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'''Pflug''' (translation: Plow) is a term used to describe a type of middle guard or [[ward]] in [[western martial arts|historical swordfighting]] although it also to describe a middle [[spear]] ward.

==Arming Sword and Buckler==
The term is applied to the ward relating to the 6th Ward of the Royal Armouries MS [[I.33]] although the term itself is not used in the manuscript where the Latin ''Pectori'' is given. This guard is has no left side version.

The pflug is taken up by standing left foot forward, buckler held out in front facing your opponent. The [[arming sword|sword]]  is held in the right hand, tucked to the breast with the [[long edge]] facing up and point towards your opponent.

===Counters===
The [[counter]]s most appropriate to adopt against this [[ward]] are:
* [[Half shield]]
* [[Langort]]

==Longsword==
In the [[Liechtenauer]] tradition this ward may be taken up with the [[Longsword]] on the right or the left hand side. It is one of the [[Vier Leger]].

The right pflug is taken up by having the left foot forward, both hands on the [[hilt]] with the [[long edge]] facing forwards. The [[hilt]] should be held at the level of, and in front of the right hip with the blade and pointing towards an opponent’s face.

==Spear==
There is an analogous [[ward]] for the [[spear]] from the [[von Danzig]] and [[Ringeck]] descriptions of the [[Liechtenauer]] tradition. There is no left version of the ward.

Ochs with the spear is taken up by holding the spear with two hands (palms outward) and held above the head. The body should be side-on with the left leg forward.


[[category:western martial arts]][[category:wards]]