Last week we covered the Shieldhau, when it was to be used and how to counter it.
This week we looked at the Krumphau. Two main use cases where presented.
- Offensively: as a preemptive strike whilst moving off line.
- Devensively: In response to an on-line attack like a thrust or Shieldhau
Offensive
Useful because it takes you off line and allows and should be delivered at maximum reach.
A: Does nothing
D: Steps off line to D's right, delivers Krumphau to A's lead arm or hands.
Defensive
A useful and unusual response to straight line attacks.
A: Thrusts
D: Steps off line to D's right and performs Krumphau. Binding with their blade, locking it down. (Sword pointing towards the floor).
D: Rotates the pommel again to deliver a Shieldhau to the head.
Another variant for D.
D: Steps off line to D's right and delivers Krumphau. Once (or regardless) blade contact is made continue the downward motion running off their blade to swing round and deliver either a Shieldhau or Zwerchhau to attackers head.
!3, A's counter to the Krumphau
The standard counter to a Krumphau is to go strong. D can counter this as shown.
A: Thrusts
D: Performs Krumphau stepping off line.
A: Goes strong attempting to lift their blade against the Krumphau.
D: Cannot risk releasing the blade to use previous.
D: Raises crossguard to A's hands attempting a grapple.
D: Moves underneath and delivers a pommel strike to the head.
When bound like this, A should drop their sword and grapple.
We also observed that A would likely attempt to back off to deliver an off tempo strike whilst retreating.
Noted that a correctly executed Krumphau against an opponents trhust should leave you in Shrankhut:
A guard delivered with crossed hands and the point towards the ground.
By keeping their blade low you prevent them from doing anything in response which is why A's counter of going strong proves at least troublesome for the Krumphau.
