Whenever possible, when your opponent attacks you should move in on him. This doubles the power of your own counterattack and gives your opponent half the time in which to change his tactics. However, it does require both boldness and skill. If your timing is less than perfect you stand a good chance of getting hurt. And, of course, if you are injured from moving in on an attack you will lose the point!

With regard to your opponent's tactics, it is essential to understand his psychology and not be misled by superficial movements. No movement must escape your notice, but you should interpret correctly the intention behind it. This is, of course, more easily said than done, but it helps if you observe your opponent 'peripherally' - that is to say without ever focusing on any one detail. Although your eyes will be directed toward his eyes, you must actually be equally aware all the time of his body as a whole. His eyes, however, are important. They will often reflect his intentions, for which reason your own eyes should be kept half-closed and your expression unstrained.