Elementary Tactics

          Tactics is a broad term in finger jousting that is used synonymously with the quadrant of technique. When speaking of tactics, jousters often mean a specific technique involving strategy and moves. Beginners often think that they can simply win matches by being stronger and quicker than their opponent; that simply is not the case. To be a successful finger jouster, you must employ at least a bit of technique by having a strategy and repertoire of moves.

          Your strategy is your plan of action regarding the way you execute your moves, manage your defense, and utilize your stance. There are two main generic strategies that form the basis for most specific strategies. Both of them can be highly effective against amateurs, but to master the sport of finger jousting, you must develop your own strategy and utilize it in the arena.

          The first of the main generic strategies is the sporadic strategy. This technique is often used by beginners who are trying too hard to beat their opponents. It can be characterized as "jumping around erratically and spasmodically while violently flinging the opponent around using the lancing arm." Most persons using the sporadic strategy do not have a certain stance, but often change their stance multiple times within the match. Sporadic finger jousters believe that the best defense is a good offense and do not use any sort of defensive countermeasures. Using this strategy can be quite effective if the jouster is really quick and strong. The most important basic move used by sporadic jousters is the bobbo lance which will be discussed later.

          The other main generic strategy is known as the reserved strategy. It is the yin to the sporadic’s yang. It can be characterized as smooth and meditative concentrating on rotations more than straight lancing. The average stance for a reserved jouster is with your feet shoulder width apart, your dominant foot in front, knees slightly bent, and upper body arched somewhat towards the opponent. Reserved finger jousters believe that using an opponent’s force to throw off an opponent is an effective way to win a match. This strategy can be very effective even if the jouster is not very quick. The most important basic move used by reserved jousters is the majigger which will be discussed later.

          There are two basic moves. Moves are individual tactics used within a strategy involving the movement of the lancing arm and other bodie parts to gain a point. The first of the basic moves is the majigger. To execute a majigger you must simply rotate your lancing elbow counter-clockwise (considering that you are using your right arm to lance) simultaneously moving your hand down. This will create an opportune chance to lance your opponent’s legs.

          On the other hand, the bobbo lance is executed in two parts. First you cock your lancing elbow back so that it is touching your chest, and your opponent is close to you. Then you rapidly shoot your arm out to full extension. This will create an opening which might even give you a head shot if you are lucky.

          There are many other moves and strategies in the world of finger jousting. There are even some complex counters to the majigger and the bobbo lance which many competitors have discovered and might put in future articles. Experiment with the basics and master them so that you may use them in the arena.