BJJ Points System Guide: IBJJF Scoring Explained
☰Contents
Complete IBJJF points system guide — how takedowns, sweeps, guard passes, mounts, and back control are scored, with strategic implications for competition.
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IBJJF Points Table
| Action | Points | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Takedown | 2 | Bring opponent to ground, hold 3 seconds |
| Sweep | 2 | From guard, reverse to top position, hold 3 seconds |
| Guard Pass | 3 | Pass to side control or north-south, hold 3 seconds |
| Knee on Belly | 2 | Establish knee on belly position, hold 3 seconds |
| Mount | 4 | Establish full mount, hold 3 seconds |
| Back Control | 4 | Both hooks in or body triangle, hold 3 seconds |
The 3-Second Rule
Points are only awarded if the position is held for 3 seconds. This prevents "flash" positions from scoring. If you achieve mount but are immediately swept, no points are awarded. The 3-second holding requirement rewards stable, controlled top game.
Advantages
Advantages are awarded for near-sweeps, near-submissions, and near-passes that don't quite score points. They serve as tiebreakers. Advantages can win a match when the score is tied.
Strategic Implications
High-Value Positions (4 pts)
Mount and back control are the highest-value positions. A single mount position scores more than two takedowns or two sweeps. The strategic priority should be: secure any takedown/sweep → pass guard → elevate to mount or back control.
Guard Pass Is the Pivot Point
At 3 points, the guard pass is the pivotal scoring action. It converts a roughly tied 2-2 score (both athletes may have had takedowns or sweeps) into a 5-2 advantage, and then allows elevation to 9-2 (mount) or more.
Common Mistakes in Points System Guide
Rushing the Setup
Attempting to finish before proper mechanics are in place results in failed attempts and positional loss. Prioritize position before submission.
Using Strength Over Technique
Muscling through setups creates bad habits and fails against stronger or more skilled opponents. Focus on leverage and angles.
Skipping Drilling
Techniques only become available in live rolling after extensive drilling. Regular repetition builds the muscle memory needed for execution under pressure.
Ignoring Defensive Reactions
Every technique has common counters. Learn the most frequent defensive reactions and have follow-up attacks ready.
Related Video
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📋 Competition Rules
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Common BJJ Problems & FAQ
Points are awarded for achieving dominant positions like a sweep (reversing from bottom to top), a pass (moving from side control or mount to a more dominant position), a mount (being on top with your hips over your opponent's torso), or a back control (having both hooks in and controlling the opponent's back). To score, you must establish and maintain these positions for at least three seconds, demonstrating control and stability.
Advantages are awarded when you almost achieve a scoring position or submission but don't quite stabilize it for the full three seconds, or if your opponent commits a foul that doesn't warrant a penalty. Penalties are given for infractions like stalling, illegal moves, or fleeing the mat, and they can result in your opponent receiving points or advantages. While points are the primary scoring mechanism, advantages can break ties and penalties can significantly impact the match outcome.
A successful sweep requires using your leg structure to create an off-balancing moment for your opponent while simultaneously generating upward momentum with your hips. Focus on using your legs to control their base, such as hooking their ankles or hips, and then explosively driving your hips towards them while lifting your legs to initiate the reversal, ensuring your hips are lower than theirs to generate leverage.
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