship
Most beginner attacks have a matching parry.
| Attack | Matching parry |
|---|---|
1 |
1P |
11 |
11P |
3 |
3P |
9 |
9P |
5 |
5P |
7 |
7P |
The attack gives the line. The parry receives or answers that line.
Attacks in a two-Saberist table
In a SaberCraft Standard table, the attack appears in the step column for the Saberist performing it.
| Player | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saberist A | 1 | 11 | 3 |
| Saberist B | 1P | 11P | 3P |
Read this vertically:
- Step 1: Saberist A attacks
1; Saberist B parries1P. - Step 2: Saberist A attacks
11; Saberist B parries11P. - Step 3: Saberist A attacks
3; Saberist B parries3P.
Control standard
A SaberCraft Standard attack should be:
- intentional
- readable
- repeatable
- controlled
- safe for the partner
The attack should move toward the target line and stop before contact unless a specific, safe, pre-agreed theatrical contact rule is being used.
For beginner documentation, assume no contact.
Common beginner mistakes
| Mistake | Correction |
|---|---|
| Swinging too hard | Slow down and make the line readable |
| Aiming at the body | Aim toward the choreographed line, not the person |
| Changing the line mid-swing | Follow the written target |
| Moving before the partner is ready | Reset and confirm both Saberists understand the step |
| Treating notation like sparring | Keep it choreographed and repeatable |
Attacks in CM-A
CM-A uses six beginner attacks: 1, 11, 3, 9, 5, and 7.
For the full six-step CM-A table, use the CM-A reference page.
Together, these teach a basic tour of the beginner target lines.
Teaching note
When teaching attacks, do not start with speed. Start with shape.
A good beginner attack should answer three questions clearly:
- What target line is being used?
- Can the partner read it?
- Can both Saberists repeat it safely?
If the answer is no, the attack is not ready to speed up.
Attack diagrams
 Attack 1 |
 Attack 11 |
 Attack 3 |
 Attack 9 |
 Attack 5 |
 Attack 7 |