The "tercio de varas" is a traditional phase in a Spanish bullfight, specifically during the corrida de toros. In this stage, the bullfighter, known as the matador, engages with the bull using a lance, or "vara," to assess its strength and behavior. This interaction helps the matador determine the bull's characteristics for the subsequent phases of the fight. During the tercio de varas, the bull is typically confronted by a group of assistants called picadores, who ride on horseback. They use the lances to weaken the bull by targeting its neck muscles. This process is crucial for the overall dynamics of the bullfight, influencing the matador's strategy in later stages.