Dueling

Dueling is an activity in Red Dead Redemption. John Marston may be challenged to duels by either outlaws or vigilantes, depending on the player's honor.

When dueling, Marston will make use of a special form of Dead-Eye. Before, or upon the countdown, the player must chose to either draw quickly, before their opponent and sacrifice accuracy; or, alternatively, to draw more slowly and increase his accuracy with their sidearm.



After their weapon is successfully drawn, the player will paint the opposing duelist with reticules, using the Dead-Eye system, and then fire. Successfully disabling or killing the opposing dueler will generate fame for the player.

To earn the maximum amount of honor the player must Shoot the opponents hat and then Disarm him by shooting the opponents' weapon.

Refusal
Marston can choose to refuse a duel. The player can choose to instead attack the challenger with their fists. If the player succeeds in knocking the challenger out, the duel will be prevented.

Cheating
Choosing to draw quickly may, sometimes, be perceived by spectators as cheating. When this happen, Marston's honor will drop and a bounty may be incurred.

Additionally, the player may choose to kill the challenger in the interval after the challenge has been issued, and when en-route to the dueling positions. Doing so will have a similar effect as drawing too soon.