Getting Started
Tables for Fencing manages single-elimination Direct Elimination (DE) brackets for fencing competitions. To create your first table:
- Tap + on the main screen to open setup
- Choose your weapon, table name, and table size
- Enter fencer names in seed order (seed 1 = strongest)
- Tap Start to generate the bracket
- Tap any bout card in the bracket to open the referee console
Importing from Pools
If you've run pool rounds using the Pools app, you can seed your DE table directly from the pool results:
- In Pools, export the pool standings as CSV or JSON
- In Tables for Fencing, tap the import icon in the Seeding header and choose Pools Standings
- Select the exported file — fencer names will be seeded automatically by their final pool ranking
- Alternatively, share the CSV/JSON directly from Pools using the share sheet and choose Open in Tables
Referee Console
Tap any bout card in the bracket to open the referee console. From here you can:
- Score touches using the − and + buttons
- Start, pause, and reset the bout timer
- Tap the clock or the ⏱ button to adjust the time remaining
- Issue Yellow, Red, and Black cards per fencer
- Issue P-Red and P-Black penalty cards (full version only)
- Long-press a fencer's name to record a withdrawal
- Tap Finish Bout when the bout is complete
P-Red and P-Black Cards
Penalty cards follow current FIE rules (effective September 2025):
- P-Red — awarded to both fencers simultaneously; each receives +1 touch. Only one P-Red may be issued per bout.
- P-Black — awarded after a P-Red; ends the bout immediately. The fencer with the higher score wins. If scores are tied, the fencer with the better initial seeding wins.
P-Black cards are only available after a P-Red has been issued in the same bout.
Withdrawals
To record a withdrawal during a DE bout, long-press the withdrawing fencer's name in the referee console and confirm. The opponent is declared the winner. The withdrawn fencer retains their bracket position and is marked DNF in the final classement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are byes assigned?
Byes are automatically assigned to the top seeds in the first round. Leave seed slots blank in setup to create byes — the app assigns them to the highest available seeds per FIE convention.
Can I change the number of touches to win?
Yes — choose 5, 10, or 15 touches in setup. The full version of Tables also supports a Custom value from 1 to 50. Tables Lite offers 5, 10, and 15 touches.
What is the difference between Tables for Fencing and Tables for Fencing Lite?
Tables for Fencing Lite supports a single Table of 4 with 5, 10, or 15 touches, basic card support, and Plain Text/PDF export. The full Tables for Fencing app supports all table sizes (4–128), unlimited tables, P-Cards, timer adjustment, import from Pools, and full CSV/JSON export.
Can I reopen a bout after marking it complete?
Yes — tap the bout card to reopen the referee console, then tap Reopen Bout to reset its result and re-score it.
How do I export the final results?
Once the tableau is complete, tap Standings in the bracket view, then tap the share icon to export as Plain Text, PDF, CSV, or JSON (full version).
Are fencer names stored anywhere outside my device?
No. All data is stored locally on your device using Apple's SwiftData framework. Tables for Fencing does not collect, transmit, or store any personal information externally. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
What naming formats are supported for fencer names?
Tables for Fencing supports both "First Last" and "Last, First" formats. The "Show First Name Only" toggle in the bracket view and referee console displays only the first name in either format. Names with compound surnames or multiple given names may not truncate perfectly — when in doubt, enter names exactly as you'd like them to appear.
Contact Us
Still need help?
We're happy to assist with any questions about Tables for Fencing or Tables for Fencing Lite.
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