BJJ Advantage System: How Advantages Work

Competition · Blue Belt · Last updated 2026-03-16

The advantage system in IBJJF BJJ competition serves as a tiebreaker and rewards near-scoring actions. Understanding when advantages are awarded — and how to earn them strategically — can be the difference between winning and losing close matches.

Contents

What Is an Advantage?

An advantage is a fractional scoring reward given for a near-scoring action that does not quite meet the criteria for full points. If a match ends tied on points, the competitor with more advantages wins. If advantages are also tied, the referee decides based on who was more aggressive.

When Advantages Are Awarded

Near Sweep

A sweep attempt that brings the top player close to being reversed but doesn't complete. The bottom player nearly achieves the reversal but the top player recovers before 3 seconds elapse.

Near Pass

A guard pass attempt that nearly completes — the passing player achieves a passing position but the guard player recovers before 3 seconds. A genuine passing threat that requires the guard player to work hard to prevent.

Near Submission

A submission attempt that puts the opponent in clear danger — a near-tap triangle, a locked-in armbar position the opponent barely escapes, a rear naked choke that is tightly applied before being defended. The referee must judge that the opponent was in genuine danger.

Strategic Advantage Hunting

When a match is tied late, proactively hunting advantages becomes important. Near-sweep attempts from guard, guard passing pressure that forces scrambles, and submission attempts from dominant positions all generate advantage opportunities even when full scoring doesn't occur.

⚡ Pro Tip: Always finish your submission attempts even when you know the opponent will escape — the near-tap generates an advantage. Half-finished attacks are a common failure mode in close matches.

⚠️ Ruleset Note: The advantage system varies between rulesets. ADCC eliminates advantages and uses overtime. Submission-only events have no advantage system. Always check the specific rules for your competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you win a BJJ match on advantages alone?

Yes. If the score is tied on points, the competitor with more advantages wins. Many close BJJ matches are decided by a single advantage point.

What counts as a near submission for an advantage?

The referee's judgment is required. Generally, if the submission is locked in and the opponent visibly struggles to escape (shows clear defensive effort), an advantage should be awarded. A quick, easily defended submission attempt typically doesn't earn an advantage.