# Rules for a street fight, when to stop..? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 22, 2015, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178 "2015-06-22T20:49:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Dibbs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/da6949/32.png) [@Dibbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dibbs)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/21 "2015-06-23T17:42:35Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Once you have him in a headlock from which he cannot escape, it is proper form to request that he verbalize the word “uncle”. > mmm But how does he say that if his wind pipe is cut off?😉 ---
**Author:** ![Dibbs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/da6949/32.png) [@Dibbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dibbs)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/22 "2015-06-23T17:43:41Z")
> [@hogarth](#): > > Don’t forget to carry around a copy of the Irish Code Duello from 1777 in case the street thug has any points of fighting etiquette he wishes to have clarified. Presumably there’s room for a few more papers in the folder you carry around. I’ll have to Google that later, thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Dibbs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/da6949/32.png) [@Dibbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dibbs)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/23 "2015-06-23T17:47:05Z")
> [@Patch](#): > > It’s going to be very situational dependent, so it’s hard to say. You’ll be claiming self defense when the cops show up, so you have to deal with what you’re facing at the moment, not what may happen hours later. > > Self defense will fall to proportionality of force, so your best bet would be to try and disengage. If you have the guy down on the ground and you’re standing, probably time to back off. If you jump atop him and start banging his head into the concrete I’d expect you to go to jail. If you have a guy in a submission hold and he yields, but then when you let him go he re-engages, I would say if you get him in another submission hold you choke him out or break an arm, as he’s shown that he’s only using a surrender as a tactic to continue assaulting you. > > Drawing the knife is a serous escalation of force. You say you’re 60, so that tilts things somewhat in your favor, as you aren’t expected to defend yourself as well as someone who’s 20. As it’s been explained to me, if you’re 20 and someone about the same ages gets into a fist fight with you, drawing a knife would be assault with a deadly weapon (at minimum), as it’s assumed you can fight back. Since you’re 60, a fist fight can do far more damage to you, and so you can argue that use of a weapon was necessary to ensure your safety more effectively. Thanks for sharing all that, it helps.🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/24 "2015-06-23T17:53:45Z")
> [@Dibbs](#): > > So just let the guy clobber you and take your stuff?:o Often. if you hand the guy your stuff without an arguement, you wan’t get a beat down. Have you never been mugged? Here’s how it works: Mugger: Hand me your wallet. Me: Okay (I hand over wallet). Mugger leaves. ---
**Author:** ![Dibbs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/da6949/32.png) [@Dibbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dibbs)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/25 "2015-06-23T17:55:08Z")
> [@Becky2844](#): > > Muggings happen in dark, isolated places. Give them everything you’ve got, including your landlord’s name in case they want more. > > Street fights, brawls, usually happen outside of bars and clubs. On lighted sidewalks. If that 6" folder you’re talking about doesn’t contain next day’s work, but is a knife…you’re carrying a concealed weapon—NOT a plus in your defense when you’re sitting on a hard metal chair at the police department giving them your (sob) story. > > Do you come home late so this is even an issue? If so, frequent some of the bars for an after work beer and get to know the bouncers. They’ll help you if they hear you yell. Or just mind your own business and go home. Being 60 years old is not going to deter anybody who would do that kind of thing in the first place. > > Either get to know the place you live in or move. Nobody is immune from danger, no matter what their social status. But if you blend, you’re not singled out. > > Fighting’s not the issue. Not putting yourself into a fight is. > > Oh, when to stop? When somebody gives up or offers to buy you a beer. It’s going to be a problem because I have no money and if they have no money then no one can buy the beers.😃 Thanks for sharing all that!!🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/26 "2015-06-23T18:22:11Z")
> [@Dibbs](#): > > You make it sound easy.😕 It can be. It can be Just that easy. The only difference between it being easy & hard is you; that other guy is who he’s going to be no matter what. Fight or flight, and its always FLIGHT first. Its only if that other person or group makes it impossible for you to flee or puts you in legitimate fear for your life that you do things any other way. But really, just who is that Stupid!? ---
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/27 "2015-06-23T18:30:15Z")
Hit something soft with something hard. FWIW, your elbow is extremely hard. ---
**Author:** ![LH75](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lh75/32/4438_2.png) [@LH75](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LH75)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/28 "2015-06-23T19:29:01Z")
I am sixty two. The last physical altercation I was part of was probably forty years ago. That being said, I am too young to die, and too old to take a beating. I practice situational awareness, and avoid areas and establishments in which I might find myself on the wrong side of an argument. You can have my wallet, and even my car if pressed. Once physical danger is in the mix, I carry a Colt Defender .45 ACP pistol… ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/29 "2015-06-23T19:31:29Z")
Stay inside. Call 911 whenever you need a meal. ---
**Author:** ![LH75](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lh75/32/4438_2.png) [@LH75](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LH75)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/30 "2015-06-23T19:32:26Z")
AS to the six inch folder: > [@](#): > > Btw, I do in fact carry a legal 6" folder and am pretty good and snapping it out, though in a stress situation I could see myself dropping the thing, too. And to be honest, I think I’d prefer to run than to actually stick someone (though I’m not exactly Carl Lewis at 60). It is probably not very difficult to convince a jury that shooting a person who is menacing you with a knife was justified ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/31 "2015-06-23T19:36:00Z")
> [@Dibbs](#): > > Or, as I once read where the Unibomber, Ted Kezinski (sp?), said that only a fool doesn’t finish off his enemy? Not a problem, then. Just carry around a few letter bombs to hand out, and you’re good. ---
**Author:** ![Dibbs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/da6949/32.png) [@Dibbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dibbs)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/32 "2015-06-23T19:53:17Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > Often. if you hand the guy your stuff without an arguement, you wan’t get a beat down. Have you never been mugged? > > Here’s how it works: > Mugger: Hand me your wallet. > Me: Okay (I hand over wallet). > Mugger leaves. There’s not much dignity for the victim.☹ ---
**Author:** ![Dibbs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/da6949/32.png) [@Dibbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dibbs)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/33 "2015-06-23T19:56:14Z")
> [@Count\_Blucher](#): > > It can be. It can be Just that easy. The only difference between it being easy & hard is you; that other guy is who he’s going to be no matter what. > > Fight or flight, and its always FLIGHT first. Its only if that other person or group makes it impossible for you to flee or puts you in legitimate fear for your life that you do things any other way. But really, just who is that Stupid!? I wonder though what would happen if instead of doing that, I just exclaimed in a singsong voice while offering a hand shake, “Hi! My name’s Dibbs! Let’s be friends!”:o ---
**Author:** ![Dibbs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/da6949/32.png) [@Dibbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dibbs)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/34 "2015-06-23T19:59:07Z")
> [@Nars\_Glinley](#): > > Hit something soft with something hard. FWIW, your elbow is extremely hard. That makes sense.🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Dibbs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/da6949/32.png) [@Dibbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dibbs)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/35 "2015-06-23T20:02:02Z")
> [@LH75](#): > > I am sixty two. The last physical altercation I was part of was probably forty years ago. That being said, I am too young to die, and too old to take a beating. I practice situational awareness, and avoid areas and establishments in which I might find myself on the wrong side of an argument. > > You can have my wallet, and even my car if pressed. Once physical danger is in the mix, I carry a Colt Defender .45 ACP pistol… Yeah I try to be aware of my surroundings. Thanks for the comment, appreciate it.🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Valgard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/7feea3/32.png) [@Valgard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valgard)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/36 "2015-06-23T20:25:59Z")
> [@Dibbs](#): > > There’s not much dignity for the victim.☹ Have you ever seen someone writhing around bleeding all over after they got their ass kicked? Not a lot of dignity there. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/37 "2015-06-23T20:38:07Z")
If you want dignity, go take boxing lessings and challenge the mugger to a fight, who is likely to pull a gun or a knife and hurt you real bad. But it will be a dignified bad. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/38 "2015-06-23T20:40:02Z")
> [@Dibbs](#): > > I wonder though what would happen if instead of doing that, I just exclaimed in a singsong voice while offering a hand shake, “Hi! My name’s Dibbs! Let’s be friends!”:o I actually did that to vicious killer dog about to get me. It worked 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![MOIDALIZE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e274bd/32.png) [@MOIDALIZE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MOIDALIZE)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/39 "2015-06-23T20:46:32Z")
If he won’t put on the sunglasses, try suplexing him onto the pavement. ---
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2015, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178/40 "2015-06-23T20:48:24Z")
Steve Martin’s advice was to throw up on your money. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-a-street-fight-when-to-stop/723178.md?page=3)