has scored three, while the other has scored five, the one with three may not rescind, whereas the one with five may rescind, because his superiority has become apparent.

If someone were to say: Even the one with three may, through repeated rounds of competition, surpass the other while the latter falls behind, since the required accuracy is set at nine out of ten?

We reply: This is a conceivable possibility, but we can only judge by what is apparent. At present, apparent superiority lies with the one who has five. It has now become evident, outwardly, that he is in the right. If he rescinds, there is no harm in that; but if the one who is behind rescinds, he has no right to do so unless his opponent agrees.

Thus, his statement, “Either party may rescind it,” is unrestricted, but it must be qualified as applying where neither party has gained a clear advantage. If one of them has gained a clear advantage, the inferior party may not rescind except with the consent of his opponent.

Archery Competition Is Valid Among Designated Participants Who Are Skilled in Shooting

His statement, “Archery competition is valid,” means competition in shooting.

His statement, “among designated participants who are skilled in shooting,” means that the archers must be specifically designated. This has already preceded in his statement, “the archers.” They must, however, be skilled in shooting, because there is no benefit in the shooting of one who cannot shoot well. The Lawgiver has permitted competition for a prize in archery only so that a person may become proficient in shooting and train in it. Therefore, if he does not know how to shoot, he may not enter the competition.

Does his statement, “among designated participants,” indicate that they must be three or more?

The answer is: according to the established school, yes, because there must be two