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.
Understanding the IBJJF points system is essential for competition BJJ. Every scoring position and the transitions between them form the structure of the competitive game.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points is a guard pass in IBJJF?
A guard pass is worth 3 points in IBJJF competition. The position must be held for 3 seconds with the opponent's guard fully passed (not in a guard recovery attempt).
What is the highest scoring position in BJJ?
Mount and back control are tied at 4 points each — the highest single-position scores in IBJJF competition. Back control with both hooks is equal to full mount in scoring value.