BJJ Competition Strategy: Points, Advantages & Game Plans

Contents

Understanding the IBJJF Scoring System

Position	Points	Requirement
Takedown	2	3 seconds in top position
Guard Pass	3	3 seconds in side control / north-south
Mount / Back Mount	4	3 seconds, hooks in for back
Knee on Belly	2	3 seconds
Sweep	2	Top position maintained 3 seconds

Building Your Game Plan

A competition game plan should answer three questions: How will I score first? How will I respond if down on points? What are my submission triggers? Keep it to 3-5 moves that work under pressure. Don't plan what you'll do — plan what you'll initiate.

Guard Pull vs. Takedown Decision

Pull guard if your ground game is significantly better. Compete for the takedown if you have a clear advantage. Never pull guard just to avoid takedowns — train the takedown defense instead. Guard pulling is a legitimate strategy at all levels, but plan your attacks from guard immediately on landing.

Protecting a Lead

When winning: keep moving, don't stall. Stalling leads to advantages for the opponent and can change the match outcome. The best way to protect a lead is to keep pursuing submissions — an opponent defending a sub can't attack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to pull guard or go for takedowns in competition?

Depends on your skill set. Most recreational competitors pull guard. However, scoring first with a takedown gives you positional control and forces opponent to work from guard.

How do I prepare a game plan for my first competition?

Focus on 2-3 techniques you've drilled hundreds of times. Know how to score from your best position. Have a backup plan if your A-game is shut down. Keep it simple.

What do advantages count for in BJJ competition?

In IBJJF rules, advantages count as tiebreakers after points are equal. They don't equal a point but determine the winner if the score is tied after time.