In fencing, the pool round is usually the first stage of a fencing competition.  Usually comprised of 5 or 6 fencers, each fencer will fence everyone else in the pool in 5 point bouts.  The results of all the different pools are then compiled, and all the fencers are given a seeding depending on how well they did in their pool round.

Usually, the fencers will then be placed into a direct elimination tournament for the remainder of the competition.