Quick answer: under IBJJF scoring, mount and qualifying back control are worth 4 points, a guard pass 3, and a takedown, sweep or knee-on-belly 2. Scoring positions normally need three seconds of stabilization. At the end of regulation, a tie is decided by advantages, then fewer penalties, then the referee’s decision if those are also equal. These are IBJJF rules; another tournament may use a different system.
This guide explains the BJJ points system in practical terms: what scores, why it scores, what does not score, and how beginners should think about points in a match. It uses IBJJF-style scoring as the baseline because IBJJF rules are a major reference point in sport Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. For a specific competition, always confirm the current event rules and the official IBJJF rules page.
Last updated: . Rules checked against the current-linked IBJJF Rule Book, version 6.1 (June 2024).
| Action or position | Common points | What must generally happen |
|---|---|---|
| Mount | 4 | The athlete establishes a controlled mount position. |
| Back control | 4 | Qualifying back control with uncrossed heels between the opponent’s thighs, no more than one arm trapped within the permitted shoulder limit, held for three seconds. |
| Guard pass | 3 | The athlete clears the guard and stabilizes a controlling top position. |
| Takedown | 2 | The athlete brings the opponent from standing to the mat and establishes control. |
| Sweep | 2 | The athlete reverses from guard to top and stabilizes control. |
| Knee-on-belly | 2 | The athlete establishes the knee-on-belly control position. |
BJJ points chart
The simplest way to remember BJJ points is 4-3-2. The most dominant finishing positions are worth 4 points. Passing the guard is worth 3 points. Actions that change the phase or create strong top control are usually worth 2 points.
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| Points | Scoring actions | Beginner memory cue |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Mount, back control | Dominant finishing positions |
| 3 | Guard pass | Beat the legs and control from top |
| 2 | Takedown, sweep, knee-on-belly | Get on top, reverse, or establish pressure |
This chart is useful for watching matches, but it is not the entire rule book. Details such as stabilization time, edge-of-mat resets, legal grips, and whether a position counts during a scramble can change the final call. That is why the referee’s view of control matters.
When does the three-second scoring count apply?
A scoring action has to meet its positional requirements. Article 3.1 adds the three-second stabilization requirement; briefly arriving at a position is not the same as establishing it. The clock is counting control, not how long a competitor has been moving toward the position.
There are two details that make the simple “hold every position for three seconds” advice incomplete:
- Continuous progress can accumulate points. Under article 3.4, an uninterrupted sequence through qualifying scoring positions can be counted at the final position. A completed guard pass flowing directly into a stabilized mount can produce 7 points: 3 + 4, with the three-second count at the end of that continuous control. The earlier actions still have to qualify.
- A submission hold changes the count. Article 3.3 addresses arriving in a scoring position while caught in a submission and interruptions during a count. Escaping the hold and establishing the required control matters; an athlete cannot simply demand positional points while still caught. The article also distinguishes interrupted counts and advantages. Do not apply one shortcut to every submission-defense sequence.
Voluntarily giving up a position just to regain it and collect its points again does not work under article 3.2. In a real match, watch what the referee signals rather than adding points from a fleeting camera angle.
Why the BJJ points system rewards position
BJJ scoring is built around positional progress. A takedown moves the match from standing to the ground. A sweep reverses bottom position into top position. A guard pass clears the main defensive barrier. Mount and back control put the athlete close to submissions.
That structure is why BJJ can look slow to new viewers. Competitors are not only chasing submissions. They are also fighting for positions that create points, control, and safer submission opportunities. A competitor who is ahead by a guard pass and mount may choose to protect position instead of forcing a risky finish.
Examples of how points are scored
Takedown: 2 points
A takedown commonly scores when an athlete starts from standing, brings the opponent to the mat, and establishes control. A throw that causes a scramble but does not lead to control may not score the way beginners expect. The key idea is control after the action.
Sweep: 2 points
A sweep commonly scores when the athlete starts from guard, reverses the opponent, and comes up into a controlled top position. Not every reversal is a sweep. If the action does not start from a guard position, it may be treated differently depending on the rules and the referee’s interpretation.
Guard pass: 3 points
A guard pass commonly scores when the top athlete clears the opponent’s legs and stabilizes past the guard. This is one of the most important scores in BJJ because the guard is the bottom athlete’s main defensive structure. Passing the guard often sets up mount, back control, armbars, chokes, and other attacks.
Knee-on-belly: 2 points
Knee-on-belly commonly scores when the top athlete establishes the position with control and pressure. Briefly stepping over the opponent during a scramble is not the same as securing the position. The referee is looking for a clear positional achievement.
Mount: 4 points
Mount commonly scores 4 points because it is a major dominant position. From mount, the top athlete can control the hips, isolate arms, attack chokes, or transition to the back. For a beginner, mount is one of the clearest examples of why the points system rewards positional dominance.
Back control: 4 points
Back control is worth 4 points when it meets article 4.5: the attacker’s heels are between the opponent’s thighs without crossing the legs, with no more than one arm trapped and that arm not trapped above the shoulder line, maintained for three seconds. It is a scoring definition, not a statement that every effective back-control position is worth four points.
The official illustration groups figure-four body triangles, crossed feet and both arms trapped under advantage examples rather than the qualifying four-point examples. A strong squeeze or a secure seatbelt does not replace the listed scoring requirements. For the related submission, see the rear naked choke guide; this section explains the score, not a finishing instruction.
What does not always score in BJJ
Many beginner scoring mistakes come from assuming that motion equals points. BJJ points usually require a completed action plus control. These situations often confuse new competitors and viewers:
- A near takedown: if the opponent immediately escapes or reverses, the takedown may not score.
- A loose guard pass: clearing one leg during a scramble is not always a completed pass.
- Back exposure: seeing the opponent’s back does not automatically mean scored back control.
- A reversal outside guard: it may be a useful movement without being scored as a sweep.
- A submission attempt: a serious attack may earn an advantage under the applicable criteria. IBJJF also has a specific two-point boundary provision involving a submission defense; see the explanation below.
Points vs advantages vs penalties
Points are the main score. Advantages are smaller signals for near-scores or serious attacks when the full scoring action is not completed. Penalties are negative consequences for rule violations, stalling, illegal actions, or other conduct depending on the rule set.
A submission can end the match before the final score comparison; disqualification and other endings also exist. For the ordinary end-of-regulation decision, compare points first. Equal points go to the athlete with more advantages (2.5.3). If points and advantages match, fewer penalties wins (2.5.4). If all three match, the referee selects the winner using the offense and near-scoring/submission criteria in 2.6.1–2.6.2.
| Situation | Decision | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| A passes guard and continues directly into qualifying mount, maintaining uninterrupted control and completing the final three-second count | 7 points for A | The qualifying continuous sequence combines the pass and mount under 3.4; it does not require a separate pause in each position. |
| Regulation ends 2–2, each athlete has one advantage; A has one penalty and B has none | B wins | Points and advantages are equal, so fewer penalties decide. If the penalty counts were also equal, the referee would decide under 2.6. |
A submission attempt does not normally add positional points simply because it is dangerous. There is a specific exception: articles 1.3.7 and 3.1.1 address a defensive counter that takes a submission situation outside the match area. The referee’s assessment of who caused the exit matters. That is why “submission attempts never lead to points” is too broad; it is not a general two-point reward for attacking.
Beginner strategy for scoring points
For a new competitor, the points system should simplify your strategy. You do not need to chase every position at once. You need to understand which actions create reliable progress and which mistakes give your opponent easy points.
- Protect the first score: takedowns and guard pulls can shape the whole match.
- Stabilize before advancing: points often depend on control, so do not rush out of scoring positions.
- Do not turn your back casually: back control is a major score and a major submission threat.
- Respect the guard pass: giving up 3 points can force you to chase later in the match.
- Know the clock: a tied match with one minute left is different from a match where you are down 7 points.
If you are still learning the positions themselves, start with GrapplerHQ’s BJJ for Beginners guide. If you want the broader tournament overview, read the BJJ rules and scoring guide.
How points connect to weight classes and rules
The scoring system is only one part of competition planning. Match length, legal techniques, uniform rules, and divisions can all affect how you compete. Before registering, confirm your division on the event page and review GrapplerHQ’s BJJ weight classes guide if you are trying to choose the right bracket.
Also remember that rules can vary outside IBJJF-style events. Submission-only events, ADCC-style events, in-house tournaments, and local promotions may use different scoring or no points at all. This article is a practical guide to common sport BJJ scoring, not a substitute for the event rule book.
Bottom line
The BJJ points system rewards positional progress: 4 points for mount or back control, 3 points for a guard pass, and 2 points for a takedown, sweep, or knee-on-belly. The most important detail is control. A clean position that is stabilized is more likely to score than a fast scramble that never settles.
The same scoring logic is useful in no-gi, but the uniform and grip rules change. GrapplerHQ’s IBJJF no-gi rules guide covers those differences for beginners.
FAQ
How many points is mount in BJJ?
Mount is commonly worth 4 points under IBJJF-style scoring when the position is properly established.
How many points is a guard pass in BJJ?
A guard pass is commonly worth 3 points when the top athlete clears the guard and stabilizes control.
How many points is a sweep in BJJ?
A sweep is commonly worth 2 points when the athlete reverses from guard to top position and establishes control.
Do submission attempts score points in BJJ?
An attempt does not normally add positional points just for being attempted, though a qualifying near-finish may earn an advantage. IBJJF has a specific two-point boundary provision for certain submission-defense exits in articles 1.3.7 and 3.1.1; it is not a general score for every attack.
Are BJJ points the same in every tournament?
No. IBJJF-style scoring is common, but other tournaments may use different point systems, overtime rules, legal technique lists, or submission-only formats.
For a source-led overview of the full rules ecosystem, including official rule book links, uniform checks, divisions, scoring, and legal-technique cautions, see GrapplerHQ’s IBJJF rules hub.
Official source and scope
The source is the current rulebook linked by IBJJF, version 6.1, June 2024: pages 16–17 for score decisions and stabilization, and page 22 for back control. The books page’s link label and downloaded document version differ; this guide identifies the document actually checked. Check your event’s current rules before competing.
