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Game Planning

Quick Introduction​

Your "game" is your personalized system of positions, techniques, and transitions. Unlike randomly executing techniques, a developed game is a strategic framework where each position leads logically to the next. Building your game is the difference between collecting techniques and developing mastery.

A-Game vs B-Game vs C-Game​

A-Game: Your Signature System​

Your most dangerous positions and sequences. Works on people of all skill levels. Feels automatic and effortless. Requires 1-2+ years of focused development.

Examples: Closed guard triangle/armbar chains, half guard to deep half to back take, knee slice passing to mount.

B-Game: Backup Plans​

Secondary positions you're comfortable in but not dominant. Used when A-game is shut down. Requires 6-12 months of development per position.

Example: If closed guard (A-game) is passed, half guard defense (B-game) provides a reliable fallback.

C-Game: Survival Mode​

Positions you understand well enough to survive and escape. Goal is escape, not dominance — reset to neutral or your A/B-game as quickly as possible.

Building Your A-Game​

Step 1: Identify natural strengths. What positions feel most natural? Where do you end up most often? What do training partners say you're good at?

Step 2: Commit. Pick 1-2 positions maximum. 6 months = basic competence, 1 year = solid foundation, 2+ years = A-game level. The biggest mistake is switching focus every few months.

Step 3: Map your position chain. Connect your A-game positions into logical sequences where each attack's defense leads to your next attack.

Closed Guard (Start)
    ↓
├─ Break posture → Triangle attempt
│   ├─ Triangle finish
│   ├─ Armbar from triangle defense
│   └─ Omoplata from triangle defense
├─ Arm drag → Back take → RNC
└─ Sweep (hip bump/scissor) → Mount attacks

Step 4: Drill the connections. 40% technical drilling, 40% specific training with resistance, 20% live rolling forcing yourself into A-game positions.

Step 5: Develop answers to common defenses. For every A-game position, you need a main attack, 2-3 backup attacks, a sweep/transition if all attacks fail, and retention/recovery if position is lost.

Position Chains: Creating Dilemmas​

Position chains create false choices where all defensive options lead to your advantage:

  • If opponent defends A → You get B
  • If opponent defends B → You get C
  • If opponent defends C → You circle back to A

Mount attack chain example:

Cross collar choke attempt
├─ Arms in → Armbar
├─ Arms extended → Americana
└─ Turn away → Take the back

Competition Game Planning​

Opening (0-60 seconds): Establish grips immediately, pull to your best guard or attempt takedown, start working your A-game. First minute sets the entire match pace.

Middle game: Execute A-game chains. If defended, switch to B-game rather than forcing A-game desperately.

Closing (final 2 minutes): If ahead — maintain position, avoid risks. If behind — calculated aggression, force scrambles. If tied — create advantages, impose your pace.

Core Principles​

  1. Every technique must connect — Isolated moves are less effective than connected chains
  2. Commitment over breadth — 6-12 months minimum per focus area
  3. Build around your attributes — Flexible players suit guard games, pressure players suit top games
  4. Test under pressure — Compete to validate what actually works
  5. Adapt, don't copy — Take concepts from others but build your own system

Common Mistakes​

MistakeFix
Collecting techniques without connectionEvery technique must connect to your existing game
Switching focus too quicklyCommit to positions for 6-12 months minimum
No clear A-game by purple beltPick something and go deep
Ignoring B-game until too lateDevelop once A-game foundation is solid
Copying someone else's game entirelyTake concepts but adapt to your body and style

Next Steps​

  1. Competition Rules - Understand rule-specific tactics
  2. Skill Progression - Belt-level development
  3. Guard System - Guard-based game development