Basic Stack Pass

Opening the closed guard transitions directly into the basic stack pass, a foundational guard passing technique. The objective is to place the opponent in an uncomfortable, pinned position without allowing them to escape or roll.

1. Stand to open the guard, blocking the opponent's foot from reaching your hip to prevent them from establishing a guard.
2. Use double lapels grip if possible, keeping knees crowded and forearms stacked on top of your arms.
3. Move your head to the side where the opponent tries to place a knee or foot on your body, creating a solid wall.
4. When the opponent makes a side light by trying to place a foot on you, drop that leg over your shoulder, ensuring the knee is on the ear side of your shoulder.
5. Connect your arm and leg on one side, and consider driving the opponent's knee down with your knee and shin to make their leg lighter.
6. Keep your shoulders square to maintain a strong connection between your elbow and leg, preventing the opponent from shooting for a triangle.
7. Once the hand is free from triangle danger, angle your shoulder to find the pinning position, aiming for a deep grip with the thumb inside.
8. Prop the opponent's hip up on your thigh, using your legs to control their hip height, keeping it high enough to pin but not so high that they can roll.
9. Keep your head over the opponent's head, elbows closed, and use your leg to prop their hip up, maintaining a pinning position.
10. Stretch the leg that's propping the hip to release weight, driving your belly forward, and pushing your chest and shoulders clear to complete the pass.

This basic stack pass sets the stage for more advanced pressure passes, focusing on pinning the opponent and creating discomfort. It's closely related to leg drags and folding passes, which can be used to enter or exit half guard and stack pass positions.