BJJ scoring explained: how many points do you get for what?

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a match is not only about submissions. If no one taps, the match can be decided by points, advantages, and penalties. Under a widely used IBJJF-style scoring system, you get 2 points for a takedown, sweep, or knee-on-belly, 3 points for a guard pass, and 4 points for mount or back control. A valid submission ends the match immediately, regardless of the score.

That sounds simple, but in practice, when a position counts is what mainly determines the difference between winning and losing. You generally need to clearly control and stabilize a scoring position. In addition, not every organization uses exactly the same rules. Therefore, always check your tournament’s official regulations. For IBJJF events, you can consult the current IBJJF Rule Book.

BJJ scoring at a glance

Action or position	Points	What needs to happen?
Takedown	2	You bring your opponent to the ground in a controlled manner and meet the criteria of the ruleset being used.
Sweep	2	You come from guard or half guard underneath to the top and gain the top position.
Knee-on-belly	2	You achieve the recognized knee-on-belly position and demonstrate sufficient control.
Guard pass	3	You pass the legs and consolidate dominant control beside the torso.
Mount	4	You control your opponent from a recognized mount position.
Back control	4	You achieve the recognized back-control position according to the rules.
Submission	Match over	The opponent taps, verbally submits, or the referee stops the match.

The table is primarily a memory aid. A referee assesses not only where you finish, but also how the position was achieved and whether you actually meet the technical scoring criteria.

How do you win a BJJ match?

The clearest way to win is via a valid submission. Think of a choke or joint lock that is permitted in your division and ruleset. The match ends as soon as the opponent taps or the referee intervenes for safety reasons.

If there is no submission, the athlete with the most points normally wins when time runs out. If the score is tied, advantages and then penalties may decide the outcome. If the score is still tied, a referee’s decision may be required, depending on the tournament.

When do you get 2 points?

Takedown: 2 points

A takedown starts from a standing position and ends with clear control on the ground. Simply tripping someone is not automatically sufficient: the transition and final control must comply with the rules. This makes it important not to let go immediately after a throw or single-leg, but to consolidate the position.

Sweep: 2 points

A sweep is often misunderstood. Not every reversal from the bottom is automatically a sweep. Under an IBJJF-style ruleset, a scoring sweep starts from guard or half guard, with the bottom athlete taking the top position and establishing control. If you turn someone over from a position that does not count as guard, it may technically be a reversal without automatically earning two points.

Knee-on-belly: 2 points

With knee-on-belly, you control your opponent from the top with one knee across their torso, while your posture and positioning meet the scoring criteria. It is a valuable intermediate position because you can earn two points while maintaining pressure toward mount or a submission.

When do you get 3 points?

Guard pass: 3 points

A guard pass is more than simply getting past the legs. You must actually neutralize the guard and establish a stable dominant top position. In a quick scramble where your opponent immediately brings their knees back in, the points may not be awarded.

This is important for match strategy: a pass is worth more than a single takedown or sweep. A successful takedown followed by a guard pass can therefore give you a clear lead in a short time.

When do you get 4 points?

Mount: 4 points

Mount is one of the most valuable positions on the scoreboard. You sit above your opponent’s torso and restrict their hips and movement. Because mount is worth four points, it is often worthwhile after a guard pass not to remain in side control, but to work toward a clearly scoring mount.

Back control: 4 points

Back control can also earn four points when you achieve the recognized control position. The precise technical requirements depend on the ruleset. Therefore, do not train only to take the back, but also to correctly secure and stabilize the position before immediately hunting for a submission.

What are advantages in BJJ?

An advantage is not a regular point. It is a separate score that becomes especially important when both athletes have the same number of regular points. An advantage may be awarded for an almost completed scoring action or a serious submission attempt that clearly requires the opponent to defend, provided the situation meets the criteria in the rulebook.

A common mistake is thinking that multiple advantages are eventually converted into regular points. That does not happen. Someone with 2 points and no advantage is still ahead of someone with 0 points and multiple advantages. Advantages become decisive only when the regular points are tied.

How do penalties work?

Penalties are punishments for infractions such as passivity, escaping a position, or other prohibited actions. Not every infraction is the same: some mistakes lead to escalating penalties, while serious or dangerous infractions can result in immediate disqualification.

For competition fighters, it is therefore not enough to know only the point table. Also understand which grips, submissions, and movements are permitted in your age, belt, and Gi/No-Gi division. The rules can differ by division, especially for techniques involving the legs, neck, and joints.

Gi vs No-Gi: does the scoring change?

In IBJJF-style competitions, the foundation of the scoring system remains largely the same in Gi and No-Gi: takedowns, sweeps, guard passes, mount, and back control are scored according to the same core logic. What can differ are permitted grips, clothing, techniques, and certain submission rules for each division.

Would you first like to understand how the two competition formats differ in terms of content? Then read our guide Gi vs No-Gi BJJ: what is the difference?. If you specifically train No-Gi, the practical guide what to wear for No-Gi BJJ will also help you prepare your competition and training gear properly.

Common mistakes with BJJ points

1. Thinking that side control automatically awards points. In many IBJJF-style competitions, you do not score simply because you are in side control. The points may come, for example, from the guard pass that brought you into that position.

2. Calling every reversal a sweep. A reversal from a non-guard position is not automatically a scoring sweep. The starting position matters.

3. Moving on too quickly. You can reach a strong position but miss out on the score if you do not consolidate it sufficiently. Competition BJJ therefore sometimes requires a few seconds of control before you continue attacking.

4. Thinking that pulling guard earns points. Pulling guard is not itself a scoring action. From guard, you can later earn points with a sweep.

5. Training without reading the tournament rules. IBJJF is an important reference, but not every event uses exactly the same system. ADCC-style events, local grappling tournaments, and other organizers may use different scoring and penalty rules.

Training BJJ scoring during sparring

Those who want to compete can make scoring part of their regular rounds. For example, start a round with an imaginary score of 0-0 and have your coach or training partner keep track of the score. This teaches you which choices make sense when you are ahead or behind.

Another useful exercise is positional sparring. Start in guard and give the top athlete the goal of earning three points with a pass, while the bottom athlete tries to score two points with a sweep. Do the same from turtle or back control. This directly connects technique to competition logic.

Also practice stabilizing positions. In the gym, you often want to move on to the next attack as quickly as possible, but in competition, establishing control may be more important first. Learn to recognize when your position is truly secure enough before moving on.

Frequently asked questions about BJJ scoring

How many points do you get for a takedown in BJJ?

Under an IBJJF-style points system, a valid takedown generally earns 2 points when you meet the technical requirements and gain sufficient control.

How many points is mount worth in BJJ?

A recognized and sufficiently controlled mount is generally worth 4 points. This makes mount one of the highest-scoring positions in the standard points system.

Do you get points for side control?

Side control itself does not automatically earn separate points under IBJJF-style scoring. The 3 points you see are often the result of the guard pass that led to side control.

What happens in a tie?

When regular points are tied, advantages and penalties can determine the winner. If those also make no difference, a referee’s decision may follow, depending on the regulations.

Are BJJ points the same everywhere?

No. The IBJJF 2-3-4 system is widely known and commonly used, but other organizations may apply different rules. Therefore, always check the regulations for the specific event you are entering.

In short: learn not only how much a position is worth, but also which technical conditions must be met before the score is awarded. Understanding points, control, and time together helps you make much more deliberate choices during a match.