Most often, bouts are scored electrically. Fencers use equipment that is wired to sense a hit on the opponent. This sends a signal to a scoring machine which lights up to indicate a touch has been scored. A bout is over when a fencer wins by scoring five touches against the opposing fencer. Sometimes bouts will be scored to 15 touches.
Fencers wear special clothing to protect themselves while on the strip.
The fencers uniform is traditionally white, although the rules have recently been changed to allow other colors.