I'm reading books on famous generals in c17th-c18th, where duelling among the gentlemen elite was a common way to settle scores and insults.

I'm currently reading about one such fellow who is known fir having a ferocious temper and was often duelling, either with swords or pistols.

It was in one such incident, where he was challenged by some young pup over a welched bet. On the day, they both matched pistols.

The youngster fired and scored a hit but only wounded said general. When the general returned in kind, his pistols hammer misfired and was stuck. But the general was allowed by both his and the other side's second to fire again, saying it was in the rules.

The young challenger had no choice but to stand there and take the shot, which promptly killed him.

I'm just wondering what specific rulebook does everyone draw to in dusputes such as this? Is the a set of certified rules-system similar to the Queensbury rules for boxing?