Pflug
Pflug (translation: Plow) is a term used to describe a type of middle guard or ward in 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 sword is held in the right hand, tucked to the breast with the long edge facing up and point towards your opponent.
Counters
The counters most appropriate to adopt against this ward are:
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.
