The Four Openings (Vier Blößen) in Joachim Meyer’s Longsword (1570)
In his Gründtliche Beschreibung der Kunst des Fechtens (1570), Joachim Meyer builds the entire system around the four primary openings (vier Blößen) of the opponent’s body. The opponent is split into four main quarters: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. The openings are always described from the target’s perspective (not the attacker’s). Meyer augments this traditional German division (inherited from Liechtenauer) by applying further precision to the head in close work, effectively treating it as having its own four quarters for detailed targeting. All guards protect these openings in oneself while threatening them in the opponent, and all techniques aim to exploit exposed openings while concealing one’s own.
Primary source descriptions are drawn from the draft English translation by Rebecca Garber (2022), available on Wiktenauer and in the full draft translation PDF, consistent with interpretations in modern HEMA resources such as Keith Farrell’s analyses and HEMA101 summaries.
Upper Left Opening (Ober Linke Blöße)
The upper quarter on the opponent’s left side, primarily the left shoulder, arm, neck, and left side of the head.
How it is targeted: Primarily with strong descending diagonal cuts (e.g., Zornhau or Schielhau from the right side), horizontal Zwerchhau from the right, or thrusts from right Ochs or Pflug. Commonly exposed when the opponent commits strongly to their right side.
Upper Right Opening (Ober Rechte Blöße)
The upper quarter on the opponent’s right side, primarily the right shoulder, arm, neck, and right side of the head.
How it is targeted: With descending diagonal cuts from the left (e.g., alternate Zornhau or Schielhau), horizontal Zwerchhau from the left, rising cuts from low guards, or thrusts from left Ochs or Pflug. Often opened when the opponent overcommits to their left side.
Lower Left Opening (Unter Linke Blöße)
The lower quarter on the opponent’s left side, including the left hip, leg, and lower torso.
How it is targeted: With rising cuts (Unterhau) from low guards like Alber or left Pflug, low diagonal strikes, or passing steps combined with low thrusts. Frequently exposed after the opponent displaces a high attack.
Lower Right Opening (Unter Rechte Blöße)
The lower quarter on the opponent’s right side, including the right hip, leg, and lower torso.
How it is targeted: With rising cuts from right Wechsel or right Pflug, low horizontal or diagonal strikes, or deceptive changes from high to low. Commonly opened after high commitments or displacements.
Precision Targeting of the Head
In close or middle work (Handarbeit or Mittelarbeit), Meyer further divides the head into four zones for accurate strikes with reversed cuts, windings, and handwork.
- Left side (ear, temple, cheek)
- Right side (ear, temple, cheek)
- Front (face, mouth, throat)
- Top (crown, forehead)
These allow precise threats in bindings, such as Zwerchhau to the ears or thrusts to the face.
Principles for Attacking the Four Openings
Meyer provides general rules for targeting the openings, particularly in the onset (Zufechten) and after the opponent’s actions (Nachreisen).
In the onset: Attack opposite diagonals sequentially (e.g., start with upper left, follow immediately to lower right, then lower left, then upper right). This exploits the large displacement required to parry, leaving the opposite diagonal exposed. Demonstrated in the cutting diagram (often called the Meyer Square in modern practice) using Oberhau and Unterhau in alternating patterns.
Beware induced openings: An opponent may deliberately expose an opening to lure an attack (a provocation), allowing them to step offline and counter. Counter this by using provoker strikes (incomplete or feinted attacks) to bait displacement, then immediately strike the newly vacated opposite opening.
Nachreisen (chasing or pursuing): After the opponent cuts or parries, chase to the opening farthest from where their blade ends its motion (typically the opposite diagonal). For example, if they cut a Zornhau ending low left, immediately attack upper right, as it requires the largest change for them to recover and parry. Meyer notes: the opponent is most open in the quadrant from which they initiate or end their stroke.
These principles apply judiciously based on timing and opportunity, not rigidly.
Glossary of Terms Used
- Opening (Blöße): A vulnerable quadrant or target area on the opponent’s body.
- Four openings (Vier Blößen): The primary body divisions into upper/lower and left/right quarters, from the target’s perspective.
- Onset (Zufechten/Anbinden): The approach and initial engagement phase.
- Nachreisen: Chasing or pursuing the opponent’s blade motion to strike the farthest or newly exposed opening.
- Provoker (Verführen/Reizen): A feinted or incomplete strike intended to induce a reaction and expose an opening.
- Meyer Square: Modern term for Meyer’s cutting diagram illustrating sequential attacks to the four openings (primarily with high and low cuts in opposite patterns).