IBJJF Points, Control and Tiebreakers
17 related references (techniques and positions)
Side control is not automatically a three-point guard pass. IBJJF requires a guard to have been passed and the specified control to be established. Submission holds can affect when the stabilization count starts or whether it is interrupted.
Continuous progression can also score cumulatively. Article 3.4 gives a pass followed by mount as a seven-point example, with the final three-second count continuing the earlier control. At regulation time, equal points are separated by advantages, then fewer penalties, and finally a referee decision if the tie remains.
Is this for you?
- You know the point values but want to understand why a position or a continuous sequence does—or does not—score.
Also consider
No-Gi Competition: IBJJF and ADCC — For the differences between IBJJF and ADCC point values, match phases and division restrictions.
Coverage and limits
- Guard-pass conditions and the distinction between passing a guard and simply reaching side control.
- Three-second stabilization, submission interruptions and cumulative points under Article 3.
- The regulation-time order of points, advantages, penalties and referee decisions.
Limits
- This explanation covers selected IBJJF scoring provisions; stoppage outcomes and other rulebook exceptions remain separate.
Sources Expand for evidence and notes
Independent BJJGraph guide. Not authored or endorsed by the instructor.
IBJJF Rules Book — ruleset; checked 2026-09-16. Read point values, cumulative scoring, guard-pass conditions and the regulation-time tiebreak order. These provisions explain scoring rather than prescribe an attacking sequence. Inspected: Articles 2.5–2.6, 3 and 4.2