The crucifix in BJJ is a virtual checkmate, but it's not a scoring position like mount or back. In other words, you can go through all the trouble of setting up the position, and if you don't finish your opponent, you won't necessarily score a single point all match long.

However, the efficacy of the position more than makes up for this, as you can attack both arms and your partner's neck, while they are going to have a very difficult time defending any of your attacks.

You can set up the crucifix

When you're already on top, as shown in the first technique

When you are neutral (both on the feet), as shown in the second technique

When you are coming up from the bottom

Here are three different ways to get into the crucifix position, starting with the most fundamental method, and gradually increasing in complexity.