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Game Planning

Introduction​

Your "game" is your personalized system of positions, techniques, and transitions that define how you roll and compete. Unlike randomly executing techniques, a developed game is a strategic framework where each position leads logically to the next, creating a flow that feels natural and works consistently.

Building your game is the difference between collecting techniques and developing mastery. It's what separates competitors who hope something works from those who methodically dismantle opponents.

What is a "Game"?​

Definition​

A game is your personal system of interconnected positions and techniques that:

  • Reflects your physical attributes and preferences
  • Has been refined through hundreds of repetitions
  • Works reliably under pressure
  • Connects positions into logical chains
  • Allows you to impose your style on opponents

Why You Need a Game​

Without a game:

  • You react to whatever happens
  • Techniques feel disconnected
  • Success is inconsistent and random
  • You're easily pushed out of comfort zones

With a developed game:

  • You dictate where the match goes
  • Positions flow naturally together
  • Success becomes predictable
  • You feel dangerous in specific areas

A-Game vs B-Game vs C-Game​

A-Game: Your Signature System​

Definition: The positions and sequences where you're most dangerous to anyone

Characteristics:

  • 1-2 years of focused development minimum
  • Works on people of all skill levels
  • Feels automatic and effortless
  • Creates multiple attack options
  • Opponents must respect it

Examples:

  • Closed guard → triangle/armbar/sweep chains
  • Half guard → deep half → back take/sweeps
  • Passing → knee slice → mount
  • Standing → single leg → top pressure

Development time: 1-2+ years of dedicated focus

Competition strategy: Your A-game is where you try to get ASAP and stay as long as possible. This is your home territory.

B-Game: Your Backup Plans​

Definition: Secondary positions you're comfortable in but not dominant

Characteristics:

  • 6-12 months of development
  • Works on similar or lower-skilled opponents
  • Reliable but not automatic
  • Used when A-game is shut down
  • Provides variety and unpredictability

Examples:

  • If closed guard (A-game) is passed → half guard defense (B-game)
  • If knee slice pass (A-game) fails → toreando pass (B-game)
  • If triangle (A-game) defended → omoplata or sweep (B-game)

Development time: 6-12 months per position

Competition strategy: Your safety net when opponents neutralize your A-game.

C-Game: Survival Mode​

Definition: Positions you understand well enough to survive and escape

Characteristics:

  • Basic competence and defense
  • Goal is escape, not dominance
  • Prevents point or submission loss
  • Resets to neutral or better positions

Examples:

  • Bottom mount escapes
  • Bottom side control survival
  • Guard retention when passing attempts come
  • Defensive positions during scrambles

Development time: Ongoing throughout all belts

Competition strategy: Don't stay here - escape to neutral or your A/B-game ASAP.

Building Your A-Game​

Step 1: Identify Your Natural Strengths​

Physical attributes matter:

  • Flexible players → Guard-based games (rubber guard, triangles, omoplata)
  • Pressure players → Top-heavy games (passing, mount, side control)
  • Athletic players → Scramble-based games (wrestling, leg locks, butterfly)
  • Technical players → Position-based games (closed guard, back takes, systematic passing)

Ask yourself:

  • What positions feel most natural?
  • Where do I end up most often in rolling?
  • What techniques have worked consistently?
  • What do training partners say I'm good at?

Step 2: Choose Your Focus (Commitment Required)​

The minimum commitment rule:

  • 6 months = Basic competence
  • 1 year = Solid foundation
  • 2 years = A-game level (works on most people)
  • 3+ years = Black belt respect level

Common mistake: Switching focus every few months. This builds breadth without depth.

Best approach: Pick 1-2 positions maximum and commit for AT LEAST one year.

Step 3: Map Your Position Chain​

Position chains are how your A-game positions connect:

Example closed guard A-game chain:

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

Example passing A-game chain:

Standing in Guard (Start)
    ↓
├─ Knee slice pass
│   ↓
│   ├─ Side control → Kimura/Americana
│   ├─ Mount → Cross choke/Armbar
│   └─ North-south → Kimura
│
└─ Toreando pass (B-game backup)
    ↓
    └─ Side control → Same finishes

Step 4: Drill the Connections​

Technical drilling (40% of A-game time):

  • Slow, perfect repetition
  • Focus on details and positioning
  • Smooth transitions between positions
  • Build muscle memory

Specific training (40% of A-game time):

  • Position starts with progressive resistance
  • Problem-solve common defenses
  • Test sequences with resets
  • Develop timing and feel

Live rolling (20% of A-game time):

  • Force yourself into your A-game positions
  • Test against full resistance
  • Identify what's missing
  • Compete to validate

Step 5: Develop Answers to Common Defenses​

For every position in your A-game, you need:

  • Main attack option
  • 2-3 backup attacks when #1 is defended
  • Sweep or transition if all attacks fail
  • Retention/recovery if position is lost

Example: Closed Guard Triangle Defense

When opponent defends triangle by:

  • Posturing up → Arm drag to back or omoplata
  • Stacking → Omoplata or sweep
  • Pulling arm out → Armbar or transition to back
  • Standing up → Technical standup or open guard transition

Position Chains: Creating Dilemmas​

What are Position Chains?​

Position chains create false choices for your opponent where all options lead to your advantage.

Classic dilemma structure:

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

Example Chains​

Triangle/Armbar/Omoplata Chain (Closed Guard)

Triangle attempt
    ↓
Opponent defends with...
├─ Posture → Armbar
├─ Stack → Omoplata
└─ Arm pull → Back take or reset

Mount Attack Chain

Cross collar choke attempt
    ↓
Opponent defends with...
├─ Arms in → Armbar
├─ Arms extended → Americana
└─ Turn away → Take the back

Half Guard Bottom Chain

Underhook battle
    ↓
If you win underhook...
├─ Old school sweep
├─ Back take
└─ Deep half entry
    ↓
    If they defend deep half...
    ├─ Waiter sweep
    └─ Homer sweep

Building Your Own Chains​

Step 1: Pick your starting position (A-game focus)

Step 2: Identify your primary attack

Step 3: Map out what opponents do to defend

Step 4: For each defense, find your counter

Step 5: Connect counters back into your system

Step 6: Drill the entire chain repeatedly

Developing Your B-Game​

Why B-Game Matters​

Your B-game is crucial for:

  • Versatility when opponents shut down A-game
  • Competition longevity when facing A-game specialists
  • Rounded development avoiding glaring weaknesses
  • Adaptation to different body types and styles

B-Game Selection Criteria​

Strategic complement to A-game:

  • If A-game is guard → B-game might be passing or top control
  • If A-game is passing → B-game might be guard or leg locks
  • If A-game is half guard → B-game might be closed guard or butterfly

Natural connection points:

  • If A-game is closed guard → B-game could be half guard (where you end up after failed sweeps)
  • If A-game is mount → B-game could be back control (natural transition)

Weakness coverage:

  • Identify where opponents consistently beat you
  • Develop B-game to cover these holes
  • Prevents predictable exploitation

B-Game Development Timeline​

Months 1-3: Learning phase

  • Fundamental techniques
  • Basic position maintenance
  • Simple attack options

Months 4-6: Connection phase

  • Connect to A-game system
  • Develop transitions
  • Test under light resistance

Months 7-12: Refinement phase

  • Problem-solve defenses
  • Increase success rate
  • Compete using B-game when needed

Competition Game Planning​

Pre-Match Strategy​

Know before you compete:

  • What's your A-game entry? (Guard pull? Takedown? Specific guard?)
  • What's your point-scoring path? (Sweep → pass → mount?)
  • What's your backup plan if A-game fails?
  • What positions do you AVOID at all costs?

Opening Strategy (0-60 seconds)​

Guard players:

  • Establish grips immediately
  • Pull to your best guard
  • Deny opponent's preferred grips
  • Start working your A-game

Top players:

  • Secure preferred grips
  • Attempt takedown or accept guard pull
  • Begin passing system immediately

Strategic note: First minute sets the entire match pace. Be decisive.

Middle Game (60s to 2 min left)​

Execute your A-game:

  • Force opponent into your positions
  • Work your practiced chains
  • Score points when possible
  • Advance positions systematically

If A-game is defended:

  • Switch to B-game
  • Don't force A-game desperately
  • Maintain position, prevent counters
  • Create new opportunities

Closing Strategy (Final 2 minutes)​

If ahead on points:

  • Maintain position, avoid risks
  • Continue advancing if safe
  • Force opponent to make mistakes
  • Protect your lead

If behind on points:

  • Calculated aggression
  • Take necessary risks
  • Force scrambles if needed
  • Work submissions over positions

If tied:

  • Create advantages
  • Force the action
  • Push opponent out of their game
  • Impose your pace

Match Simulation Training​

Structure​

Weekly match simulation:

  • Timed rounds (match your division time)
  • Start from standing
  • Track points and advantages
  • Video record for analysis

Specific scenarios:

  • Start down 2-0 with 2 minutes left
  • Start in opponent's best position
  • Start with you up 4-2, defend the lead
  • Overtime scenario practice

Analysis Framework​

After each match simulation, review:

  • Did you get to your A-game? Why/why not?
  • What worked from your game plan?
  • What defenses shut you down?
  • Where did you waste time?
  • What would you change?

Belt-Level Game Development​

White Belt: Discovery Phase​

Goal: Find what feels natural

Approach:

  • Try everything available in class
  • Notice what works more often
  • Identify preferred positions
  • Don't commit to A-game yet

Time allocation:

  • 80% learning fundamentals
  • 20% experimenting with preferences

Blue Belt: Exploration Phase​

Goal: Test potential A-games

Approach:

  • Try 3-4 positions for 3-6 months each
  • See what you actually enjoy doing
  • Notice what works on peers
  • Start committing to 1-2 favorites by end of blue belt

Time allocation:

  • 60% exploring potential A-games
  • 30% developing all-around skills
  • 10% competition testing

Purple Belt: Commitment Phase​

Goal: Develop true A-game

Approach:

  • Commit to 1-2 positions for 1-2+ YEARS
  • Go deep, not wide
  • Develop complete position chains
  • Create dilemma-based attacks
  • This is where you build what makes you dangerous

Time allocation:

  • 60-70% A-game development
  • 20-30% B-game development
  • 10% weakness coverage

Brown/Black Belt: Refinement Phase​

Goal: Master the final percentages

Approach:

  • Refine A-game to work on anyone
  • Develop multiple B-games
  • Opponent-specific strategy
  • Teaching reinforces understanding

Time allocation:

  • 40% A-game refinement
  • 40% B-game systems
  • 20% exploring new techniques

Common Game Planning Mistakes​

Mistake #1: Collecting techniques without connection

  • Solution: Every technique must connect to your existing game

Mistake #2: Switching focus too quickly

  • Solution: Commit to positions for 6-12 months minimum

Mistake #3: No clear A-game by purple belt

  • Solution: Make the commitment - pick something and go deep

Mistake #4: Ignoring B-game until it's too late

  • Solution: Develop B-game once A-game foundation is solid

Mistake #5: Game planning doesn't match attributes

  • Solution: Be honest about strengths - build game around them

Mistake #6: No competition testing

  • Solution: Compete to validate what actually works under pressure

Mistake #7: Copying someone else's game entirely

  • Solution: Take concepts, but adapt to your body and style

Practical Game Building Exercise​

Week 1-2: Audit Your Current Game​

Answer these questions:

  1. What position do you end up in most often?
  2. What techniques work most consistently for you?
  3. Where do you feel most dangerous?
  4. Where do you struggle most?
  5. What do training partners say you're good at?

Week 3-4: Choose Your Focus​

Select your A-game:

  • Pick 1-2 positions maximum
  • Choose based on natural strengths
  • Commit to 12 months minimum

Select your B-game:

  • Pick 1-2 complementary positions
  • Cover weaknesses
  • Connect to A-game

Month 2-3: Map Your Chains​

For each A-game position, create:

  • Primary attack
  • 2-3 backup attacks
  • Sweeps/transitions if attacks fail
  • Retention/recovery plans

Month 4-6: Test and Refine​

Competition validation:

  • Compete at least 2-3 times
  • Video analysis after each match
  • Identify what worked/failed
  • Adjust game plan accordingly

Month 7-12: Depth Development​

Problem-solving phase:

  • Fix common defenses
  • Improve success rate
  • Add complexity to chains
  • Develop timing and setups

Connecting to the System​

Game planning integrates: