The direct answer
Use the positional hierarchy to decide what to protect, escape and attack first.
Under the current official IBJJF Rule Book v6.0, checked on 27 July 2026 at https://ibjjf.com/books-videos, a submission can end the match, while completed scoring actions build the points total. The core values are two points for a takedown, two for a sweep and two for knee on belly; three points for a guard pass; and four points for mount, back mount or back control when the official positional requirements are met. Scoring is not a vocabulary shortcut: the referee evaluates where the action began, who initiated it, whether the required control was established and whether the position was stabilized for the time specified in the rule book. Advantages can separate a tied points score and may reflect a near-completed scoring position or a credible submission sequence under the official definition; penalties also affect match state and tie resolution. Exact legal techniques and match procedures vary by age, belt, gi or no-gi category, so a move seen in an adult black-belt match may be prohibited in another division. Athletes also need the event timetable, uniform requirements, weigh-in procedure and any published update. This guide explains the scoreboard and a method for studying it; it does not replace the rule book, the Rules Update Guide, the event bulletin or the referee. Version-check note: reopen the official IBJJF Books and Videos page before every competition. Confirm that v6.0 remains current, read every linked update, then verify the athlete’s precise division and event instructions.
01
What to understand
Memorize the point map accurately
Use the current v6.0 values: takedown, sweep and knee on belly are two; guard pass is three; mount, back mount and back control are four. Then study the official conditions behind each label.
Distinguish position from scoring action
Arriving somewhere that resembles mount or top position does not automatically score. Origin, control, legal configuration and stabilization determine whether the official action has been completed.
Read advantages in context
An advantage is not a consolation point awarded for general effort. Connect it to the rule book’s criteria for a near score or submission danger, and track it separately from points.
Track penalties as match state
A warning or penalty changes tactical freedom and can matter when other scores are tied. Athletes should know the referee’s signal, the cause and the next consequence in the current document.
Verify the exact division
Match length, legal techniques and administrative requirements depend on category. Build a competition card with age, belt, weight, gi or no-gi status and the event’s official links.
02
How to train it
Study 1 · official score map
Write the six core scoring families from the current v6.0 book without notes, then add the positional requirements from the source. Correct the sheet before using it in practice.
Study 2 · three-second audit
Use current match clips and mark the moment a scoring position appears, the control becomes valid and the official score is signaled. Discuss any gap with the rule text open.
Study 3 · point or advantage
Review near passes, incomplete back control and defended submissions. Athletes classify the outcome and cite the relevant official definition instead of voting from memory.
Study 4 · division legality
Give each athlete a different age, belt and gi or no-gi profile. Using only the current official materials, build a list of allowed and prohibited techniques for that exact profile.
Study 5 · scoreboard scenarios
Run short positional rounds with points, advantages and penalties visible. Before restarting, each athlete states the score, the tie-break state and the tactically useful objective.
The official definition comes before the nickname.
Two, two, two; three; four, four, four.
Control and stabilization complete the score.
Advantages and penalties live on separate lines.
Version, division and event are checked together.
03
Common mistakes
Using a points graphic without definitions
A chart cannot explain initiation, control, stabilization or exceptions. Pair every number with the current official text and video examples.
Calling every reversal a sweep
The everyday description of coming on top is broader than the scoring definition. Identify the starting relationship and official requirements before adding two points.
Assuming black-belt legality applies to everyone
Technique restrictions differ across age, belt and format. Verify the athlete’s row in the current official illegal-moves material rather than copying elite footage.
Training from an undated handout
Rules and event procedures can change. Put the source URL, book version and check date on every team summary, then replace it when the official page changes.
04
Questions athletes ask
01 · How many points is a takedown in IBJJF?
The current IBJJF Rule Book v6.0 assigns two points when the official takedown requirements are completed. Verify the current book and event instructions before competing.
02 · How many points are a guard pass and mount?
Under v6.0, a completed guard pass is three points and qualifying mount positions are four. The position must satisfy the official control and stabilization criteria.
03 · What decides an IBJJF match when points are tied?
Advantages and penalties can determine the result under the official tie process, and a referee decision may be required in the applicable tied state. Read the current rule book for the full procedure.
04 · Is the IBJJF rule book still version 6.0?
It was the version displayed on the official IBJJF Books and Videos page when checked on 27 July 2026. Because rules can change, reopen that page and its update guide before every event.
05
Governing and institutional sources
Rules can change. The linked governing document—not this summary—controls your event. Educational content for athletes and coaches. This guide does not diagnose injury, replace individualized coaching or override event rules. Stop if an activity causes pain, and use an appropriately qualified coach or healthcare professional for your situation.