Split-Half Format
ADCC matches are divided into two halves with fundamentally different scoring rules. During the first half, only negative points (penalties) are counted — no positive points can be scored. During the second half, both positive and negative points are counted. This structure encourages submission attempts early and positional fighting later.
This split-half format is unique to ADCC. Unlike IBJJF, where points are scored from the start, ADCC’s no-points first half rewards aggressive, submission-focused grappling and discourages stalling behind a points lead.
If the match ends in a tie after regulation, the fight goes to overtime with full scoring (both positive and negative points).
World Championship
| Round Type | Regulation | 1st Half (no positive pts) | 2nd Half (all pts) | Overtime | Max OTs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying rounds | 10 min | First 5 min | Second 5 min | 5 min | 1 |
| Finals, Absolute Finals, Superfight | 20 min | First 10 min | Second 10 min | 10 min | 2 |
Trials (Qualifiers)
| Round Type | Regulation | 1st Half (no positive pts) | 2nd Half (all pts) | Overtime | Max OTs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying rounds | 6 min | First 3 min | Second 3 min | 3 min | 1 |
| Finals | 8 min | First 4 min | Second 4 min | 4 min | 1 |
National and Open Championships
| Round Type | Regulation | 1st Half (no positive pts) | 2nd Half (all pts) | Overtime | Max OTs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying rounds | 6 min | First 3 min | Second 3 min | 3 min | 1 |
| Finals | 8 min | First 4 min | Second 4 min | 4 min | 1 |
Overtime Rules
- During overtime, both positive and negative points are counted.
- If the match is still tied after overtime, the referees will decide the winner based on dominance.
- World Championship finals and superfights allow up to 2 overtimes before a referee decision. All other formats allow a maximum of 1 overtime.
Key Concept: The No-Points First Half
The no-points first half is central to ADCC strategy. During this period:
- Positive points do not count. Takedowns, guard passes, sweeps, mount, back control — none of these score.
- Negative points still count. Pulling guard, passivity, disengaging, and other infractions are all penalized with minus points even in the first half.
- Passivity warnings carry over. If a fighter receives passivity warnings during the first half, those warnings remain active. A passive fighter warned in the first half can be immediately penalized when the second half begins.
This system is designed to push competitors toward submission attempts in the first half rather than conservative point-fighting. A fighter who stalls will accumulate negative points while gaining nothing from positional dominance.